How often do true crime podcasts release new episodes?

Most true crime podcasts release one episode per week, though serialised investigations often drop all episodes at once — similar to a Netflix series. Some ongoing shows release more frequently when covering active cases.

What's the difference between investigative and narrative true crime podcasts?

Investigative true crime podcasts involve original reporting — the host is actively uncovering new information about a case. Narrative true crime podcasts retell known cases in a compelling, story-driven format. Both styles appear in our top rankings above.

Best True Crime Podcasts 2026

The most gripping true crime podcasts ranked by global listener score — cold cases, investigations, and courtroom drama.

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30 true crime podcasts — the big names

Last Podcast On The Left

The Last Podcast Network

Lore

Aaron Mahnke

Ologies with Alie Ward

Alie Ward

The Black Tapes

Pacific Northwest Stories

The NoSleep Podcast

Creative Reason Media Inc.

Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

Chris Gethard

How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

Deep Water | Tortoise Investigates

The Observer

National Park After Dark

Audioboom Studios

The Horror of Dolores Roach

Gimlet

Inside Jaws

Wondery

I, Survivor

Wondery

Unicorn Girl

Apple TV / Seven Hills

Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska

ABC News

Wisecrack

Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts

The Real Killer

iHeartPodcasts and AYR Media

The Peripheral

Justin Evans

Juicy Crimes with Heather McDonald

Heather McDonald & Studio71

The Apex & The Abyss

The New Medium

Ex-Wives Undercover: Liars, Cheaters & Love Cons

Double A Productions

The Unforgotten

Free Range Productions

They Will Kill

Cloud10

Broomgate: A Curling Scandal

CBC + USG Audio

The Fight of My Life

Cadence Productions

Hands Tied

iHeartPodcasts

MK True Crime

MK Media

Betrayal: Seasons 1, 2, 3 & 4

iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Fear Thy Neighbor

Deadly Engagement

NBC News

Camp Shame

iHeartPodcasts

How we rank True Crime podcasts

Every podcast on WhichPodcast is ranked using Listen Score — a global popularity metric based on listener data, episode frequency, and audience engagement across all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. The true crime podcasts above represent the most-listened-to shows in this genre right now. We update our database regularly so you always see the most current rankings.

Want a more personal recommendation? Our podcast discovery quiz matches you to the right show based on your mood, how much time you have, and whether you want a household name or a hidden gem.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best true crime podcasts for beginners?

If you're new to true crime podcasts, the highest-ranked shows on this page are the best place to start — they've earned their top positions through millions of listeners worldwide. Look for shows with strong narrative storytelling and thorough investigative research.

Are true crime podcasts based on real events?

Yes — true crime podcasts cover real criminal cases, unsolved murders, cold cases, and investigations. The best shows combine original research, interviews, and archival material to tell the full story behind the case.