Murder Unscripted
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed
"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 & cons
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
- −Long episodes (90 min+) require a time commitment — not ideal for short commutes
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
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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". It scores 6/10 on binge factor. 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.
Where can I listen to Murder Unscripted?
Murder Unscripted is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
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, In the Dark. 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
- Binge factor
- 6/10
- Country
- United States
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