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28 Best True Crime Podcasts That May Or May Not Keep You Up At Night

the best true crime podcasts to listen to in 2023
Images via Apple Podcasts

Watching scary movies is a fun escape for some because they inherently know the terrifying creatures crawling and creeping on their screen aren't real. But, what else can be horrific — in an intoxicating way — is listening to true crime podcasts. We can't put our finger on it, but unsolved mysteries and murder trials tend to hold a hypnotic sway over us. If you're always down for an episode of Dateline or The First 48, take a listen to the best true crime podcasts that'll make your spooky senses go off.


"Culpable"

"Culpable" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/Tenderfoot TV

Hosted by Dennis Cooper, Culpable is a true crime podcast that takes readers down an investigative path to figure out the motives of crimes. Season 1 kept us on our toes as Cooper sought to uncover the truth in Christian Andreacchio's death that was ruled a suicide. However, the evidence left behind indicated there was more to the picture that was painted.

Find out what happens by listening to Culpabletoday.

"Morbid"

"Morbid" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/Wondery

Have you ever heard the joke about what happens when a hairstylist and autopsy tech walk into a bar? Probably not because it's pretty Morbid. All jokes aside, this podcast actually is hosted by a hairstylist and autopsy technician who throw in a dash of humor and chilling history throughout different episodes.

Give Morbid a listen if you like to err on the side of comedic horror.

"To Live And Die In LA"

"To Live and Die in LA"

Image via Apple Podcasts/Tenderfoot TV

When journalist Neil Strauss begins investigating the mysterious disappearance of a Hollywood actress, he finds more than he bargained for and brings others along for the ride. Listen as you discover what secrets are found in To Live And Die in LA.

"Dr. Death"

"Dr. Death" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/Wondery

Listen as host Laura Bell sheds light on what feels like a merciless system and a psychopathic surgeon in Dr. Death. But beware — we recommend you avoid listening to it before or after your next doctor's appointment.

"In The Dark"

"In The Dark" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts

Along with fellow reporters, Madeleine Baran tackles heavy topics like the sometimes warped justice system and who it affects. Listen to In the Darkhere.

"Crime Junkie"

"Crime Junkie" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/audiochuck

Crime Junkiesounds exactly like what it is — a true crime podcast dedicated to people who can spend hours listening to unsolved and/or terrifying cases. Sign me up!

"Dirty John"

"Dirty John" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/Los Angeles Times | Wondery

Although it pisses us off, we can't stop listening to tales of deceitful love — hence our obsession with Dirty John.

"Up And Vanished"

"Up And Vanished" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/Tenderfoot TV

Up And Vanishedis another self-explanatory true crime podcast we love. Hosted by Payne Lindsay, it follows cases that involve bizarre disappearances in different areas.

"Dateline NBC"

"Dateline NBC" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts

This classic true crime podcast follows crimes involving murder, heinous plots and dark secrets that plague families as well as small towns. Don't be surprised if you fall down a rabbit hole while listening to Dateline NBC.

"The Apology Line"

"The Apology Line" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/Wondery

What secrets would you tell if someone offered to listen to you without judgement? That's exactly what happens when a man known as Mr. Apology leaves a number around New York for callers to dump their secrets onto a voicemail. His wife, Marissa Bridge unleashes these calls and the horrors that came with the in The Apology Line.

"Scamanda"

"Scamanda" PodcastImage via Spotify/Lionsgate

It's easy to paint a polished version of ourselves online but this former blogger took it to the next level in Scamanda. Although she presented herself to be a loving wife, mother and Christian, she held a dark secret that ended with her indictment.

"Park Predators"

"Park Predators" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/audiochuck

Parks can often hold grisly secrets and Park Predators makes sure to uncover them one by one.

"The Retrievals"

"The Retrievals" PodcastImage via Apple Podcasts/audiochuck

Just when we think maternal health can't reach a new low, The Retrievals works to uncover a sinister plot at Yale when women trusted a fertility clinic to help them embark on their motherhood journeys.

"Over My Dead Body"

"Over My Dead Body" PodcastImage via Spotify/Wondery

It's said that everyone has a breaking point but just how far are you willing to go if you were to snap? Listen to the tales of people do did just that in Over My Dead Body.

"48 Hours"

"48 Hours" Podcast

Image via Apple Podcasts/CBS News

48 Hours is another classic TV show turned podcast that takes listeners on a journey that explores true crime and cases that were brought to justice. We won't be surprised if you start watching 48 Hours after listening.

What's your favorite true crime podcast? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Lead images via Apple Podcasts.

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