Crime Junkie vs Casefile vs My Favorite Murder: Which Is Right for You?

Three podcasts dominate the true crime mainstream: Crime Junkie, Casefile, and My Favorite Murder. Together they've probably generated more true crime podcast listeners than all other shows combined.

But they're radically different listening experiences. Starting with the wrong one could put you off the genre. Starting with the right one could hook you for years.

Here's an honest comparison.

Crime Junkie: The Weekly Companion

Host: Ashley Flowers, with co-host Brit Prawat
Format: Two hosts, conversational, 30-45 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Country: US
Rating: 7/10

Crime Junkie is built around a single promise: a new case, every week, reliably delivered in about 30 minutes. Ashley Flowers has kept that promise for hundreds of episodes, and the consistency is genuinely impressive.

What it does well:

• Short, digestible episodes that fit in a commute
• Consistent research standard across hundreds of episodes
• Explicit victim advocacy — the show regularly directs listeners to victim-focused organisations
• Covers cases that would otherwise get no coverage
• Accessible to absolute beginners

What it doesn't do:

• Investigative reporting — Crime Junkie covers existing cases, not original investigations
• Deep dives — 30 minutes doesn't allow for genuine case complexity
• International coverage is limited compared to Casefile

Best for: Regular listeners who want a consistent weekly companion. People new to the genre. Listeners who prefer structure and predictability.

Browse Crime Junkie →

Casefile: The Cinematic Standard

Host: Anonymous ("the author")
Format: Single host, narrative, 60-120 minutes
Frequency: Weekly (mostly)
Country: AU
Rating: 9/10

Casefile is the most technically accomplished narrative true crime podcast available. The anonymous Australian host has made deliberate choices that distinguish it from almost everything else in the genre: no personal branding, no social media presence, no personality cult. Just the cases, delivered with exceptional craft.

What it does well:

• Production quality that rivals documentary filmmaking
• Research standard that exceeds most other true crime podcasts
• International case coverage (US, UK, Australia, Europe)
• Handles difficult material with genuine sensitivity
• The anonymous host approach keeps focus on victims and cases
• Longer episodes allow for genuine complexity

What it doesn't do:

• It's not funny or light — this is demanding emotional listening
• Less frequent episodes than Crime Junkie
• No community engagement (by design)

Best for: Listeners who want the best storytelling in the genre. People who've exhausted the accessible entry points and want something more demanding. International listeners who want cases beyond American crime.

Browse Casefile →

My Favorite Murder: The Community

Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Format: Two hosts, conversational, 60-90 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Country: US
Rating: 7/10

My Favorite Murder invented a genre: the comedy-true crime podcast. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark don't present themselves as authorities — they're enthusiasts, friends who happen to be very interested in crime, talking about it with warmth and intermittent humour.

What it does well:

• The most accessible entry point in the genre
• Warmth and community that other podcasts don't attempt to build
• Honest about the genre's ethical complications
• Mental health awareness is integrated genuinely, not performatively
• Comedy makes difficult material more approachable

What it doesn't do:

• Deep research — MFM acknowledges it's not an investigative podcast
• The casual format means a lot of meandering — an hour of MFM has less case content than 30 minutes of Crime Junkie
• Not for listeners who want authority and precision

Best for: Beginners who aren't sure how much true crime they can handle. Listeners who primarily want companionship with their crime. People who've been put off by the grim tone of other true crime podcasts.

Browse My Favorite Murder →

Head-to-Head Comparison

Which Should You Start With?

Start with Crime Junkie if:

• You want to learn what true crime podcasting is about in the most accessible format
• You have a commute and want something that fits it
• You want a consistent weekly companion

Start with Casefile if:

• You've already listened to some true crime and want the best storytelling
• You're comfortable with long-form audio
• You want something that covers global cases, not just American crime

Start with My Favorite Murder if:

• You're uncertain whether you'll enjoy true crime
• You respond well to comedy and prefer warmth to authority
• You want a community aspect to your listening

What to Try After You've Exhausted All Three

Once you've found your footing with these three, you're ready for the more demanding parts of the genre:

• Serial — if you haven't already, this is essential
• Your Own Backyard — investigative journalism that solved a murder
• The Missing Cryptoqueen (BBC) — financial crime done brilliantly
• Hunting Warhead (CBC/Vice) — the most important investigative podcast in the genre

Browse all true crime podcasts →