Believed
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Believed is a gut-wrenching, impeccably crafted NPR miniseries about 265 women who survived Nassar — and the investigators who finally made the system listen."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates
- ✓Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode
Pros & cons
- +Rated "Must Listen" by our editorial team — exceptional across all dimensions
- +Exceptional binge factor — near impossible to stop at one episode
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
- −Must listen in order — cannot dip in and out between episodes
About this podcast
NPR and Michigan Radio miniseries by Kate Wells and Lindsey Smith exposing how USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar sexually abused more than 265 women and girls for two decades — and how a team of women finally brought him to justice.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1 — start from beginning
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Believed
What is Believed about?
NPR and Michigan Radio miniseries by Kate Wells and Lindsey Smith exposing how USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar sexually abused more than 265 women and girls for two decades — and how a team of women finally brought him to justice.
Is Believed worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". It scores 9/10 on binge factor. Listeners who want to understand systemic institutional failure, survivor stories, and how Nassar's abuse was enabled so long; essential for anyone working in safeguarding or sports.
Who is Believed for?
Believed is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of Believed to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1 — start from beginning. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Believed?
Believed is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Believed?
If you enjoy Believed, you might also like: Dr. Death, In the Dark, The Dropout, Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead. See our full "Podcasts Like Believed" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Co-hosted
- Style
- Serious, journalistic, deeply powerful
- Episode length
- Short miniseries; easily bingeable in one sitting; number 1 on Apple Podcasts on release
- Binge factor
- 9/10
- Country
- United States
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