We should count our blessings that we’re living in the Renaissance era of true crime. Although there are a ton of true crime podcasts out there, and it seems like the market should be saturated by now, every new release proves fascinating for its own unique reasons.
Whether you’re looking for humor, horror, or in-depth storytelling, one of these programs will tickle your macabre fancy.
Dr. Death
After you listen to this eerie podcast, you’ll never look at your medical care providers in quite the same way. Dr. Death follows the career of Dr. Christopher Duntsch who, through botched back surgeries, killed several people and paralyzed many more. Not only does this podcast focus on Duntsch’s backstory, it also explains why hospitals allowed him to continue practicing even after his potentially homicidal tendencies came to light.
Click here to listen and subscribe.
Uncover: Escaping NXIVM
NXIVM—a self-help cult that infiltrated Hollywood—has been in the news recently, giving Uncover a timely element that makes it exceptionally fascinating. Smallville actress Allison Mack and NXIVM leader Keith Raniere are set to face trial for sex-trafficking charges for their actions within the organization. This podcast features insider information from a woman who escaped the cult, adding a unique perspective to the podcast’s investigative storytelling.
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My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder expertly mixes comedy and true crime. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host the podcast, sitting down each week in Hardstark’s apartment to record with audio engineer Stephen Ray Morris and Hardstark’s vocal cast of critters. Each host chooses a crime to recap on the podcast. Although they can’t promise they didn’t do their research 30 minutes beforehand, they always provide heartfelt and hilarious retellings, as well as delightful comedy bits that often involve feigned drunken whispers.
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Someone Knows Something
If you’re looking for a deeper cut, Someone Knows Something tells the stories of Canadian crimes through victims’ loved ones. Hosted by David Ridgen, each season explores a new unsolved mystery in detail. They’ve examined the story of Wayne Greavette, who died in a bizarre mail explosion, as well as the disappearance of five-year-old Adrian McNaughton, just to name a few.
Click here to listen and subscribe.
Criminal
Routinely listed as one of the best podcasts in any genre, Criminal explores a wide range of topics within the world of crime, from forensics explainers to deep dives into financial fraud. Phoebe Judge hosts with a soothing voice and calmness that, combined with the podcast’s well-researched and excellently told stories, will leave you both riveted and well-informed every episode.
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Up and Vanished
Up and Vanished began by focusing on the disappearance of Tara Grinstead, who went missing in the early 2000s. The podcast actually helped uncover new information about Grinstead’s case, and Georgia police were able to make an arrest. The second season focuses on another Georgia case: the disappearance of Kristal Reisinger. Similar to Bravo optioning Dirty John, Oxygen is in the process of developing a television show with the podcast.
Click here to listen and subscribe.
Serial
Although Serial gained massive popularity during its first season, it dwindled during the second. However, the podcast seems to be getting rave reviews once again, as season three examines the intricacies of the American criminal justice system through a courthouse in Cleveland. The podcast reveals often heartbreaking tales through detailed investigative reporting.
Click here to listen and subscribe.
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