Best True Crime Podcasts of 2023

Last updated: August 8, 2023

What is it about forensic files, murder mysteries, and stories of criminal acts that has audiences gripped and coming back for more?

Whatever it is that draws people in, there’s no denying that true crime podcasts are here to stay.

With that in mind, here are the top 10 best true crime podcasts.

1. The Retrievals

Embark on a haunting journey through the corridors of the Yale Fertility Center with “The Retrievals.” This captivating true crime podcast unveils a harrowing narrative of patients seeking pregnancy, their hopes high as they undergo I.V.F. cycles. Yet, their aspirations quickly turn to anguish when the egg retrieval procedure inflicts excruciating pain upon them.

In the confines of the procedure room, agonizing screams pierce the air, and from their homes, patients urgently report post-procedure pain. Unbeknownst to most staff members handling these reports, the source of their suffering is a nurse pilfering fentanyl and replacing it with saline.

Presented by Serial Productions and The New York Times, “The Retrievals” is a five-part series helmed by Susan Burton, a seasoned figure from “This American Life” and author of “Empty.” Burton delves into the clinic’s unsettling events, delving into the diverse identities of the patients, influencing their perception of the procedure room’s trauma. The nurse, too, weaves her own narrative of pain, recounting it in court. Meanwhile, the series scrutinizes how such an occurrence could unfold at the prestigious Yale clinic.

Burton provocatively delves into the narratives we craft around women’s pain. How do we confront, decipher, and validate it? What unfolds when pain is belittled or dismissed? Discover these riveting layers of storytelling and the undercurrents of pain in “The Retrievals.”

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2. Crime Junkie

If you can’t get enough true crime, then this podcast is for you. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, this podcast debuted in December 2017 and has remained at the top of the charts since with over 500 million downloads, 630 stories, and $643,000 donated to charity.

3. Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC brings you current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.

4. My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstar‪k‬

In this podcast, lifelong fans of true crime stories Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other their favorite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans.

5. Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer

“Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer” is a search for answers in one of the biggest murder mysteries in American history. It’s been ten years since eleven bodies were found on the coast of Long Island. Amongst a backdrop of police corruption and cover ups at the highest levels of Suffolk County, co-hosts Alexis Linkletter and Billy Jensen reinvestigate the murders from a decade ago to expose the untold story of why the case remains unsolved.

6. Unsolved Mysteries‬

The official Unsolved Mysteries podcast was created by the original creators of the iconic television series, presented by Cadence13. Join host Steve French each week as he presents all new mysteries, from terrifying abductions to bizarre paranormal encounters, heinous killers and unexplained deaths. For every mystery, there is someone, somewhere who knows the truth. Perhaps it’s you.

7. Astray

How far would you go for enlightenment? Westerners have long been drawn to the spiritual mystique of India. While many find what they’re looking for and return home, some vanish without a trace or even end up dead. The Astray podcast investigates those who pay the ultimate cost in search of spiritual awakening.

8. Anatomy of Murde‪r‬

A murder case has many layers: the victim, the crime, and the investigation. To truly understand it, you need to dissect each piece of a tragic puzzle. In this podcast Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger deliver an insider’s perspective, as they reveal to you the Anatomy of Murder.

9. The Apology Lin‪e

If you could call a number and say you’re sorry, and no one would know, what would you apologize for? For fifteen years, you could call a number in Manhattan and do just that. This podcast features the story of the line, and the man (Allan Bridge) at the other end who became consumed by his own creation. He was known as “Mr. Apology.”

As thousands of callers flooded the line, confessing to everything from shoplifting to infidelity, drug dealing to murder, Mr. Apology realized he couldn’t just listen. He had to do something, even if it meant risking everything. From Wondery the makers of Dr. Death and The Shrink Next Door, comes a story about empathy, deception and obsession. Marissa Bridge, who knew Mr. Apology better than anyone, hosts this six episode series.

10. Casefile True Crim‪e

Fact is scarier than fiction. Casefile is an award-winning true-crime podcast that presents unforgettable stories in a professionally produced audio format. What started in 2016 as a one-person side project has grown to include an entire team based across multiple continents. The episodes delve deep into the circumstances, investigations and trials of both solved and unsolved cases from all over the world.

Looking for More True Crime Podcasts?

Check out these shows hosted right here on RSS.com.

Moody: A True Crime Podcast

A true crime comedy podcast hosted by best friends Tamara and Azriella. We talk about true crime and our personal lives.

Double Trouble: A True Crime Podcast

A twinning true crime podcast featuring your favorite Geminis, Chloe and Tess!

Shriek!

We are a best friend duo that has decided to put their passion for true crime and all things spooky right from our mouths to your ears! We will cover all things true crime, paranormal, conspiracies, and even stories of corruption. All while having TWO female hosts and minimum banter.

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