Untested
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed
"A systemic-failure story — the rape-kit backlog explained through one detective's refusal to let a case go cold."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
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
He terrorised women. He slipped through the cracks. But one detective refused to give up. Untested, hosted by investigative crime reporter Gina Barton for USA Today, is rooted in journalism about America's rape-kit testing backlog and the predators it let walk free for years.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Untested
What is Untested about?
He terrorised women. He slipped through the cracks. But one detective refused to give up. Untested, hosted by investigative crime reporter Gina Barton for USA Today, is rooted in journalism about America's rape-kit testing backlog and the predators it let walk free for years.
Is Untested worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if the rape-kit backlog and forensic-system failures interest you". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. USA Today crime reporter Gina Barton follows a detective who refused to give up on cases that slipped through the cracks of an untested rape-kit backlog.
Who is Untested for?
Untested is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish.
What is the best episode of Untested to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Untested?
Untested is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Untested?
If you enjoy Untested, you might also like: Believed, Pipeline, Bear Brook, British Scandal. See our full "Podcasts Like Untested" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo host
- Style
- Investigative, sobering, community-focused
- Episode length
- 30-40 min
- Episodes
- 10 episodes
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Country
- United States
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