We Were Three
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed
"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 & 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
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". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. 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.
Where can I listen to We Were Three?
We Were Three is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to We Were Three?
If you enjoy We Were Three, you might also like: Murdaugh Murders Podcast, S-Town, The Missing Cryptoqueen, The Trial of Erin Patterson. 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
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Country
- United States
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