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True crime podcasts
True crime podcasts can have you hooked whenever you’re listening. Whether it’s during your morning commute to work or while you’re having lunch, a podcast is a great way to keep your mind active and make for good anecdotal material when talking to a friend.
However, it can always be difficult to know where to start. So, here’s a list of some of the best true crime podcasts to keep you up at night.
1. Serial
We know, we know, you’ve probably already heard of how good this podcast this. But, it’s not an over-exaggeration! Serial is an investigative journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig, which tells a true crime story over multiple episodes.
The first season of Serial discusses the infamous 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed. Each season focuses on a new case, combining thorough research, interviews, and storytelling to illuminate complex criminal cases.
Serial also became the first-ever podcast to win a Peabody Award for its “account of how guilt, truth, and reality are decided“.
2. Desi Crime Podcast
Available on Audible, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, the Desi Crime Podcast is hosted by Aryaan Misra and Aishwarya Singh, who had had enough of White crimes being the only ones reported on. This podcast, therefore, discusses crimes from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and more brown communities instead.
The Desi Crime Podcast has covered many popular cases, such as the recent murder of Pakistani Noor Mukadam, and is in the top 1% of most shared podcasts globally on Spotify.
3. Crime Junkie
There are new cases popping up every day, and with the help of Crime Junkie, you can keep up. With new episodes every week, Ashely Flowers covers stories of stalkers, conspiracy theories, serial killers, disappearances, and murders.
If you don’t enjoy the banter and small talk that comes with other true crime podcasts, this podcast is for you. Flowers takes on a more straightforward approach, sticking to the intimate details of the crimes.
4. 48 Hours
Since 1988, 48 Hours has been airing on CBS as one of the most popular American documentary/news magazine television shows. Now, you can follow along with the podcast instead!
Investigate the most intriguing crime and justice cases bi-weekly on your way to work or over the weekend on your platform of choice. 48 Hours is available on Wondery, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.
5. Hollywood Crime Scene
If you enjoy your true crime with a hint of pop culture or celebrity gossip, Hollywood Crime Scene has got you covered.
In this podcast, hosts Desi Jedeikin and Rachel Fisher discuss real stories around true crime and scandals involving celebrities: television and movie stars, as well as musicians.
6. My Favorite Murder
If you want to start slow and ease yourself into the gruesome world of true crime podcasts, My Favorite Murder is the place to start. Combining humor and true crime, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark break down popular cases such as the Zodiac Killer and the Black Dahlia to make these cases easier to digest.
The podcast has become a big hit, with an average rating of 4.6 stars on Apple Podcasts and over 35 million listeners, leading to a live show of the podcast and a book publication.
7. 90s Crime Time
The host of 90s Crime Time, Simone Taylor had initially started this venture as an Instagram page, but after it’s success, she turned it into a podcast. This podcast features true crime cases from the 1990s, including murders, kidnappings, robberies, or anything else that made it to the news.
With 5 seasons out right now, this is one of the several true crime podcasts you do not want to miss out on.
8. Criminal
Criminal‘s premise is all about “people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle”. With new episodes twice a month, releasing on Fridays, you can catch up on missed peisodes over the weekend.
The podcast, hosted by Phoebe Judge, sometimes take the show on the road to tell stories live from all across the United States.
9. Killer Fun
Hosted by Jackie and Christy, Killer Fun is a thoroughly researched and light hearted podcast that discusses the link between entertainment and true crime, making it more fun than morbid, and the perfect listen if you’re in need of a break from the usual grim details in true crime podcasts.
10. Tenfold More Wicked
If you enjoy investigative journalism, Tenfold More Wicked is one of the finest podcasts available in the genre. Focusing on a single case for episodes at a time, unlike most true crime podcasts listed here, host Kate Dawson shines a spotlight on crimes lost in history. Dawson further delves into the intimate lives of both the victims and their killers.
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