True crime podcasts have taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with their enthralling tales of mystery, suspense, and the darker side of human nature. Delving into real-life cases that range from unsolved murders to gripping heists, these podcasts unravel the complexities of criminal minds. With meticulous research, compelling storytelling and often chilling firsthand interviews, true crime podcasts have become a cultural phenomenon. If you are new to the genre, we have curated the top five true crime podcasts for you.
Someone Knows Something
This is a popular true-crime podcast created and hosted by Canadian filmmaker David Ridgen. Launched in 2016, the podcast follows Ridgen as he investigates unsolved missing persons cases, primarily focusing on Canadian cases. Each season of Someone Knows Something delves into a different case, exploring the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and seeking answers. Ridgen immerses himself in the investigation, conducting interviews, revisiting locations, and working alongside law enforcement and the families of the missing individuals, making for an unmissable listening experience.
Serial
Serial is a critically acclaimed investigative journalism podcast that gained immense popularity upon its release in 2014. Created by Sarah Koenig and produced by This American Life, the podcast follows a serialized format, focusing on one true crime story per season. The first season of Serial captivated listeners with its in-depth exploration of the murder case of Hae Min Lee, a high school student from Baltimore, Maryland. Koenig, the host and narrator, investigates the case surrounding the conviction of Adnan Syed, Lee’s ex-boyfriend. With each episode, Koenig presents new evidence, interviews witnesses, and raises thought-provoking questions, challenging the initial narrative and legal proceedings.
You Must Remember Manson
The podcast explores the murders committed in the summer of 1969 by followers of Charles Manson. The 12-episode series delves into the creation of Manson and focuses on the tumultuous two-year period preceding the infamous and brutal murders of seven individuals, including actress Sharon Tate, carried out by members of the Manson Family. This captivating series also delves into the lives of numerous Hollywood figures who were directly or indirectly associated with the Manson Family. Whether you have never pondered how society influences the rise of cult leaders like Manson or you simply enjoy compelling narratives exposing the dark underbelly of Hollywood, You Must Remember Manson is an unmissable series.
In the Dark
This is an investigative journalism podcast that focuses on examining and shedding light on cases of wrongful conviction and flaws within the criminal justice system. Each season of In the Dark centres around a different case, with the first season diving deep into the abduction and murder of Jacob Wetterling, an 11-year-old boy from Minnesota who went missing in 1989. The podcast meticulously explores the investigation, the subsequent failures, and the lasting impact on the community. Subsequent seasons of In the Dark have continued to investigate other compelling stories of injustice. For example, the second season explores the case of Curtis Flowers, a Mississippi man who was tried six times for the same crime. The podcast examines systemic racism, prosecutorial misconduct, and the flaws in the legal system that allowed such a travesty of justice to occur.
Death, Lies and Cyanide
A ten-episode original podcast, Death, Lies & Cyanide narrated by the journalist Sashi Kumar, investigates Koodathayi Cyanide Murders. The murders were a sequence of criminal events that took place in Koodathayi, located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, a state in South India. These incidents, which unfolded in late 2019, involved a perplexing mystery surrounding six murders that occurred over a period of 14 years. The investigations into these crimes garnered significant attention from the media and the public in Kerala, ultimately resulting in the apprehension of an individual named Jolly Joseph. This case sparked discussions regarding the ethical and legal ramifications associated with the events.
All podcasts are available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
