Best True Crime Podcasts for Beginners
New to true crime podcasts? Start with these highly-rated, accessible shows recommended for first-time listeners.
If you're new to true crime podcasts, it can be hard to know where to start. The best beginner podcasts are accessible, well-produced, and don't assume prior knowledge of the case. These episodic shows let you dip in anywhere — perfect for building your true crime habit.
24 podcasts — ranked by binge factor
Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom
Jason Flom interviews the wrongfully convicted and their advocates to expose failures in the justice system.
Murder Mile UK True Crime
London-focused true crime where the host physically walks the streets where each murder happened — seven-time award nominee.
Rysarpodden
Swedish true crime podcast covering international cases in Swedish language.
Dark Investigations
Bill Dunlap delivers deep-dive investigations into real murder cases, unsolved mysteries, cold cases, and serial killers, praised for its atmosphere.
FBI Retired Case File Review
Retired FBI agent interviews fellow FBI veterans about their most memorable cases and investigations.
The Docket
Legal true crime podcast analysing high-profile cases with law professors and criminal attorneys.
UNMARKED
James Buddy Day brings rare interviews, real police evidence, and never-before-heard audio from infamous North American cases — no reenactments.
48 Hours
CBS News's long-running true crime franchise, adapted for podcast — award-winning correspondents examine crime and justice cases with real depth.
Crime Story
CBC's Kathleen Goldhar brings journalistic integrity and a conversational edge to white-collar scandals, high-profile trials, and under-the-radar Canadian stories.
The Prosecutors
Former prosecutors Alice and Brett break down famous cold case mysteries from an insider legal perspective every week.
Profiling Evil
Former Secret Service agent applies investigative analysis to examine violent criminal cases.
Ladies Who Crime
Feminist true crime podcast covering cases that disproportionately affect women, hosted by two women.
True Crime Daily Podcast
Daily breaking crime news and case updates covering major US criminal cases.
That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast
Law & Order SVU episodes discussed alongside real-world crimes and criminal justice issues.
True Crime South Africa
South Africa's flagship true crime podcast, hosted by award-winning journalist Nicole Engelbrecht — the country's most popular true crime show even against international competition.
Crime World
Ireland's flagship crime podcast, led by Sunday World journalist Nicola Tallant — deep, ongoing coverage of Irish organised crime.
Going West
Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman cover haunting disappearance and murder cases twice a week, building one of the genre's deepest back catalogues.
Crime Analyst
Criminal behavioural analyst Laura Richards breaks down the 'who' and 'why' behind real cases, with a specialism in coercive control and stalking.
Buried Bones
Journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and forensic investigator Paul Holes dissect historical true crime cases through modern forensic insight, with excellent on-air chemistry.
Hidden True Crime
Journalist Lauren Matthias and forensic psychologist Dr John Matthias explore the hidden motives and psychology behind major crimes, including extensive Lori Vallow / Chad Daybell coverage.
Ladies of True Crime
True crime fans who appreciate the community and warmth of the women-in-podcasting true crime tradition; listeners who want consistent, considered coverage without excessive production flash.
Canadian True Crime
Listeners who want true crime beyond American borders; Canadian listeners wanting their own crime stories represented; anyone interested in how Indigenous women's cases are systematically underreported.
Anatomy of Murder
True crime fans who want professional expertise and insider perspective rather than amateur commentary; law enthusiasts and those interested in forensics.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Full audio episodes of Oxygen's long-running Snapped franchise, focused specifically on female perpetrators.
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