10 Underrated True Crime Podcasts You Need to Hear

Have you listened to all the top-notch true crime podcasts out there? You might be surprised! We’ve scoured the waves and created a collection of some of the best, yet less celebrated podcasts that cater to various tastes.

Monthly, major streaming platforms release an abundance of fresh documentaries that keep us hooked. Essentially, there’s always a variety of screen content available for viewing. However, it’s not just through these platforms that we can enjoy media – there are numerous other methods as well.

YouTube is incredibly popular when it comes to true crime, and since I consider myself an expert in this field (spending most of my time in front of a screen has led to a Vitamin D deficiency), I’ve found that podcasts have quickly become my preferred method for delving deeply into criminal investigations.

If you’re in sync with me, it’s likely that you’re a fan of long-standing series such as Criminal, Serial, Rotten Mango, and That Chapter. With an abundance of new content emerging frequently, it can be easy to miss some hidden gems or shorter productions. With this in mind, I’d like to share 10 exceptional true crime podcasts that may not yet be on your radar, but are definitely worth a listen.

New Orleans Unsolved

Release date: February 2020
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser
Runtime: 2 seasons (53 episodes)
Listen if you like: Bear Brook, To Live and Die in LA

Topic Overview: Investigative journalist Anna Christie and seasoned reporter Thanh Truong delve into unsolved mysteries from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, peeling back layers of concealed criminal activities and systemic corruption.

This isn’t just another rehash of old cases; instead, it offers a new take with Christie and Truong portrayed as tenacious, skilled investigators. The city of New Orleans comes alive in this narrative, brimming with mystery, rich history, and hidden truths. However, be aware that it doesn’t shy away from the gritty details of the cases it explores.

Disclosed: The Children in the Pictures

Release date: November 2022
Where to listen: LiSTNR, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Runtime: 1 season (8 episodes)
Listen if you like: Hunting Warhead, Darknet Diaries

Exploring in depth: The pervasive issue of online child exploitation, and the strategies employed by Australia’s Task Force Argos to track down offenders lurking on the dark web.

Reason for Recommendation: Engrossing, critical, and meticulously fact-checked, it’s a challenging yet essential listen. It delves deeper than mere sensationalism to highlight the unyielding work of those battling the darkest aspects of the internet.

DNA: ID

Release date: January 2021
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music
Runtime: 100+ episodes
Listen if you like: Crime Junkie, Trace Evidence

What it’s about: Host Jessica Bettencourt unpacks cold cases solved through genetic genealogy.

What makes it great: If you’re an avid listener of true crime podcasts, chances are you’ve come across this one. However, it’s one of the less recognized long-running series that deserves more attention. Bettencourt’s dedication and thoroughness in each episode set it apart, with her presentation style offering a well-balanced and informative exploration of the cases. Don’t miss out on this engaging series!

The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head

Release date: February 2021
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean
Runtime: 53 episodes
Listen if you like: Someone Knows Something, Thin Air

Main Topic: This podcast delves into one of the United Kingdom’s most confounding unsolved mysteries – the case of a corpse discovered in Staffordshire, England, back in 1971.

Unlike typical fast-paced true crime podcasts, Fred the Head has a distinctly British approach to storytelling that is both aimless and focused. The host, Ken Davies, exhibits an unusual blend of quirkiness and respectfulness in his exploration of the subject matter. This results in Fred the Head being an immersive, almost meditative listening experience, despite its dark themes.

Sympathy Pains

Release date: April 2022
Where to listen: iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Runtime: 1 season (6 episodes)
Listen if you like: Dr. Death, Scamanda

Overview: Presented by Laura Beil from the Dr. Death series, this narrates an astonishing tale centered around Sarah Delashmit, a woman who deceived many over several decades by feigning severe illnesses.

You might have overlooked Sympathy Pains among Beil’s other podcasts, but it’s definitely worth your attention. This captivating series recounts an extraordinary con artist tale that will leave you doubting its reality. The intriguing psychological aspects of the crimes make it equally engaging for those who enjoy unraveling deception mysteries.

Vishal

Release date: April 2023
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, BBC Sounds
Runtime: 1 season (10 episodes)
Listen if you like: The Teacher’s Pet, Serial

Main Topic: An in-depth exploration concerning the mysterious vanishing and demise of Vishal Mehrotra, an eight-year-old child that disappeared in London back in 1981.

This podcast on BBC Sounds stands out in its genre, as it delivers exceptional reporting, intense emotion, and political relevance. Vishal, the host, is compelling, shedding light on institutional flaws and racial biases while unraveling a genuinely astonishing mystery. This production showcases thought-provoking true crime at its finest.

Invisible Choir

Release date: June 2018
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible
Runtime: 150+ episodes
Listen if you like: Sword and Scale, Casefile

As a devoted fan, let me share what I’ve been captivated by recently: “Invisible Choir,” a gripping series led by Michael Ojibway, delves deeply into the darkest corners of crime, offering an unvarnished perspective. It frequently includes poignant first-hand accounts from victims’ families and investigators themselves.

Why it’s worth listening to: Invisible Choir may be less well-known than some bigger productions, but its lengthy run has kept it relatively hidden from the spotlight. This isn’t a series for the easily disturbed, as its deeply immersive storytelling offers a profound exploration of the emotional and psychological ramifications of crime. Unlike many other podcasts, it avoids sensationalism, yet doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities. As a result, it stands out as one of the most gripping and haunting podcasts available today.

The Last Voyage of the Pong Su

Release date: October 2019
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music
Runtime: 1 season (10 episodes)
Listen if you like: The Outlaw Ocean, American Scandal

The topic discussed in this podcast is an exhilarating, authentic account of a daring drug smuggling case where approximately $100 million of heroin was delivered to Australian coastlines via a vessel originating from the unconventional nation of North Korea.

If you enjoy crime stories with a cinematic feel, this podcast is highly recommended for you. It’s an outstanding production from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that combines investigative journalism with captivating storytelling. This series delves into espionage, international intrigue, and a plot that appears too incredible to be true – but it’s all real!

Heinous – An Asian True Crime Podcast

Release date: April 2022
Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Runtime: 100+ episodes
Listen if you like: Rotten Mango, That Chapter Podcast

Overview: This thrilling collection of episodes takes you deep into some of Asia’s least publicized yet chilling criminal investigations. Each episode tackles a distinct case, ranging from sensational homicides to hidden atrocities that lie beneath the veneer of society.

Heinous podcast stands out: Unlike many true crime podcasts that mainly focus on Western cases, Heinous delves into chilling Asian crimes, providing valuable cultural and historical context to enrich each narrative. The production quality is excellent, and the storytelling is captivating – once you start listening, it’s hard to stop.

Lucky Boy

Launch Date: February 2025

You can tune in to this show on platforms such as Tortoise, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

If you’re a fan of Sweet Bobby or The Teacher’s Pet, you might enjoy listening to this one too!

The runtime for this season is 4 episodes, with each episode making up the entire season.

Topic Discussion:

Chloe Hadjimatheou serves as the host, while Gareth delves into a 35-year-old relationship he had with his teacher when he was only 14 years old. This narrative explores the intricacies of victimhood and power imbalances, sparking discussions about how society often overlooks male victims of sexual abuse.

Why it’s worth checking out: You might not have come across this one yet because it was recently released. Tortoise’s podcasts are typically engaging, well-researched, and thought-provoking, and Lucky Boy is no exception. What makes it stand out is its complex exploration of the perpetrator-victim relationship, inviting listeners to reconsider their assumptions instead of providing a simple true crime account.

We truly hope you found our list interesting! There’s more where that came from. If you’re a fan of true crime, we recommend checking out some top-notch serial killer documentaries. Also, for those curious about Ruby Franke’s current status, there’s an update on her whereabouts. Lastly, don’t miss out on the significant blunder in the Karen Read trial.

2025-03-13 19:20