In need of an intriguing new listen riddled with mystery and crime? These true crimes are podcasts sure to do just that, keeping listeners entertained with chilling stories and enthralling storytellers. This selection compiles the most unique, innovative, and at times even fun true crime podcasts that are essential to your list.
#1 Criminal:
Criminal, a documentary in podcast form, focuses on investigation, and it acknowledges the cultural implications and motivations of a case which started Jan. of 2014. Journalist Phoebe Judge spends each episode, lasting 30-60 minutes, sitting down and interviewing everyday people about their encounters with crime. Episodes follow interviewees’ stories, taking a deeper look into what could lead to the stories’ impending consequences. Criminal was named the best podcast of 2023 by The New York Times, and due to its outstanding production and innovative concept, the podcast absolutely deserves the title. With every episode full of excitement and suspense, Criminal earns five out of five feathers.
# 2 Serial:
Similar to Criminal, Serial, hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig, is an investigative journalism podcast with interviews and in-depth research. Each season covers a new story, zeroing in on a specific case with episodes lasting around 30-60 minutes each. Koenig passionately searches for answers and justice, taking the listener along for the ride. Serial is thorough and extensive, not to be mistaken for a lighthearted listen. The total series includes four seasons with four cases, dating back to Oct. 3, 2014. This fascinating podcast earns five out of five feathers for its innovative concept.
#3 Rotten Mango:
Rotten Mango, hosted by YouTuber and podcaster Stephanie Soo, is a five-year-running true crime podcast, with hour-long episodes released weekly. Rotten Mango focuses on international crime and larger schemes instead of just American cases, giving listeners a broader perspective
years now, beginning Feb. 13, 2022, and each episode lasts around an hour. New episodes of Ridiculous Crime are released weekly, containing stories of cons and heists. Lighthearted and murder-free, this podcast does a great job of making true crime humorous, eliminating the nightmare factor. Ridiculous Crime is a wild ride, receiving four out of five feathers.
of cases across the world. Rotten Mango becomes a bit gruesome at times, refraining from skipping over violent details, which, at times, make it a hard listen. Despite this, the podcast is incredibly entertaining and hard to turn off, making it a staple on this list and earning five out of five feathers.
#4 Murder With My Husband:
Murder With My Husband is an intriguing concept for true crime storytelling in which podcaster Payton Moreland explains infamous cases, and her husband Garret Moreland reacts. This podcast, first airing in April 2020, is fast-paced and easy to follow with hour-long episodes, making it more suitable for casual listening. Moreland’s unique choice for storytelling makes the show even more interesting because Garret says what listeners are thinking, making you feel more engaged and involved as well as adding a sense of comedy to each episode. This beloved podcast deserves four out of five feathers due to its immersive concept.
#5 Ridiculous Crime:
Ridiculous Crime, hosted by podcasters Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton, is for the shock lovers who enjoy hearing outrageous and strange stories. The podcast has run for almost three years now, beginning Feb. 13, 2022, and each episode lasts around an hour. New episodes of Ridiculous Crime are released weekly, containing stories of cons and heists. Lighthearted and murder-free, this podcast does a great job of making true crime humorous, eliminating the nightmare factor. Ridiculous Crime is a wild ride, receiving four out of five feathers.
