Bear Brook
True crime podcast review — 2026
"Bear Brook is the rare true crime podcast that advances science as it tells its story — DNA genealogy was pioneered live to crack this case, making it both gripping and genuinely historic."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Cold case enthusiasts who love decades-old unsolved mysteries
- ✓Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations
Pros
- +Rated "Must Listen" by our editorial team
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
About the host
Jason Moon
Host of Bear Brook.
About this podcast
Four unidentified bodies found in barrels in a New Hampshire forest in 1985 — and how, decades later, the case was cracked using pioneering DNA genealogy techniques that changed forensic science forever. Three seasons; Season 3, A Private Matter, from 21 October 2026.
Best episode to start with
S1 Ep1 — Two Barrels — listen in order
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
Community ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Brook
What is Bear Brook about?
Four unidentified bodies found in barrels in a New Hampshire forest in 1985 — and how, decades later, the case was cracked using pioneering DNA genealogy techniques that changed forensic science forever. Three seasons; Season 3, A Private Matter, from 21 October 2026.
Is Bear Brook worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". The community has rated it 9.0/10 overall. True crime fans fascinated by forensic science, DNA technology, and cold cases with a genuine scientific payoff.
Who is Bear Brook for?
Bear Brook is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Cold case enthusiasts who love decades-old unsolved mysteries; Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations.
What is the best episode of Bear Brook to start with?
We recommend starting with S1 Ep1 — Two Barrels — listen in order. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
What podcasts are similar to Bear Brook?
If you enjoy Bear Brook, you might also like: In the Dark, Serial, Your Own Backyard, A Million Other Choices. See our full "Podcasts Like Bear Brook" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Serious, journalistic, hypnotic
- Episode length
- 30-60 min per episode, 3 seasons, very bingeable backlog
- Episodes
- 3 seasons
- Country
- United States
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