Explore our carefully curated collections of true crime podcasts. Each collection brings together shows with similar themes, approaches, or content types to help you discover your next favorite podcast.
Deep dives into unsolved mysteries, cold cases and ongoing investigations
These categories share a focus on thorough investigation and research, from active journalism to historical cold cases.
Investigative journalism podcasts offer in-depth examinations of complex issues, often uncovering new information and challenging the status quo. These podcasts engage listeners through long-form storytelling, expert interviews, and meticulous research. They scrutinize systemic failures and hold the powerful accountable, providing a comprehensive look at the intricacies of unsolved crimes and injustices.
Featured Podcast:
Tracing Darkness
Cold case true crime podcasts delve into unsolved murders and crimes, often using advances in forensic technology to shed new light on decades-old cases. These podcasts not only educate listeners about the intricacies of cold cases but also aim to generate new leads and reopen investigations. The category is distinct for its focus on cases where all investigative leads have been exhausted, making them inherently difficult to solve. This approach resonates with listeners who are intrigued by the mystery and the potential for breakthroughs.
Featured Podcast:
Tracing Darkness
The Missing Persons category delves into the intricate and often heart-wrenching world of disappearances. These podcasts scrutinize the various reasons people go missing, from voluntary departures to involuntary abductions, and the investigative strategies employed by law enforcement. Listeners are drawn into the emotional and psychological aspects of these cases, highlighting the human impact and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Featured Podcast:
Your Own Backyard
Unique perspectives on true crime through different lenses
These categories offer unique perspectives on true crime through specific lenses, from historical context to regional focus.
Medical true crime podcasts delve into the darker side of the healthcare system, exposing cases of medical malpractice, negligence, and systemic failures. These podcasts often blend investigative journalism with dramatic storytelling, providing a visceral and informative listening experience. They highlight critical issues such as patient safety, professional accountability, and the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals.
Featured Podcast:
Dr. Death
The Social Justice category in true crime podcasts is characterized by a strong emphasis on advocacy, reform, and support for victims and their families. These podcasts delve into real crimes, but with a critical examination that aims to evoke social change and promote justice. They often incorporate themes of feminism, mental health, and critical journalism, attracting an audience passionate about social justice and criminology. The ethical approach of these podcasts distinguishes them from sensationalist media, as they balance storytelling with a commitment to respect and justice.
Featured Podcast:
The Pitcairn Trials
Historical true crime podcasts delve into the fascinating and often tragic stories of crimes from the past. These podcasts offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and intrigue, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in cases that have shaped the course of justice and societal norms. By revisiting historical crimes, these podcasts provide insights into the investigative methods, societal attitudes, and legal systems of different eras.
Featured Podcast:
Buried Bones
Regional true crime podcasts delve into the unique and often overlooked stories from specific geographic areas. These podcasts leverage the connection between local audiences and the crimes that occur in their own backyards, making the narratives more relatable and engaging. By focusing on regional cases, these podcasts tap into the local culture and history, providing a deeper understanding of the community and its experiences.
Featured Podcast:
New Orleans Unsolved
Explore specific categories of criminal behavior and their impact
These categories explore different forms of criminal behavior, from organized syndicates to white-collar schemes.
The fraud category in true crime podcasts delves into the intricate and often sophisticated world of deceptive crimes. These podcasts uncover the methods and motives behind various types of fraud, from financial scams and identity theft to corporate fraud and con artistry. Listeners are drawn into the complex web of deceit and manipulation, often finding themselves intrigued by the cunning and audacity of the perpetrators. This category is distinct due to its emphasis on the psychological and financial aspects of crime, highlighting how fraud can affect individuals and societies on a broad scale.
Featured Podcast:
Dr. Death
Organized crime podcasts offer a deep dive into the intricate and often hidden world of transnational criminal organizations. These podcasts are characterized by their in-depth investigations and research, uncovering the complex structures and operations of organized crime groups. Listeners are drawn to the detailed narratives that expose the inner workings of cartels, mafia, and other criminal entities, providing a unique glimpse into a world that is both fascinating and terrifying. The appeal lies in the combination of real-life stories, investigative journalism, and the educational aspect of understanding the global impact of organized crime.
Featured Podcast:
Hunting Warhead
White collar crime podcasts delve into non-violent, financially motivated crimes committed by individuals in professional or high social status positions. These crimes, characterized by deceit, concealment, and violation of trust, often involve fraud, bribery, insider trading, and embezzlement. The appeal of these podcasts lies in their intricate plots and the strategic, innovative methods used by perpetrators to avoid detection.
Cybercrime podcasts delve into the intricate and often hidden world of digital crimes, offering listeners a glimpse into the sophisticated and evolving landscape of cyber threats. These podcasts combine investigative journalism with technical expertise, making complex cybersecurity issues accessible to a broad audience. By exploring cybercrime stories, they highlight the psychological and societal factors that drive these crimes, fostering a deeper understanding of the digital security landscape.
Featured Podcast:
Hunting Warhead
Different ways of presenting true crime stories
These categories showcase different approaches to telling true crime stories, from narrative deep-dives to discussion-based formats.
Comedy true crime podcasts combine the dark and often gruesome nature of true crime stories with humor, creating a unique listening experience. These podcasts use gallows humor to make the content more palatable, often focusing on the absurdities and incompetence of perpetrators or investigations rather than the victims. This approach helps listeners cope with the shock and horror of the crimes, providing a mental break and making the content more manageable.
Featured Podcast:
Small Town Murder
The Character Study category in true crime podcasts delves deep into the psychological and motivational aspects of criminals. These podcasts often explore the complexities of human behavior, examining the factors that drive individuals to commit crimes. By analyzing the personalities, backgrounds, and actions of perpetrators, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the criminal mind. This category is distinct for its in-depth psychological analysis, making it appealing to those fascinated by human psychology and behavior.
Featured Podcast:
S-Town
Narrative true crime podcasts focus on the storytelling aspect of crime reporting, using techniques from fictional writing to bring facts to life. These podcasts create a deep emotional connection with the audience through character development, detailed descriptions, and scene setting. This approach transforms crime news into immersive stories, making the audience feel like co-investigators rather than mere observers.
True crime discussion podcasts are characterized by their in-depth analyses and multi-perspective approaches. These podcasts excel in fostering engaging discussions, speculations, and analyses among hosts, often involving comprehensive coverage of criminal cases. The presence of multiple hosts allows for a diverse range of viewpoints, making the storytelling more engaging and thought-provoking. This format enables a deeper exploration of the complexities of crimes, encouraging listeners to think critically about the cases presented.
Featured Podcast:
Murder With My Husband
