The Best True Crime Podcasts of All Time

True crime podcasts have exploded in popularity in recent years. The gripping storytelling draws listeners into real life tales of unsolved murders, criminal investigations, courtroom drama and more. For true crime fans, these podcasts deliver intriguing cases, meticulous reporting, and thoughtful analysis.

Here is a look at some of the best true crime podcasts of all time based on critical acclaim, cult following, and contribution to the genre.

Serial – One of the most groundbreaking and influential true crime podcasts, Serial re-examined the 1999 murder of Baltimore high school student Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed. Through investigative journalism and exclusive interviews, the podcast captivated millions of listeners while raising questions about flaws in the justice system. Serial pioneered the episodic true crime format.

In the Dark – This Peabody award winning investigative podcast from APM Reports meticulously covers criminal cases where justice has gone awry. The second season focused on the abduction of Jacob Wetterling in rural Minnesota and played a role in law enforcement finally apprehending his killer after 27 years. In the Dark sets the bar for in-depth true crime journalism.

Criminal – One of the most humanizing true crime podcasts, Criminal tells deeply researched stories of people impacted by crime and the justice system. The podcast avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on nuance, context, and compassion. Topics span from counterfeit money operations to civil rights injustions to false confessions extracted under duress.

Up and Vanished – This podcast broke new ground using citizen sleuths to catalyze progress in an unsolved missing person’s case. Season 1 investigated the disappearance of Georgia beauty queen Tara Grinstead. The host’s gumshoe reporting led to renewed interest and tips that resulted in the overdue arrest of two suspects. The podcast exemplifies mobilizing audiences to seek justice.

Dirty John – A collaboration between the L.A. Times and Wondery, Dirty John profiled grifter and violent criminal John Meehan who wreaked havoc on vulnerable women he manipulated. More dramatized than journalistic, the podcast plays like a radio thriller while still grounded in intense true events. The first season ignited the trend of turning headlines into prestige podcasts.

Dr. Death – In a shocking story of gross medical malpractice, Dr. Death chronicled Texas neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch who intentionally maimed patients for years, killing two. The series examines how the system failed to stop a dangerous rogue doctor who avoided accountability time and again. A terrifying look at negligence and megalomania in medicine.

Bear Brook – This haunting serialized documentary from New Hampshire Public Radio starts with bodies of a woman and child found in two barrels. It expands into an intricate investigation spanning decades, identifying three murder victims and suggesting a serial killer was at work. Bear Brook exemplifies how podcasts can sustain engagement over an entire season.

Cold – One of the most immersive true crime podcasts, Cold dives deep into the 2009 disappearance of Susan Powell in Utah which remained unsolved for years despite the clear culpability of her controlling husband. Cold forged new levels of intimacy through journal recordings, interrogation tapes, and interviews with family. A model for unsparing true crime reporting.

My Favorite Murder – One of the most beloved and successful true crime podcasts, My Favorite Murder is hosted by comedy duo Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each episode features the hosts trading stories of fascinating murder cases while injecting levity, banter and the occasional musical interlude without losing respect for victims. It epitomizes the modern conversational true crime podcast format.

S-Town – From the producers of Serial, S-Town starts as an investigation into an alleged rural murder in Woodstock, Alabama. But when the hyped murder turns out non-existent, it becomes a poignant character study of eccentric horologist John B. McLemore and the isolating nature of small towns. More an artful human tapestry than a crime podcast, but riveting listening nonetheless.

These podcasts represent the diversity of exemplary true crime podcasting emerging as its own sophisticated media genre - from news magazine formats to documentaries to oral histories. Compelling stories, ethical treatment of cases, and multilayered narratives unite them all into memorable, thought-provoking listening experiences which expand the possibilities of the podcasting art form.