How we review true crime podcasts
Every podcast in our database is scored across six dimensions on a 1–10 scale. Here's exactly what each dimension measures and how we arrive at a final verdict.
Our editorial principles
- We score every podcast ourselves — we do not rely on listener submissions for editorial scores
- We listen to a minimum of three full episodes (or two full seasons for serialised shows) before publishing a score
- We separate our editorial verdict from community ratings — both are shown, neither replaces the other
- We update scores when shows improve, decline, or if we receive compelling evidence of errors in our assessment
- Victim sensitivity is always a factor — shows that exploit grief or trauma will have that noted explicitly
The six dimensions
What we score and why
Each dimension is scored independently on a 1–10 scale. These scores are also open to community rating from registered listeners.
Storytelling
Score: 1–10How well the case is structured and narrated. We assess pacing, tension, clarity, and whether the story holds together across episodes. A 10 is a show that makes you forget you're listening to a podcast.
High scores
Cinematic pacing, well-signposted structure, no filler episodes, clear timeline management
Low scores
Rambling episodes, unclear case structure, excessive tangents, repetition between episodes
Research Quality
Score: 1–10Depth and rigour of sourcing. We consider use of primary documents (court records, police files, FOIA requests), original interviews with key figures, and whether the show goes beyond news reports.
High scores
Court documents, original interviews, FOIA requests, on-the-ground reporting
Low scores
Reliance on Wikipedia and news articles, no original sourcing, unverified claims
Host Quality
Score: 1–10The presenter's authority, warmth, and trustworthiness. We assess whether the host clearly understands the case, maintains appropriate tone, and builds a genuine connection with the listener.
High scores
Expert command of case details, appropriate emotional register, natural delivery
Low scores
Mispronounced names, cavalier treatment of victims, stilted or over-scripted delivery
Production / Audio
Score: 1–10Sound quality, editing, and professional finish. Clean audio is the baseline; high scores go to shows with thoughtful sound design, consistent levels, and seamless editing.
High scores
Studio-quality audio, professional editing, subtle sound design that enhances atmosphere
Low scores
Background noise, inconsistent levels, excessive ad breaks, jarring cuts
Binge Factor
Score: 1–10How compulsively listenable the show is — the metric we weight most heavily in recommendations. A 10 means you will automatically hit "next episode" every time. This captures something the other dimensions miss: the overall pull of the show.
High scores
9–10: You lose track of time. 7–8: Strong "one more episode" pull. 5–6: Enjoyable but easy to pause.
Low scores
1–4: Easy to stop mid-series without feeling compelled to finish
Factual Accuracy
Score: 1–10Accuracy of claims and responsible use of evidence. We note errors we can verify, speculation presented as fact, and how the show handles contested evidence. High-binge shows with factual issues are flagged clearly.
High scores
Corrects errors publicly, clearly labels speculation, distinguishes confirmed facts from theories
Low scores
Presents speculation as confirmed, known errors uncorrected, conflates different cases
Editorial verdicts
Reserved for podcasts that score exceptionally across all six dimensions AND have a binge factor of 8 or above. Less than 10% of podcasts in our database earn this rating.
Solid shows with meaningful strengths in most dimensions. These are recommended to listeners whose interests align with the show's case types and format.
Shows with notable weaknesses in factual accuracy, host quality, or production that listeners should be aware of before committing to a series.
Community ratings
Registered listeners can rate any podcast across the same six dimensions. These community scores are averaged and displayed separately from our editorial scores.
Community ratings appear on podcast pages once there is at least one verified submission. We do not emit aggregated community scores in search engine structured data until there is a meaningful sample (minimum: 1 verified rating).
Reviews are moderated before appearing publicly. We remove reviews that are off-topic, contain personal attacks, or appear to be coordinated manipulation.
Ready to explore?
Browse our full database of reviewed and rated true crime podcasts.