Gripping, investigative and truly thrilling. Stream your way through Spotify’s best true crime podcasts of all time!
There’s no denying, podcasts are the perfect way to fill some time and take in content without staring at a screen. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, relaxing on the couch or commuting to work, podcasts are the perfect storytelling medium.
Of course, if you’re fascinated by the world of murder, mysteries and morbid moments, then true crime is the genre for you. So, pop on your headphones and get ready to listen (and read) through our list of the best true crime podcasts on Spotify to listen to right now!
Casefile True Crime
Meet Casefile, one of the best Australian true crime podcasts. Led by an anonymous host, each episode explores a different crime whether it is solved or still a mystery. Unlike other true crime podcasts, Casefile True Crime is voiced in a scripted, narrative style where the hosts explains the facts and theories from eye witness accounts, interviews, police files and even media documents. Despite the slow unfolding, each case is gripping until the very last second. Plus, with so many episodes available, you can pick and choose what you want to stream or avoid.
Crimetown
After you start listening, you’ll soon realise why Crimetown is considered as one of the best true crime podcasts of all time. Hosted by Marc Smerling and Zac Stuart-Pontier, each season of Crimetown focuses on a city and how corruption and organised crime have shaped it. The episodes weave together a complete story often focusing on a single person or event, with eye-opening interviews with the people they are reporting on. Thus far, season one delved into Providence in Rhode Island and season two was based around Detroit. Intense, surreal and fascinating, you won’t want to stop streaming this one.
The Dating Game Killer
Released in 2020, The Dating Game Killer features two hosts telling the story of Rodney Alcala – contestant and winner of 1978 tv show The Dating Game who has since been diagnosed as a sociopath and sentenced as a killer. The hosts keep you engaged by telling the stories of the crimes as if they themselves were observing it, weaving a tale of a dangerous man who managed to fool almost everyone in his path including the harmless, employers, parole boards and psychiatrists.
Dirty John
Released in 2017, Dirty John was later adapted into a 2018 television series of the same name. As for the original and admittedly gripping true crime podcast, it is produced by the LA Times and follows the story of man who infiltrated a family’s life by marrying daughter Debra within months of knowing her, moving into her home and alienating her from her family. This true crime podcast unravels the eponymous John, and his history of deceit and manipulation all by culminating in an attempted murder and a death.
My Favorite Murder
If you enjoy a combination of comedy and true crime, then this podcast is for you! My Favorite Murder is hosted by comedians and friends, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. The format is unusual and works perfectly for the pair. One tells the other about a murder – whether that be a true crime story or event – and the other reacts as they discuss. Featuring star guests including the likes of Conan O’Brien, My Favorite Murder is interesting, graceful and lighthearted thanks to the many comedic moments.
Serial
Chances are you’ve heard of Serial, one of the best true crime podcasts of all time. Hosted by Sarah Koenig and developed by This American Life, the first season focuses on the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, an 18-year-old high school student in Baltimore. Adnan Syed, Hae’s ex-boyfriend, is accused and jailed for killing her and the podcast dives into his case as well as other suspects. Including interviews from Syed himself and others who lived in Baltimore at the time, Serial is so engaging that you’ll continue to debate Adnan’s innocence or guilt until the very last second. But, don’t stop here. The second and third seasons are equally compelling.
Someone Knows Something
Someone Knows Something is a compelling Canadian true crime podcast where each season investigates a missing person, the circumstances surrounding the disappearances and theories as to why they vanished. With seven seasons to stream through Spotify now, with Someone Knows Something you’ll be taken on a journey finding the missing pieces to a series of unfortunate events. Cleverly researched and unravelled in a fascinating way, Someone Knows Something is sure to keep you engaged throughout.
The Teacher’s Pet
Released in 2018, this true crime podcast is still worth a listen right now, and for good reason. Hosted by Hedley Thomas and published by The Australian Newspaper, The Teacher’s Pet follows the disappearance of a young mother, Lynette Dawson. Disappearing in 1982, The Teacher’s Pet follows the trail of Lynette and her relationship with her then husband now prime suspect. Based in Sydney, this Australian true crime podcast guides the audience through many twists and turns, keeping you hooked thanks to that unsettling feeling that’s oddly too close to home.
Who the Hell is Hamish?
Who the Hell is Hamish? This Australian true crime podcast follows the story of Sydneysider Hamish McLaren who deceived people all over the world, swindling them out of over $7 million. The podcast follows the people he manipulated, how he did it and, it even unveils how he got away with it for so long. A man who seemingly could transform himself into anyone you wanted him to be, Who the Hell is Hamish? will leave you questioning everything. One of the best true crime podcasts worth a listen now!
Up and Vanished
Hosted by Payne Lindsey, Up and Vanished is a documentary-style true crime podcast that investigates a range of missing people who have disappeared without a trace. The podcast follows cold case Tara Grinstead and her disappearance – one of the biggest case files in Georgia, USA. Up and Vanished follows old leads and finds new ones, interviewing the people who were around during the disappearance. The podcast keeps you guessing and intrigued all the way through.
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