I listen to a LOT of podcasts, most of which focus on true crime. Although my favourites regularly change, they usually just move up or down on this list. Some I love because of the detail, some are funny, and some have amazing hosts. Most can't be compared because they are so unique, but I tried my best to do so, and have ranked them on a if-there's-a-new-episode-which-podcast-will-I-listen-to-immediately scale.
Enjoy! And please let me know your favourites, and what you think of my list! :D
1. Sword and Scale
Sword and Scale is definitely one of my all-time favourite podcasts. Each story is told in a way that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering what happens next. Kudos to the host for creating such a captivating experience for his listeners! The cases covered are ones I have rarely heard of, and you can't really complain about the amount of detail covered. There are often interviews with people central to the cases and audio recordings of news broadcasts - both of which help to build suspense. It is clear that every episode is well-researched. Sometimes the cases covered are very recent or indeed ongoing at the time of release. The only negative I can think of is that not all the clips/audio recordings featured on the show are great quality, and sometimes it hurts my ears!
2. True Crime Garage
True Crime Garage is a podcast hosted by 2 guys in a - you guessed it - garage. Episodes frequently require 2-4 parts, as they cover quite a lot of detail per case. I have absolutely nothing against long episodes, in fact quite the opposite. If I had to describe their style, I would say it's a mix between Generation Why (the way they discuss evidence/theories back and forth between them) and My Favorite Murder (jokes and laughter, usually respectful). The reason it is number 2 on my list is purely because I enjoy it, and it's definitely one of those podcasts I will listen to immediately when they release a new episode. Sometimes one of the hosts (nicknamed the captain) will have some very strong views I do not agree with, but I try not to let that take away from the case.
3. Generation Why
Generation Why has always been in my top 3 of true crime podcasts! The two hosts tell the story together, and play devil's advocate when it comes to discussing theories. Aaron and Justin, at times, have very contradictory views on things, which makes listening to their discussion even more fun! These guys cover well-known cases, as well as some lesser-known ones, and it's a nice balance. Episodes vary in length from 45 minutes - 1 hour, and sometimes they are split into several parts.
4. My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder won't be everybody's cup of tea, but if you need a podcast that will talk about true crime and also make you laugh (out loud, in public), this is definitely something for you! Karen and Georgia take it in turns during each episode to tell the other about a murder they have researched, so not only do you get two cases per episode, you also get a, most often than not, hilarious real-time reaction. Even though there is a lot of comedy in the show, I personally find that they show the upmost respect when talking about the victims, and if a crime is specifically heinous, there is a lot less laughter.
My favourite thing about this podcast is probably the introduction, which in later episodes can be up to 30 minutes long, where they just faff about talking about anything and everything. You definitely feel like you know these girls!
5. Casefile
Casefile is a podcast that I love because of how much detail goes into each episode! Recently the episodes have become longer, and split into parts, and I definitely can't complain. I know not everyone wants to sit and listen to 1+ hour of narrating one case, but I certainly do! The podcast covers mostly Australian true crime, and like many other of my favourites, these are cases I've rarely heard anything about. I personally love how this host narrates his podcast, but I do know of a few who find his monotone voice sleep-inducing. Definitely check it out, though, before simply writing it off!
6. Once Upon a Crime
Once Upon a Crime is a podcast I only discovered two months ago, but that being said... I binged all the episodes in 3 days, and am now completely up to date! This is another one of those podcasts that covers cases that you might not have heard much, or anything about, something which I definitely appreciate. One of the problems of listening to over 20 true crime podcasts is that often, the same cases are covered time and time again from different perspectives. Sometimes this can be fun because each podcast has their own theories and will cover different details, but other times it becomes boring. That's why it's always great to find a new podcast that tries to be a bit different! The female host is very good at narrating the stories, and the amount of detail she puts into every episode is just the right amount!
7. Thinking Sideways
Thinking Sideways is not solely a true crime podcast, as they also delve into conspiracies, hoaxes, and the paranormal. Three hosts alternate between presenting a story/case to the other two, and will walk you through the timeline as well as the theories of the case. It is a lighthearted listen, which can be a breath of fresh air if all you listen to are murder podcasts! That being said, it is lighthearted in a respectful way - there may be laughter and jokes, but not at the expense of the victims.
8. They Walk Among Us
They Walk Among Us is a podcast that revolves around UK true crime. Not only that, the cases covered are ones that I've rarely heard of, and if I have, lack detailed knowledge. The episodes are relatively short, and the storytelling is concise and to the point. This is a great podcast if you want to avoid theories, discussion and speculation, and instead just want the facts.
9. The Trail Went Cold
The Trail Went Cold is a weekly podcast which covers cold cases - from murder to missing persons. Not only does the host, Robert Warder, give all the details surrounding the cold case, he also offers theories and ranks them according to which one is most likely true. His way of speaking (intonation, particularly) was something I had to get used to when I first started listening to the podcast, and although I am sometimes still put off by it, the cases he covers are so interesting that it's worth it! If you like mysteries and enjoy cliff-hangers, this is the podcast for you!
10. Serial
Serial deserves an honorary mention in this list because it introduced me to the world of podcasting. Season 1 of Serial (and also the only season I listened to) investigates the murder of Hae Min Lee, and casts doubt on the conviction and incarceration of Adnan Syed, the alleged murderer. The 12-part series asks how and why a 17 year old high school student was murdered, and most importantly of all: who did it? Is the right man behind bars, or does the evidence fall short?
If you enjoyed Serial and want more information, I would highly recommend Undisclosed. While their production can never compete with Serial in terms of audio quality and storytelling aspect, it provides so many more crucial details and really gets into the nitty gritty of it all. The podcast is hosted by 3 lawyers, one of which is a family friend of the Syed family. Also: these 3 discovered evidence that has allowed the case to be reopened! Intrigued?