Hell and Gone
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Hell and Gone is hosted by an actual private investigator — Catherine Townsend doesn't just tell crime stories, she works the cases herself."
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
- +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
Journalist and private investigator Catherine Townsend investigates unsolved murders case by case across multiple seasons — going beyond the podcast to conduct actual private investigations and help grieving families find answers.
Best episode to start with
Season 1 Episode 1
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hell and Gone
What is Hell and Gone about?
Journalist and private investigator Catherine Townsend investigates unsolved murders case by case across multiple seasons — going beyond the podcast to conduct actual private investigations and help grieving families find answers.
Is Hell and Gone worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if niche interests you". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. True crime fans who want investigative journalism from someone with actual private detective credentials who has real skin in the game.
Who is Hell and Gone for?
Hell and Gone 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 Hell and Gone to start with?
We recommend starting with Season 1 Episode 1. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Hell and Gone?
Hell and Gone is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Hell and Gone?
If you enjoy Hell and Gone, you might also like: Someone Knows Something, Up and Vanished, Your Own Backyard, The Thing About Pam. See our full "Podcasts Like Hell and Gone" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Investigative, serious, empathetic
- Episode length
- Multiple seasons; episode length varies; each season works as a standalone
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
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