The Most Popular True Crime Podcast, Ranked

Choose the true crime podcast you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 22, 2024 06:54
True crime podcasts have surged in popularity, captivating listeners with their intriguing narratives and in-depth analysis of real criminal cases. With a growing number of shows diving into mysterious and often chilling stories, it can be overwhelming to choose which podcast to listen to next. A ranked list based on listener votes helps to highlight the most engaging and well-regarded series, guiding enthusiasts to high-quality content reflective of broader audience approval. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic and current assessment of what resonates most within the true crime community. This communal approach not only ensures that the top picks are regularly updated according to public opinion but also empowers listeners to influence the ranking. Moreover, this interactive aspect fosters a sense of connection among the audience, as they see their individual preferences impact the broader collective taste.

What Is the Most Popular True Crime Podcast?

  1. 1
    52
    votes

    My Favorite Murder

    A blend of comedy and true crime storytelling, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
    • First Release Date: January 13, 2016
    • Format: Comedy, True Crime
  2. 2
    27
    votes

    Serial

    A groundbreaking series that explores a single true crime story over the course of a season.
    • First Release Date: October 3, 2014
    • Seasons: 3
  3. 3
    22
    votes

    Crime Junkie

    A weekly podcast dedicated to giving you a true crime fix.
    • First Release Date: December 18, 2017
    • Hosts: Ashley Flowers, Brit Prawat
  4. 4
    20
    votes

    Sword and Scale

    A podcast that delves into the dark side of human nature and true crime.
    • First Release Date: 2013
    • Creator: Mike Boudet
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    Criminal

    A podcast that tells stories of people who've done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.
    • First Release Date: January 2014
    • Host: Phoebe Judge
  6. 6
    4
    votes

    True Crime Garage

    Hosts Nic and the Captain fire up the garage and discuss both famous and lesser-known true crime stories.
    • First Release Date: 2015
    • Format: Discussion
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Dr. Death

    Tells the chilling story of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon whose malpractice led to the injury and death of multiple patients.
    • First Release Date: September 4, 2018
    • Seasons: 3
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Dateline NBC

    Brings the long-running television newsmagazine to podcast form, featuring true crime stories.
    • First Release Date: Podcast form since 2017
    • Original TV Show Start: March 31, 1992
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    The Last Podcast on the Left

    Covers all things horror, from true crime to the paranormal and beyond.
    • First Release Date: 2011
    • Format: Horror, Comedy, True Crime
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Casefile True Crime

    A true crime podcast that covers both solved and unsolved cases.
    • First Release Date: January 2016
    • Anonymous Host: Yes

Missing your favorite true crime podcast?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular true crime podcast. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or true crime podcast is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2270 views
  • 137 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each true crime podcast once every 24 hours. The rank of each true crime podcast is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular True Crime Podcast

My Favorite Murder
Rank #1 for the most popular true crime podcast: My Favorite Murder (Source)
True crime podcasts have captured the interest of many listeners. These shows delve into real-life mysteries, murders, and unsolved cases. They provide a mix of storytelling, investigation, and analysis.

The rise of true crime podcasts began in the early 2010s. Advances in technology made it easy for anyone to start a podcast. True crime stories, with their inherent drama and suspense, found a perfect home in this medium. Listeners could tune in during commutes, workouts, or while doing chores.

Hosts of these podcasts often have backgrounds in journalism, law, or criminology. They use their skills to dig deep into cases, sometimes uncovering new evidence. Some podcasts focus on a single case, while others cover a new story each episode. The format varies, but the goal remains the same: to engage and inform the audience.

The appeal of true crime podcasts lies in their ability to humanize victims and provide a sense of closure. They give a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. This aspect creates a strong emotional connection with listeners. The detailed research and compelling narratives keep audiences hooked.

Many true crime podcasts have had a significant impact beyond entertainment. They have helped solve cold cases and bring attention to lesser-known crimes. Some have even led to changes in laws or police practices. This real-world impact adds another layer of importance to these shows.

The community around true crime podcasts is also noteworthy. Fans discuss episodes in online forums and social media groups. They share theories, debate evidence, and sometimes even contribute to investigations. This sense of community enhances the listening experience and keeps people coming back.

True crime podcasts also raise ethical questions. The line between entertainment and exploitation can blur. Some critics argue that these shows can be insensitive to victims and their families. Responsible podcasters strive to handle stories with care and respect.

The genre continues to evolve. New podcasts emerge regularly, each with its unique take on true crime. Some focus on historical cases, while others explore current events. The variety ensures that there is something for every listener.

In conclusion, true crime podcasts have become a significant part of the media landscape. They offer a blend of storytelling, investigation, and community engagement. Their impact extends beyond entertainment, influencing real-world events and fostering a sense of connection among listeners. The genre's popularity shows no signs of waning, promising more compelling stories in the future.

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