Charlene: Somebody Knows Something
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed
"Shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 True Crime Awards — one of the UK's most enduring unsolved missing-person cases."
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
- ✓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
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
- −Must listen in order — cannot dip in and out between episodes
About this podcast
In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Charlene: Somebody Knows Something, from The Crime Desk, re-examines the botched investigation, the trial that collapsed, and the people who may still know what happened. It was shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 True Crime Awards.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Charlene: Somebody Knows Something
What is Charlene: Somebody Knows Something about?
In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Charlene: Somebody Knows Something, from The Crime Desk, re-examines the botched investigation, the trial that collapsed, and the people who may still know what happened. It was shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 True Crime Awards.
Is Charlene: Somebody Knows Something worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. The Crime Desk revisits the 2003 disappearance of 14-year-old Charlene Downes from Blackpool — a case that still has no resolution.
Who is Charlene: Somebody Knows Something for?
Charlene: Somebody Knows Something 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; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of Charlene: Somebody Knows Something to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Charlene: Somebody Knows Something?
Charlene: Somebody Knows Something is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Charlene: Somebody Knows Something?
If you enjoy Charlene: Somebody Knows Something, you might also like: In the Dark, Serial, West Cork, Bear Brook. See our full "Podcasts Like Charlene: Somebody Knows Something" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Serious, journalistic, unresolved
- Episode length
- 30-40 min
- Episodes
- 10 episodes
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United Kingdom
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