True crime has fascinated people for years, but podcasting has taken it to a whole new level.
One podcast that’s often credited with starting the true crime podcast trend is “Serial”, which debuted in 2014. Its unique format and investigative storytelling drew millions of listeners and helped make podcasts a mainstream medium.
So, why are we so drawn to true crime?
It might be because these stories tap into our curiosity about human behavior – the motives behind crimes and the search for justice.
Whatever your reason for being here, read on to discover the top-rated true crime podcasts of 2025, and find your next binge-worthy listen!
1. Murder in the Moonlight
Murder in the Moonlight hosted by Dateline’s Keith Morrison takes listeners to a quiet farmhouse on America’s Great Plains, where Sharmon and Wayne Stock are shot to death in their bedroom after celebrating Easter with family. This gripping investigation spans three states, involves four suspects, and hinges on a single shiny clue: a gold ring found at the crime scene.
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2. Blink | Jake Haendel’s Story
Blink chronicles the harrowing true story of Jacob Haendel, a man diagnosed with a terminal progressive disease affecting his brain’s white matter. As Jake slips into what doctors believe is a coma, he remains fully conscious but unable to communicate. In this terrifying state of locked-in syndrome, Jake makes a chilling discovery about the person sitting beside his hospital bed that may connect to how he ended up there in the first place.
3. Dateline NBC
Dateline NBC continues to deliver compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries, and in-depth investigations that have made it a staple in the genre. With current and classic episodes available, this podcast offers listeners a deep dive into some of the most intriguing cases that have captivated the nation.
4. Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie remains at the top of the charts with host Ashley Flowers and her best friend Brit Prawat dissecting infamous and underreported true crime cases every Monday. From cold cases to missing persons and community heroes seeking justice, Crime Junkie has built a dedicated community of over a million listeners who can’t get enough of their thorough research and engaging storytelling.
5. Scam Factory
Scam Factory by Wondery reveals the shocking truth behind those suspicious messages we all receive: many are sent by people trapped in “scam factories” abroad, forced to defraud others against their will. This eye-opening series follows one family’s discovery of this brutal reality and their desperate attempt to escape by using the very scams they’re forced to perpetrate.
Wondering what the top true crime podcasts are in your state? We did the research – check it out here!
6. Crook County
Crook County tells the jaw-dropping story of Ken Tekiela, a celebrated Chicago firefighter who led a secret double life as a hitman for the Chicago mafia for two decades. Narrated by his son Kyle, this podcast explores Ken’s rise through the ranks of the legendary Chicago Outfit from brothel doorman at 17 to ruthless assassin, all while maintaining a respectable façade as a firefighter and family man until his world came crashing down.
7. Late Nights with Nexpo
Late Nights with Nexpo from Ballen Studios features YouTube creator Nexpo as he explores the most bizarre and chilling true stories and mysteries on the internet. With new and exclusive episodes every Wednesday, this podcast takes listeners on a journey to unravel the unexplained corners of our world with Nexpo’s signature analytical style.
8. Morbid
Hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist, Morbid continues to deliver its unique blend of true crime, creepy history, and all things spooky. What sets this podcast apart is its lighthearted approach to dark subjects, combining thorough research with just the right amount of humor to create a “lighthearted nightmare” for its dedicated “weirdos.”
9. This Doesn’t Happen to People Like Me
This Doesn’t Happen to People Like Me from the creators of Sword and Scale is a gripping ten-part series about 77-year-old grandmother Tina Lohman, whose chance roadside encounter led to a crime so brutal it shattered an entire family. Beyond the horrifying details, this podcast examines systemic failures, family resilience, and the unsettling reality that monsters often walk among us undetected.
10. 48 Hours
48 Hours podcast brings CBS News’ award-winning investigative journalism to audio, examining crimes that have left lasting marks on society. With thoughtful reporting that places listeners at the heart of each investigation through key evidence and interviews, this podcast has made tangible differences in countless lives, helping exonerate the wrongly convicted and solving cold cases.
Looking for More True Crime Podcasts?
Check out these shows hosted right here on RSS.com.
Double Trouble: A True Crime Podcast
A twinning true crime podcast featuring your favorite Geminis, Chloe and Tess!
Missing Molly
This true crime podcast is about a Charlottesville woman named Molly Miller. She was reported missing in Dec 2017.
Highly Unlikely with Jonathan Flannes
In this podcast, the host interviews people with what he calls “the most shocking stories you’ve never heard.”
Ready to Start Your Own True Crime Podcast?
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Tips for Starting Your True Crime Podcast
- Research Thoroughly: Accuracy is crucial in true crime. Double-check all facts and timelines.
- Be Respectful: Remember that real people have been affected by these crimes. Approach cases with sensitivity.
- Find Your Niche: Focus on cold cases, historical crimes, or local mysteries to stand out in a crowded genre.
- Practice Ethical Storytelling: Consider the impact of your words on victims, their families, and communities.
- Create Engaging Episode Formats: Mix narrative storytelling with interviews and expert analysis.
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