best-crime-podcasts-like-serial-you-cant-miss
Podcasts like Serial, Criminal, and Limetown have become favorites because they masterfully weave stories that feel alive and real. Each episode builds anticipation, leaving you with the same thrill as waiting for the next TV serial episode. But the real charm lies in how podcasts let you visualize—no two listeners imagine the same scene in the same way. This is another level of Creativity. Use the creativity, see all 16 best crime podcasts like serials list.
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Criminal
Criminal is not just a podcast; it’s an experience that delves into the world of crime beyond the usual suspects of murder and theft. Hosted by Phoebe Judge,
- Total Episodes: Over 200 episodes available.
- Average Duration: Most episodes run between 25 to 40 minutes, a perfect bite-sized length for commutes or a tea break.
- Series Highlights:
- Episode 1, Animal Instincts – A strange case involving a pig thief.
- Episode 73, Angie – A heart-touching story about a wrongly accused woman.
- Episode 150, The Sleepover Heist – A quirky yet intense tale of a robbery.
What Makes Criminal Special?
The podcast doesn’t just focus on the ‘what’ of the crime; it goes into the ‘why.’ It uncovers the motives, the emotional turmoil, and the social factors that shape these stories. Whether it’s an artist accused of stealing their own work or a journalist uncovering forgotten historical injustices, every episode feels like a mini-movie for your ears.
My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder is not just a podcast; it’s a cultural phenomenon that blends dark humor with chilling true crime stories. Hosted by the charismatic duo Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark,
- Total Episodes: Over 400 episodes, including bonus episodes and live recordings.
- Average Duration: Episodes usually last 60 to 90 minutes, making it ideal for long drives or evening walks.
- Special Features:
- Miniature Episodes (Minisodes): Bite-sized stories sent in by fans, lasting 30–40 minutes.
- Live Shows: Recorded episodes from their sold-out global tours, capturing the energy of live storytelling.
- Fan Favorites: Episodes like The Tale of Two Terrors and The Case of the Missing Milkman are iconic.
Why My Favorite Murder is Special
This podcast stands out because it doesn’t just retell crimes—it adds a personal touch. Karen and Georgia share their thoughts, fears, and even hilarious tangents, making the storytelling feel genuine and personal. They explore everything from infamous murders to obscure cases, sprinkling their quirky personalities throughout.
Someone Knows Something
Someone Knows Something is a gripping investigative podcast that dives into unsolved mysteries, leaving listeners questioning everything they thought they knew. Hosted by David Ridgen,
- Total Episodes: Over 60 episodes, divided into six distinct seasons, each exploring a new case.
- Average Duration: Most episodes run between 40 to 60 minutes, offering detailed narratives without feeling overwhelming.
- Series Highlights:
- Season 1: Adrien McNaughton’s Disappearance: A haunting tale of a five-year-old boy who vanished during a family fishing trip in 1972.
- Season 2: Sheryl Sheppard’s Case: The mysterious disappearance of a woman following a marriage proposal on live TV.
- Season 5: Kerrie Ann Brown: An emotional journey through a decades-old case of a teenager’s unsolved murder.
What Will You Discover
Someone Knows Something isn’t just about the crime—it’s about the human stories behind it. David doesn’t simply recount the facts; he immerses you in the lives of those affected. You’ll hear interviews with family members, suspects, and witnesses, each sharing raw, emotional accounts that add layers of complexity to the mysteries.
Crime Junkie
If you’re someone who can’t get enough of true crime, Crime Junkie is your ultimate destination. Hosted by the dynamic duo Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat,
- Total Episodes: Over 300 episodes, covering everything from solved mysteries to unsolved cases.
- Average Duration: Episodes typically last 30 to 50 minutes, perfect for your daily commute or winding down after a long day.
- Series Highlights:
- INFAMOUS: Explores high-profile cases like the infamous Black Dahlia murder.
- MISSING: Dedicated to missing person cases that need public attention, such as the story of Alissa Turney.
- SERIAL KILLERS: In-depth dives into the minds and crimes of serial offenders like Israel Keyes.
What Will You Discover
Crime Junkie isn’t just about recounting crimes; it’s about raising awareness and igniting curiosity. Ashley and Brit explore not only the details of each case but also the emotional and social impact it has on victims’ families and communities. Their storytelling style is conversational yet deeply empathetic, making you feel like you’re discussing the case with close friends.
Limetown
It’s an audio drama that takes you on a spine-tingling journey into mystery and suspense. Created by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie,
- Total Episodes: The podcast has two seasons, with 11 episodes in total, offering a concise yet unforgettable storytelling experience.
- Average Duration: Each episode runs approximately 20 to 30 minutes, making it an easy listen while keeping the suspense alive.
- Series Highlights:
- Episode 1: What We Know: Sets the stage for the mysterious disappearance of over 300 people from Limetown.
- Episode 5: Scarecrow: A chilling deep dive into the secrets hidden within the town.
- Season Finale: A jaw-dropping conclusion that leaves you yearning for answers.
What Will You Discover
Limetown unravels the story of a fictional American town where hundreds of residents vanished without a trace. The protagonist, Lia Haddock, a journalist, investigates the events, digging through layers of secrecy, fear, and strange encounters. Through her journey, you’ll uncover shocking truths about Limetown’s mysterious past and the haunting experiments conducted there.
Welcome to Night Vale
Step into the peculiar and delightfully eerie world of Welcome to Night Vale, a podcast that feels like tuning into a surreal community radio station from another dimension. Created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor,
- Total Episodes: Over 230 episodes, with bi-monthly releases that keep fans eagerly waiting.
- Average Duration: Each episode runs between 20 to 30 minutes, perfect for quick listens while leaving you craving more.
- Series Highlights:
- Pilot Episode: Introduces Night Vale’s bizarre happenings and the enigmatic radio host, Cecil Palmer.
- The Glow Cloud: A fan-favorite episode featuring a mysterious sentient cloud that becomes part of the town council.
- Anniversary Specials: Unique episodes celebrating milestones with twists that only Night Vale can deliver.
What Will You Discover
Welcome to Night Vale is more than a podcast—it’s an experience that defies convention. Presented as a fictional radio show, it reports the strange goings-on in the town of Night Vale. You’ll hear about cryptic messages from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, ominous government experiments, and the town’s ever-present fear of the Dog Park (which no one is allowed to enter or even look at).
The Truth
If you’re a fan of immersive storytelling that feels like stepping into a cinematic world, The Truth podcast is for you. Created by Jonathan Mitchell,
- Total Episodes: Over 150 episodes, with a variety of standalone stories and multi-part series.
- Average Duration: Each episode lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick, engaging listens.
- Series Highlights:
- “Silvia’s Blood”: A gripping thriller about a young woman caught in a sinister family secret.
- “The Dark End of the Mall”: A spooky tale set in a seemingly ordinary shopping mall.
- “Possible Side Effects”: A darkly comedic exploration of medical testing gone awry.
What Will You Discover
The Truth brings you stories that linger in your mind long after the episode ends. It’s like watching a movie, but the visuals are created entirely by your imagination. The podcast covers a wide range of genres, from speculative fiction and suspense to heartfelt drama and lighthearted comedy.
Blackout
- Total Episodes: The podcast has two seasons, with 10 episodes in total across both seasons, giving you an intense and exciting storyline to follow.
- Average Duration: Each episode lasts around 25 to 30 minutes, perfect for a quick yet immersive escape into a world of uncertainty and danger.
- Series Highlights:
- Episode 1: Blackout Begins – The mysterious blackout strikes, and everything begins to fall apart.
- Episode 5: Lost Connection – Characters fight to maintain relationships and survival amid the blackout.
- Season Finale: No Going Back – The devastating final moments that will leave you questioning everything.
What Will You Discover
In Blackout, the world as we know it is plunged into darkness, and the characters you follow must find their way through a broken society. The podcast centers around Simon Itani, a man who unexpectedly becomes a leader in his community after the blackout, while navigating the challenges of survival, trust, and human connection. As the story unfolds, you’ll be drawn into a web of mystery, intrigue, and a fight for survival, where every decision could mean life or death.
Lore
Lore explores real-life folklore, myths, and historical events that are stranger than fiction. Each episode unravels stories from the past that still haunt us today—stories of murder, superstition, and the eerie, often unsettling truths that linger in our world. Created by Aaron Mahnke,
- Total Episodes: Lore has released over 200 episodes, each delving into a different legend or historical mystery.
- Average Duration: Each episode lasts around 25 to 30 minutes, making it an ideal companion for anyone looking for a quick dive into the strange and unexplained.
- Series Highlights:
- “The Witches of Salem”: A haunting account of the infamous Salem witch trials and the dark history of witch hunts.
- “The Murder of the Oxtoby Family”: A chilling tale of a family’s mysterious deaths in 19th-century New England.
- “The Secret of the Hinterkaifeck Farm”: One of the most unsettling and perplexing unsolved murders in history.
What Will You Discover
Lore takes you on a captivating journey through the shadows of history. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of folklore, from the origins of famous legends to strange, real-life events that sound like they came straight out of a horror novel. You’ll hear stories of hauntings, peculiar traditions, historical murders, and bizarre occurrences that will make you question what you thought you knew about the world.
The History of Rome
The History of Rome is the perfect podcast to satisfy your curiosity. Hosted by Mike Duncan,
- Total Episodes: The podcast spans over 170 episodes, covering the entire history of Rome, from its mythical founding to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
- Average Duration: Each episode lasts about 25 to 40 minutes, making it a manageable listen for anyone interested in learning about Rome without committing hours at a time.
- Series Highlights:
- “The Founding of Rome”: Explore the legendary origins of the city and the rise of its early kings.
- “The Punic Wars”: Follow Rome’s intense struggles against Carthage and the rise of Hannibal.
- “The Rise of Julius Caesar”: Witness the dramatic rise of Caesar and his ultimate betrayal.
- “The Fall of Rome”: Understand the factors that led to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and its lasting impact on the world.
What Will You Discover
In The History of Rome, you’ll uncover not just the well-known events, but also the lesser-known, fascinating stories that filled the annals of Roman history. Mike Duncan does a brilliant job of breaking down complex historical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives. You’ll learn about the legendary figures who built the Roman Empire, like Julius Caesar and Augustus, as well as the battles, political maneuverings, and social dynamics that defined the empire at its peak.
Unobscured
This one is Hosted by Aaron Mahnke, the creator of Lore, Unobscured focuses on the lesser-known historical figures, events, and mysteries that have been hidden or distorted by time.
- Total Episodes: Unobscured has released 3 seasons, each dedicated to a specific subject that unravels a mystery or explores an overlooked chapter in history.
- Average Duration: Episodes typically run around 40 to 60 minutes, giving listeners a thorough, yet accessible deep dive into each story.
- Series Highlights:
- Season 1: “The Salem Witch Trials”: Uncover the truth behind the infamous witch trials, exploring the victims, the accusers, and the culture that fueled the madness.
- Season 2: “The Murder of the Oxtoby Family”: A chilling investigation into one of the most baffling murder cases in history, where secrets are revealed piece by piece.
- Season 3: “The Battle of the Little Bighorn”: Re-examine one of America’s most famous battles from multiple perspectives, understanding the complex factors that led to Custer’s defeat.
What Will You Discover
In Unobscured, you’ll get the chance to look at history from a fresh, unfiltered perspective. Aaron Mahnke’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling will take you behind the well-known headlines and offer a closer examination of the people, events, and controversies that shaped our world. The podcast isn’t just about retelling history; it’s about uncovering the truths that have been obscured or misunderstood over time.
The Message
- Total Episodes: The Message consists of 1 season with 10 episodes, each exploring the complexities of an alien transmission and the consequences of decoding it.
- Average Duration: Each episode runs around 20 to 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those who want a quick but highly engaging audio experience.
- Series Highlights:
- “Episode 1: The Transmission”: The first episode sets the stage with the discovery of an alien signal that might change everything.
- “Episode 5: The Secret”: Halfway through the season, secrets are revealed that alter the course of the investigation and push the story to its climax.
- “Episode 10: The Truth”: The finale delivers the answers to the mysteries, wrapping up the thrilling tale in a way that leaves you thinking long after it ends.
What Will You Discover
In The Message, you’re plunged into the high-stakes world of cryptography, conspiracy, and extraterrestrial life. The story centers around a group of experts attempting to decode a mysterious message received from an alien civilization. As they dig deeper, they uncover more than they bargained for — the message is not only strange but seems to have a powerful and almost dangerous effect
Wolf 359
- Total Episodes: Wolf 359 consists of 4 seasons, with a total of 48 episodes that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
- Average Duration: Episodes are around 20 to 30 minutes long, making them perfect for a quick binge or a satisfying listen during your daily commute.
- Series Highlights:
- Season 1: “The Incident”: The series kicks off with a mysterious incident that sets the stage for the drama to unfold. The crew is thrown into a web of conspiracy, and everything changes.
- Season 2: “Echoes from the Past”: As the crew faces more challenges, their pasts come back to haunt them, and the stakes grow even higher.
- Season 4: “The End of the Line”: The series reaches its powerful conclusion with intense drama, emotional arcs, and a satisfying payoff to all the build-up.
What Will You Discover
In Wolf 359, you’ll explore more than just the vastness of space; you’ll journey into the hearts and minds of the station’s crew. Each character is meticulously developed, and their personal struggles, relationships, and interactions add layers of depth to the story. The show doesn’t just focus on the typical space adventure tropes—it highlights the emotional and psychological toll of being stuck in the isolation of space for extended periods, which is often more terrifying than any alien encounter.
Steal the Stars
Steal the Stars is a gripping sci-fi thriller that blends espionage, romance, and high-stakes action, all set against the backdrop of a secretive military base.
- Total Episodes: The series consists of 10 episodes, each offering a rich, suspense-filled journey through both emotional and high-intensity scenarios.
- Average Duration: Each episode is approximately 25 minutes long, perfect for quick, immersive listening sessions that leave you wanting more with every cliffhanger.
- Series Highlights:
- Episode 1: “The Assignment”: The story begins with the introduction of the mysterious alien lifeform and the two main characters, who are tasked with a mission that will change everything they know.
- Episode 5: “The Turning Point”: As the tension escalates, the line between allies and enemies blurs. This episode brings pivotal moments that will have you questioning who can be trusted.
- Episode 10: “The Final Choice”: The series wraps up with a high-stakes conclusion that will leave you breathless, as both personal and professional stakes reach their peak.
What Will You Discover
In Steal the Stars, you will delve into a world full of secrets, espionage, and an alien mystery that challenges everything the characters believe. The story revolves around the fragile relationship between the two protagonists, a security officer named Dakota and a scientist named Matt, who work on a highly secretive project. The podcast explores how the duo’s evolving feelings for each other are tested by moral dilemmas, betrayal, and the weight of their dangerous assignment.
Mission to Zyxx
- Total Episodes: Mission to Zyxx boasts over 50 episodes, offering a lengthy yet fun-filled exploration of the galaxy.
- Average Duration: Each episode is around 30 minutes long, making it perfect for a lunchtime binge or a quick escape into another universe.
- Series Highlights:
- Episode 1: “A Fresh Start”: The crew sets off on their journey, and the hilarious dynamics between the team members begin to unfold.
- Episode 10: “Diplomatic Drama”: A turning point in the series where tensions between the characters and the various alien races intensify, giving the story an unexpected, dramatic twist.
- Episode 25: “The Cyborg Conundrum”: A comedic highlight where a new team member with a bizarre cyborg upgrade shakes things up, bringing plenty of laughs and chaos.
- Episode 50: “The Galactic Showdown”: The season finale that will have you on the edge of your seat, filled with action, wit, and an explosive conclusion that sets up the next arc.
What Will You Discover
In Mission to Zyxx, you’ll find a world where space travel is as strange as it is funny. The podcast introduces you to an offbeat crew of intergalactic diplomats on a mission to the far-off planet Zyxx. The crew members, each with their own quirks and oddities, form a dysfunctional yet endearing team as they attempt to navigate the unpredictable cosmos.
Hello from the Magic Tavern
- Total Episodes: Hello from the Magic Tavern has released over 250 episodes, with new ones regularly dropping, allowing you to dive into the ongoing adventures of Arnie and his companions.
- Average Duration: The episodes are around 30 to 45 minutes, making them perfect for a quick escape into a world of magic, mayhem, and laughs.
- Series Highlights:
- Episode 1: “The Arrival”: Arnie’s first encounter with Foon, setting up the magical premise and introducing the lovable characters that will become his regular companions.
- Episode 50: “The Mysterious Visitor”: A twist in the tale with the arrival of a new guest, leading to an unexpected adventure in the land of Foon.
- Episode 100: “The Tavern’s Secrets”: A landmark episode that unravels hidden truths about the tavern and its magical surroundings, deepening the lore of the world.
- Episode 200: “The Great Quest”: An epic moment where Arnie, along with his quirky friends, embarks on a grand quest that changes everything in Foon.
What Will You Discover
Hello from the Magic Tavern is not your ordinary fantasy podcast. It takes you on a journey to the whimsical and unpredictable land of Foon, where magic runs wild and the most unexpected characters make an appearance. The show’s charm lies in its hilarious yet heartwarming approach to storytelling—each episode features Arnie interviewing a variety of fantastical beings, from a shape-shifting wizard to a talking bird, all while unraveling the quirky, oddball mysteries of Foon.