If you’re like us, you’ve spent hours in headphones, exploring the darkest corners of human nature from the comfort of your own home. The genre of true crime podcasts has exploded, from meticulous journalistic investigations to chilling personal accounts.
But where to start with so many out there? We sifted through the evidence, listened to the gripping tales, and narrowed it down to The Top 5 Must-Listen Podcasts for True Crime that will keep you on the edge of your seat-whether you’re a fan of serialized deep dives or prefer a new case each week.
1. Crime Junkie: The Weekly Fix for Your Inner Investigator
Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat
Why you have to listen: True Crime Junkie is the quintessential modern true crime podcast. With their simple, impactful motto, “Be weird, be rude, stay alive,” hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat deliver weekly, easy-to-follow, heavily-researched episodes covering both high-profile and underreported cases.
It’s clean, respectful to the victims, and addictive. If you enjoy a clear, detailed breakdown of a new case every week, punctuated by the hosts’ signature “Wait, what?” moments, this is your perfect starting point.
2. Serial (Season 1): The Original Serialized Game-Changer
Host: Sarah Koenig
Why it’s a Must-Listen: Launched in 2014, Serial is the podcast that single-handedly launched the true crime podcast phenomenon. While it has multiple seasons, the first is required listening: It covers the 1999 murder of Baltimore high school student Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed.
This podcast pioneered a new form of long-form investigative journalism in the audio space, taking a cold case and turning it into an international cultural obsession. It is a masterclass in ambiguity: a lesson in how hard it is to know what is true, even when meticulously investigating a case.
3. My Favorite Murder: The Comedy-Meets-Crime Phenomenon
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Why you have to listen: For listeners that have to balance out the darkness of true crime with a healthy dose of levity, look no further than My Favorite Murder. Hosts Karen and Georgia share their favorite murder stories, historical true crime, and survival stories-all with sharp wit and candid commentary.
Their catchphrase, “Stay Sexy, Don’t Get Murdered,” has spawned a massive, dedicated following known as the “Murderinos.” It’s an ideal choice if you appreciate detailed case coverage but need the occasional laugh to keep the grim details from sinking in too deep.
4. Casefile: The Gold Standard for Anonymous & Unbiased Storytelling
Host: Anonymous
Why it’s a must-listen: If you like your true crime on the serious, almost academic side, Casefile is mandatory listening. It’s hosted by a truly anonymous Australian narrator; the show thoroughly details cases in a sober, non-sensationalized tone. The show is known for its incredible research depth, actually letting the facts and evidence speak for themselves. You will never find any host banter or personal opinions herein. But you do get one host narrating a fully researched, chilling story from start to finish. Perfect for the listener interested in the procedural and psychological aspects of crime.
5. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast: Blending Spooky History and Deep Dives
Hosts: Alaina Urquhart and Ashleigh Kelley
Why it’s a must-listen: Hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist (who are also an aunt and niece!), Morbid combines true crime, spooky history, and a touch of the macabre with actual, in-depth research. They delve into everything from serial killers to hauntings, to historical oddities. Their respect for the victims, mixed with dark humor and deep-dive research into the pathology of crime, makes them a favorite of those who like their true crime with a side of all things creepy.
Ready to Start Binging? Whether you’re looking for a laugh while learning about a dark chapter in history or a meticulously investigated cold case that will have you glued to your earbuds, this list has the perfect starting point for your next true crime obsession.