Quick take
Listeners who appreciate literary storytelling and want true crime that feels more like Radio 4 documentary than sensational thriller; people who hate the mainstream true crime format.
Verdict: Must listen. Entertainment Weekly named Criminal the #1 true crime podcast of all time — Phoebe Judge's extraordinary voice and storytelling are unlike anything else in the genre.
About this podcast
Anthology podcast hosted by Phoebe Judge covering stories of people who've done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle — spanning art heists, wrongful convictions, historical crimes, and moral grey areas.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is Criminal?
- Listeners who appreciate literary storytelling and want true crime that feels more like Radio 4 documentary than sensational thriller; people who hate the mainstream true crime format.
- Is Criminal worth listening to?
- Must listen. Entertainment Weekly named Criminal the #1 true crime podcast of all time — Phoebe Judge's extraordinary voice and storytelling are unlike anything else in the genre.
- Where can I listen to Criminal?
- Criminal is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.
- Where should I start with Criminal?
- Start with: Peeping Tom or The Portrait — any will work as a standalone entry
- What format is Criminal?
- Episodic — approximately 13-45 min per episode (varies); released twice monthly; very large backlog each.
- What type of crime does Criminal cover?
- Criminal covers Fraud, Wrongful Conviction, Historical Crime.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Quiet, measured, literary
- Episode length
- 13-45 min per episode (varies); released twice monthly; very large backlog
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Best to start
- Peeping Tom or The Portrait — any will work as a standalone entry
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