UNMARKED
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed
"Genuine archival access, not narrated reconstruction — a distinctive research-first approach."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news
- ✓Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode
Pros & cons
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
- +Available on 4 platforms — listen wherever you prefer
About this podcast
UNMARKED is a true crime podcast and YouTube series built on rare interviews, real police evidence, and never-before-heard audio from some of the most infamous cases in North America, hosted by documentarian James Buddy Day. No reenactments — just the primary source material.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
Rate this podcast
Community reviews
0 reviewsWrite a quick review
No reviews yet. Be the first!
Frequently Asked Questions about UNMARKED
What is UNMARKED about?
UNMARKED is a true crime podcast and YouTube series built on rare interviews, real police evidence, and never-before-heard audio from some of the most infamous cases in North America, hosted by documentarian James Buddy Day. No reenactments — just the primary source material.
Is UNMARKED worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if you want primary-source archival material rather than narration". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. James Buddy Day brings rare interviews, real police evidence, and never-before-heard audio from infamous North American cases — no reenactments.
Who is UNMARKED for?
UNMARKED is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of UNMARKED to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to UNMARKED?
UNMARKED is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to UNMARKED?
If you enjoy UNMARKED, you might also like: In the Dark, Serial, The Missing Cryptoqueen, Pipeline. See our full "Podcasts Like UNMARKED" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo host
- Style
- Archival, rare-access, no-reenactment
- Episode length
- 45-60 min
- Episodes
- 30+ episodes
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
Listen on
Browse category
Newsletter
Get weekly recommendations
Curated picks, new reviews, hidden gems.
If you liked this, try…
See all alternatives
In the Dark
Listeners who want journalism-grade investigation into wrongful convictions, systemic racism, and institutional failures — more 60 Minutes than true crime thriller.
Serial
Anyone interested in journalism, legal procedure, and deep investigative dives into morally ambiguous cases with no easy answers.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
BBC journalist Jamie Bartlett tracks down Dr Ruja Ignatova, who persuaded millions to invest in OneCoin before vanishing without a trace.
Pipeline
The Crime Desk's investigation into four professional divers sucked hundreds of feet into a Caribbean oil pipeline in 2022 — and the failing safety standards that put them there.
Bear Brook
True crime fans fascinated by forensic science, DNA technology, and cold cases with a genuine scientific payoff.
Your Own Backyard
Listeners who want investigative true crime with real-world consequence and single-minded, passionate focus from a creator who refused to let a case die.
Explore more in these categories: