Criminal
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"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."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates
- ✓Fans of financial crime and corporate misconduct stories
Pros & cons
- +Rated "Must Listen" by our editorial team — exceptional across all dimensions
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
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.
Best episode to start with
Peeping Tom or The Portrait — any will work as a standalone entry
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
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Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal
What is Criminal about?
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.
Is Criminal worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. 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.
Who is Criminal for?
Criminal is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates; Fans of financial crime and corporate misconduct stories.
What is the best episode of Criminal to start with?
We recommend starting with Peeping Tom or The Portrait — any will work as a standalone entry. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to Criminal?
Criminal is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Criminal?
If you enjoy Criminal, you might also like: In the Dark, Swindled, Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead, Unsolved Murders: True Crime Stories. See our full "Podcasts Like Criminal" page for more recommendations.
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
- Country
- United States
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