Murder Unscripted
True crime podcast review — 2026
"Murder Unscripted brings the behind-the-scenes perspective of a Forensic Files producer to a freewheeling conversational format, with guests including investigators, family members, and industry insiders. If you like your true crime with a side of how-it-gets-made, this is a genuine find."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
Pros
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About this podcast
A conversational US true crime podcast co-hosted by Ed Hydock — former producer on Forensic Files and Cold Case Files — and Melissa Spivey, covering murders, cold cases, and criminal investigations without a scripted structure. Each episode brings in guests including detectives, victims' families, prosecutors, and true crime industry insiders, lending the show an insider credibility that polished narrative podcasts rarely match.
Best episode to start with
Browse for a case you already know — the format rewards familiarity
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
Community ratings
1 ratingRate this podcast
Community reviews
0 reviewsWrite a quick review
No reviews yet. Be the first!
Frequently Asked Questions about Murder Unscripted
What is Murder Unscripted about?
A conversational US true crime podcast co-hosted by Ed Hydock — former producer on Forensic Files and Cold Case Files — and Melissa Spivey, covering murders, cold cases, and criminal investigations without a scripted structure. Each episode brings in guests including detectives, victims' families, prosecutors, and true crime industry insiders, lending the show an insider credibility that polished narrative podcasts rarely match.
Is Murder Unscripted worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if insider TV-producer perspectives on true crime interest you". The community has rated it 7.0/10 overall. Forensic Files producer Ed Hydock goes off-script: unfiltered conversations with investigators, victims' families, and insiders about murders and cold cases.
Who is Murder Unscripted for?
Murder Unscripted is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode.
What is the best episode of Murder Unscripted to start with?
We recommend starting with Browse for a case you already know — the format rewards familiarity. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
What podcasts are similar to Murder Unscripted?
If you enjoy Murder Unscripted, you might also like: Anatomy of Murder, Crime Writers On, True Crime Garage, Profiler: True Crime Africa. See our full "Podcasts Like Murder Unscripted" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Dual host
- Style
- Conversational; insider-focused; engaged; informal
- Episode length
- 45-90 min
- Episodes
- Ongoing
- Country
- United States
Browse category
Newsletter
Get weekly recommendations
Curated picks, new reviews, hidden gems.
You can unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.
If you liked this, try…
See all alternativesAnatomy of Murder
True crime fans who want professional expertise and insider perspective rather than amateur commentary; law enthusiasts and those interested in forensics.
Crime Writers On
True crime fans who also read crime fiction; listeners who want cultural and literary commentary alongside their true crime; those who enjoy documentary recaps with expert framing.
True Crime Garage
True crime fans who enjoy laid-back, conversational coverage of a wide range of cases; the podcast equivalent of true crime over drinks with friends.

Profiler: True Crime Africa
A journalist and a forensic psychologist look at South African crimes.

MURDERISH
Jami Rice tells real cases in full, from start to finish, with detailed research.

A Million Other Choices
A Canadian-hosted, victim-centred true crime podcast covering murder and other criminal cases from around the world, with a particular interest in the Canadian justice system.
Explore more in these categories:
