It’s official, we’re straight up obsessed with true crime podcasts. And for the real super sleuths among us, there never is enough of the best true crime podcasts out there. Which is why we're always on the hunt for the most shocking, keep-you-up-at-night series to plug into while you're on your morning walk, at the gym, cooking dinner, or going to sleep (you do you).
Need some inspo when it comes to the best true crime podcasts on Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts? We've got you. Alternatively, you can head over here if you're looking to binge the best true crime shows.
Read on for the absolute best true crime podcasts worth listening to right now.
The Teacher's Accuser
From the news crew that brought you The Teacher's Pet and The Teacher's Trial podcasts, comes their latest addictive series The Teacher's Accuser. If you've been keeping up with the Chris Dawson case, this should come as no surprise. A bit of background for those who need to catch up—the aforementioned podcast shows ultimately investigate the mysterious disappearance of Lynette Simms, a Sydney woman who vanished in 1982. They essentially expose the life of Chris Dawson, Lynette's husband and a former rugby player and schoolteacher, who becomes the primary suspect in her disappearance, exploring allegations of infidelity, secrets within their marriage, and raises questions about the potential involvement of others in Lynette's case.
The Teacher’s Accuser, basically features news and analysis from the trial of now convicted murderer Chris Dawson who stands accused of having unlawful sex with a 16-yearold in 1980 when he was working as a physical education teacher on Sydney’s northern beaches. It stands as one of the most high profile cases in Australia so if you've not yet reached your limit with this case, binge it here.
The Coldest Case In Laramie
Kim Barker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times, revisits an unsolved murder that took place while she was in high school in Laramie, Wyoming, nearly 40 years ago. She confronts the conflicting stories people have told themselves about the crime because of an unexpected development: the arrest of a former Laramie police officer accused in the murder. Listen here.
Dr Death
Few true crime podcasts rattle our brains quite like Dr Death. What started as a one-off series telling the deeply horrifying story of 'Dr' Christopher Duntsch and his spinal patients who often came out of surgery with debilitating complications, has now grown into a multi-season anthology podcast casting some serious medical light into a number of cases where doctors are not all they seem. Listen here.
Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Easily one of the best true crime podcasts of the past year, this masterpiece covers the devastating double homicide of Cheryl Williams and Carol Bareis in Altamonte Springs, Florida in June 2004. Red flags are raised when deputies learn of one person’s run-in with the law, one person’s mental health history with the state, and one illegal immigrant whose whereabouts the night of the murders are in question. Listen here.
Serial
We’re going to go ahead and call this the OG of true crime podcasts. Hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig, Serial follows the 1999 murder of American high-school student Hae Min Lee. Her 17-year-old ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was arrested for the crime, and within a year, he was sentenced to life in prison. The case against him was largely based on the story of one witness, Adnan’s friend Jay, who testified that he helped Adnan bury Hae's body. But Adnan has always maintained he had nothing to do with Hae’s death. Koenig sorts through thousands of documents and interviews with Adnan to try to get to the bottom of the case.
The Teacher's Trial
If you got into The Teacher's Pet podcast by The Australian some years ago, you've probably noticed it's been removed from the web, and for good reason too. The initial podcast sparked renewed interest in the missing persons case of Lynette Dawson, former wife of Chris Dawson who had been accused of murdering her.
Now, its removal was triggered by a subsequent court case whereby The Crown alleged Dawson killed his wife and disposed of her body, so as not to interfere with a fair trial and all. Now, enter The Teacher's Trial, another podcast from Hedley Thomas and the journalists at The Australian following the events in the trial of Chris Dawson. Catch up on all the details here.
12 Minute True Crime
For those who love a cheeky crime story but are short on time, 12 Minute True Crime is definitely for you. This often horrifically frightening stories of murder and mystery are concisely summarised in just enough time to drive from home to the shops or for a short fix when you’re waiting for an appointment. The podcast examines some strange and curious stories such as the Mummy Murderer and Slaughterhoue Murder which will have you absolutely hooked and wanting more.
Listen here.
The Sydney Siege
December 15, 2014 was one of Australia’s darkest days when an armed gunman took 18 hostages in the heart of Sydney’s busy Lindt Cafe. 17 hours later, two innocent lives were lost, the terrorist was dead and the bustling Martin Place would never be the same again.
The podcast examines the timeline off the siege with several interviews and recounts both from eyewitnesses and those who were in the heart of the unfolding action. An incredibly heart wrenching and suspenseful portrayal of the events, your heart will be beating in double time as you listen.
The Disappearance Of Des
On 2nd August 1979, Desmond Francis Carr went to work alone on an outback road in rural WA and was meant to be collected from a work location at the end of the day, but when his colleague arrived around 4pm to grab him, his road roller’s engine was left running but there was no sign of Mr. Carr. The Disappearance of Des takes you down a rabbit hole full of unexpected twists and turns on the desperate hunt for answers.
Expanse: Pink Diamond Heist
This freshly released ABC Podcast trails a daring outback heist through the deep Western Australian outback with plenty of odd characters, dirty deals and unfathomable dollars worth of precious diamonds. With a new episode dropping weekly, you’ll hear a little piece of Australia’s dark jewel history.
Who Killed Dr Bogle & Mrs Chandler?
This podcast explores one of the world’s most confusing and baffling cold cases in history. On January 1 1963, well known physicist Dr Gilbert Bogle and his wife Margaret were found dead beside the picturesque Lane Cove River in Sydney not far from their home, with absolutely no evidence to suggest how they died. 60 years later, new technology has allowed advancements in examination of toxicological evidence that will leave listeners gripped until the stunning conclusion.
The Glitch
Imagine realising that your ATM card could withdraw millions of delicious dollars without ever actually earning it. This is exactly what happened to ordinary Aussie Dan Saunders who managed to withdraw $1.6 million dollars of other people’s money before blowing it all in less than four months. The Glitch follows Dan’s journey of sex, drugs, charitable donations and his eventual downfall in an incredibly riveting way.
Shandee’s Story
Gold Walkley-winning Journalist Hedley Thomas (the creator of Teacher’s pet and The Night Driver) has teamed up with The Australian to explore the brutal murder of Shandee Blackburn, a young woman who was brutally murdered while walking home from work one dark night. With twenty gripping episodes, Thomas as usual leaves no stone unturned questioning every angle to find justice for Shandee’s family years later. Extremely sad and at times terrifying, you won’t be able to turn it off.
Your Own Backyard
This podcast currently topping the charts follows journalist Chris Lambert’s exploration of the mysterious disappearance of young woman Kristin Smart, a sweet Cal Poly student who vanished without a trace in 1996. In these fast moving eps, you’ll feel as if you’re at the dinner table of Smart’s family discussing their own theories around what really happened along with a stack of interviews from the investigators and some key stakeholders in the case.
Crime Junkie
Another compilation of fascinating episodes on different crimes throughout history, Crime Junkie is a collection of unsolved cold cases and intriguing mysteries ideal for those who like getting from the start to end of a case in one single episode. With over 280 cases covered, you’ve got a massive back catalogue to get listening to.
Morbid
Okay, the title sounds bad but this Wondery creation actually throws in a little dash of comedy to lighten some seriously spooky tales. Morbid was created and is hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist who have seen just about everything when it comes to bodies and strange endings, so you know you’re in for a strangely good time with this pair.
Who Killed Daphne?
When a car bomb kills Daphne Caruana Galizia on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta, the hunt for her killers exposes secrets with consequences that go far beyond its shores. In the aftermath of her death an international team of journalists comes together to continue her work.
Along the way, they start to uncover clues that might lead to her killers. From Wondery, comes a new story about power, corruption and one woman’s fight for the truth. Hosted by investigative reporter Stephen Grey. This story is also unravelling in the news right now, so best to jump on it stat. Listen to it here.
Should Be Alive
Should Be Alive investigates the 2019 murder of a transgender teenage girl named Nikki Kuhnhausen in Vancouver, Washington. In this true crime podcast, host Ashlet Korslien explores issues facing trans people and highlights an increasing number of acts of violence against the trans community. Super interesting and informative, you’ll also love this one because it’s from the team that brought you the award-winning investigative true crime podcasts The Yellow Car and Urge To Kill. Listen to it here.
Final Days On Earth
In season two of this cracking true crime podcast you probably haven’t heard about yet, we’re taken through the disappearance of Jennifer Harris from Bonham, Texas on Mother’s Day, 2002. On the final night of Jennifer’s known whereabouts, she left the house to visit a mate but in the coming days after, the when, how and why her car was left abandoned on the side of the road remained in the air. Listen to it here.
Australian True Crime
Easily one of the best true crime podcasts in Australia, Australian True Crime is like a never ending anthology of the good stuff. Australia’s suburbs are home to some of the most mysterious and disturbing true crime cases in the world. With the brains of Meshel Laurie (bonafide true crime enthusiast) and Emily Webb (true crime author), episodes probe investigators, perpetrators, writers and victims to find out the truth. Listen to it here.
Run Bambi, Run
This new Apple TV+ Original podcast investigates the real life story of Laurie "Bambi" Bembenek, a stunning 21-year-old Milwaukee police officer who was dubiously convicted of killing her new husband's ex-wife, before braving a daring escape as part of a years-long quest to clear her name. Okay, let us explain.
Run Bambi, Run tales the infamous 1980s Playboy Bunny turned cop turned murderer and yes, you will absolutely fly through this one. If you've never heard this one, Laurie was basically a tabloid fixation and a feminist cause célèbre after she escaped prison. This story has been dubbed the 'most glamourus murder case of the 1980s' so plug yourself in, you're in for a goodie.
Up And Vanished
When it comes to true crime podcasts you’re often left hanging at the end of the series, with no resolution. That’s not the case with Up And Vanished and its host Payne Lindsey who’s first season helped to solve the 12-year-old cold case of Tara Grinstead.
Casefile
What started in 2016 as a one-person side project has grown into an award-winning podcast that includes teams based across multiple continents. In each episode Casefile deep dives into the circumstances, investigations and trials of both solved and unsolved cases from all over the world.
Darknet Diaries
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the dark web, this true crime podcast is for you. Darknet Diaries tackles everything from hackers, breaches and shadow government activity to hacktivism, cybercrime, and all the things that dwell on the hidden parts of the network.
Dark Poutine
Dark Poutine is a Canadian true crime podcast with great format and details, and a sprinkling of humour in it. Each episode will chronicle a shocking crime that has taken place in Canada and trust us when we say some of them will straight up terrify you.
The Night Driver
From The Australian and award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas, The Night Driver will chill you to your core. The podcast follows the story of Janine Vaughan who was abducted one rain-soaked night in Bathurst nearly 20 years ago and was never seen again.
The Nurse
This Australian true crime podcast will shock you to your core. It follows the ongoing investigations into a paediatric nurse in a quiet Tasmanian town, who has spent over 20 years working with children. Loved by his friends and family, trusted by the community and seen as a father figure to many, what nobody realised was that this nurse was actually hiding a dark and disturbing secret.
Chasing Charlie
This seven-part podcast is narrated by all round bad boss private investigator Julia Robson who was approached with a seemingly routine case of a jilted lover. But the more Robson dug into the life of a mysterious lothario called Charlie, the more she realised there was a seriously dark side to this man and that he was leaving a trail of broken hearts and shattered lives in his wake.
The Dating Game Killer
The story goes like this: In 1987 Rodney Alcala won a date on a reality TV show, The Dating Game. While he charmed everyone, what no one knew was that he was a prolific serial killer in the middle of cross country murder spree.
In this six-part series, co-hosts Tracy Pattin and Stephen Lang take listeners on Alcala’s chilling journey, chronicling his crimes and how he managed to fool everyone around him—from his employers to prison psychiatrists and parole boards. Oh, and did we mention it’s from the creator of Dirty John, so you know it’s going to be epic.
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