Best True Crime Podcasts 2024

From investigative journalism to storytelling to comedy-infused crime talk, these are the best true crime podcasts in 2024.

Best Overall: Serial

The Show That Started It All

Serial practically invented the modern true crime podcast. Each season deep-dives into one case with investigative journalism that rivals the best documentary series.

Format: Season-long investigations (8-12 episodes per case)

Style: Investigative journalism, narrative storytelling

Best For: People who want in-depth investigations

Why It's Still #1

• Sarah Koenig's journalism is top-tier
• Production quality is cinematic
• Actually investigates cases (not just retelling stories)
• Each season is a complete, binge-worthy experience

Notable Seasons

• Season 1: Adnan Syed murder case (the legendary one)
• Season 2: Bowe Bergdahl desertion
• Season 3: Cleveland criminal justice system

Best Weekly True Crime: Crime Junkie

Consistently Great Episodes

Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat deliver well-researched true crime stories every week. Perfect for regular listeners.

Format: Weekly 30-60 minute episodes

Style: Storytelling with one host telling, one reacting

Best For: People who want consistent weekly content

What Makes It Popular

• New episode every Monday (reliable schedule)
• Well-researched and respectful to victims
• Clean, easy-to-follow storytelling
• Mix of famous and lesser-known cases

Best with Comedy: My Favorite Murder

True Crime Meets Comedy

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark discuss murders with humor and empathy. Not for everyone, but fans are obsessed.

Format: Weekly 90-120 minute episodes

Style: Conversational, comedic, personal stories

Best For: People who want true crime that's also funny

Controversial but Beloved

• Mix of true crime and personal chat
• Hosts are hilarious and relatable
• "Stay sexy and don't get murdered" mantra
• Huge fan community ("Murderinos")

Fair Warning

Not everyone loves the comedy approach to true crime. If you want serious, investigative content, skip this one.

Best Investigative: In the Dark

Award-Winning Journalism

APM Reports' investigative podcast. Each season tackles one major case with incredible depth.

Format: Seasonal (8-10 episodes per investigation)

Style: Deep investigative journalism

Best For: People who want journalism, not entertainment

Why It's Exceptional

• Actual investigative work (they uncover new evidence)
• Season 2 helped free Curtis Flowers
• Pulitzer-quality journalism
• Focuses on systemic issues, not just gore

Best for Binge-Listening: Dateline NBC

TV Turned Podcast

Dateline's classic episodes in podcast form. Perfect if you love the TV show.

Format: Multiple episodes per week, 40-60 minutes

Style: Classic crime storytelling

Best For: Dateline fans who want audio versions

Why People Love It

• Huge archive to binge
• Familiar Dateline format
• Professional production
• Cases are complete stories (not cliffhangers)

Best Short Episodes: Morbid

Deep Dives in Digestible Format

Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley cover true crime with humor and research.

Format: 2-3 episodes per week, 60-90 minutes

Style: Conversational, well-researched, entertaining

Best For: People who want regular content with personality

Best Cold Case Focus: The Deck

Highlighting Unsolved Cases

Ashley Flowers (Crime Junkie) focuses exclusively on cold cases that need attention.

Format: Weekly 30-45 minute episodes

Style: Focused storytelling on unsolved cases

Best For: People who want to help bring attention to cold cases

How to Choose Your True Crime Podcast

If You Want Serious Investigative Work

Start with: Serial or In the Dark

Actual journalism, in-depth investigations, systemic analysis.

If You Want Weekly Entertainment

Start with: Crime Junkie or Morbid

Consistent schedule, well-told stories, mix of cases.

If You Want Comedy with Crime

Start with: My Favorite Murder

Funny, personal, not too dark.

If You Want Quick Episodes

Start with: Crime Junkie or The Deck

30-60 minutes, complete stories, easy to fit into your day.

True Crime Listening Strategy

For Beginners

• Start with Serial Season 1 (the gateway drug)
• Try Crime Junkie for weekly content
• Sample My Favorite Murder to see if comedy works for you

For Regular Listeners

• Crime Junkie weekly (consistent, reliable)
• Dateline for binge sessions
• In the Dark when a new season drops

For Superfans

• Subscribe to 3-4 weekly shows
• Follow investigative series as they release
• Join fan communities (Murderinos, etc.)

What to Avoid

True Crime Before Bed

Obvious, but worth saying: murder podcasts don't make great sleep aids.

Starting with the Goriest Shows

Some true crime podcasts are extremely graphic. Start with lighter, storytelling-focused shows.

Listening Without Breaks

True crime can be emotionally heavy. Take breaks, mix in other genres.

Ethical Considerations

Shows That Respect Victims

Good true crime podcasts respect victims and their families. Look for shows that:

• Focus on justice, not gore
• Include victim impact and family perspectives
• Avoid sensationalizing tragedy
• Contribute to investigations or awareness

Red Flags

• Making jokes about victims
• Focusing only on the killer
• Sensationalizing violence for entertainment
• No research or fact-checking

Browse True Crime Episodes