We Were Three
True crime podcast review — 2026
"A short, devastating Serial Productions series about institutional and family silence during Covid — not a traditional crime story, but a natural fit for listeners of We Were Three's sister shows."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news
Pros
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
About this podcast
When Rachel McKibbens's father and brother died suddenly two weeks apart from Covid-19, she had no idea her father was sick, and no idea her brother was dying. We Were Three, a three-part series from This American Life producer Nancy Updike for Serial Productions, follows what she uncovers about the decisions and silences that shaped their final weeks.
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 We Were Three
What is We Were Three about?
When Rachel McKibbens's father and brother died suddenly two weeks apart from Covid-19, she had no idea her father was sick, and no idea her brother was dying. We Were Three, a three-part series from This American Life producer Nancy Updike for Serial Productions, follows what she uncovers about the decisions and silences that shaped their final weeks.
Is We Were Three worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if you want a short, devastating story about institutional failure rather than a crime in the traditional sense". From Serial Productions and This American Life producer Nancy Updike: a woman's father and brother die two weeks apart from Covid, and she uncovers what she wasn't told.
Who is We Were Three for?
We Were Three is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news.
What is the best episode of We Were Three to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
What podcasts are similar to We Were Three?
If you enjoy We Were Three, you might also like: A Moment In Crime, Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead, Gone South, Fur and Loathing. See our full "Podcasts Like We Were Three" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Personal, reflective, profound
- Episode length
- 35-45 min
- Episodes
- 3 episodes
- Country
- United States
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