34 Best Ethical True Crime Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Something Was Wrong is an award-winning docuseries about survivors' discovery, trauma, and recovery from crime and abuse. more

From the snowy streets of small-town Canada to the darkest corners of the big cities, join Aussie-Canadian host Kristi Lee for an immersive deep dive into the nation's most compelling crimes. With meticulous research and a trauma-informed approach, Kristi takes you beyond the headlines, weaving the facts of each case together with the bigger picture to unravel what happened, the forces that shaped it, and the impact to those left behind. Canadian True Crime is one of the country's leading independent podcasts, and remains a completely independent production funded mainly through advertising and thanks to listeners like you. We engage in victim advocacy and give back monthly to those facing injustice. You can support our work while also listening ad-free and early on our premium feeds . www.canadiantruecrime.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Voices for Justice is a true crime podcast hosted by Sarah Turney, sister of missing teen Alissa Turney. Every episode ends with a call to action. Don't just listen to their stories; be a voice for them. more

*** 2026 Webby Award Winner!! *** The true crime podcast YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE. We recap your favorite true crime documentaries with humor, sass, and heart. FROM VULTURE: 'It's not wrong to laugh when you're listening to a true-crime podcast. Or at least I hope it isn't, because if almost crashing my car while listening to True Crime Obsessed is wrong, I don't want to be right.' Hear our take on 'Abducted in Plain Sight,' 'The Ted Bundy Tapes,' 'Dirty John: The Dirty Truth' and so many more. more

In the Dark, hosted by Madeleine Baran, is an award-winning investigative-journalism podcast that started in 2016. Its first season looked at the mysterious abduction of Jacob Wetterling in rural Minnesota and the lack of accountability that sheriffs face when they fail to solve cases. Season 2 examined the case of Curtis Flowers, who was tried six times for the same crime. In 2020, In the Dark released a special report on the coronavirus pandemic in the Mississippi Delta. In 2023, In the Dark joined The New Yorker and in 2024, it released 'The Runaway Princesses,' a four-part series that asks why the women in Dubai's royal family keep trying to run away. Season 3, released in 2024, asked why no one was punished for the killings of twenty-five civilians in Haditha, Iraq.In the Dark won the Pulitzer Prize for audio for Season 3. The podcast is a three-time Peabody Award winner and, in 2019, became the first podcast to win a George Polk Award, one of the top honors in journalism. The program has also received an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.New Yorker subscribers get early, ad-free access. In Apple Podcasts, tap the link at the top of the feed to subscribe or link an existing subscription. Or visit newyorker.com/dark to subscribe and listen in the New Yorker app.If you have comments or story tips, please send them to ****@newyorker.com. more

Someone Knows Something is the investigative true crime series by award-winning documentarian David Ridgen. Each season tackles an unsolved case, uncovering details and bringing closure to families. Find episode transcripts at this page . Previous seasons: S1: Adrien McNaughton. S2: Sheryl Sheppard. S3: Dee & Moore. S4: Greavette. S5: Kerrie Brown. S6: Donald Izzett Jr.. S7: The Abortion Wars. S8: The Angel Carlick Case. S9: The Christine Harron Case. more

Bear Brook, hosted by Jason Moon, is the critically-acclaimed true crime podcast from New Hampshire Public Radio. Season 1 - Two barrels. Four Bodies. And a cold case that's changing how murders will be investigated forever. Season 2: A True Crime Story - Jason Carroll is serving life in prison for a murder he says he didn't commit. The only evidence against him? His own taped confession. More than 30 years later, is it possible to get to the truth and who gets to tell it? Season 3: A Private Matter - A Christmas tree farmer vanishes from his small town. His wife never reports him missing. Can anyone find out why? New episodes starting Oct. 21, 2026. Stephen King called both seasons 'the best true crime podcasts I've ever heard. Brilliant, involving, hypnotic.' The New Yorker said season one 'stands out for its ambition, complexity, and thoughtful tone.' more

The Fall Line® is an investigative true crime podcast focused on cold cases, unsolved murders, and missing persons. We shine a light on what's been under-investigated, under-covered, or both — diving deep into unsolved homicides, disappearances, and unidentified John and Jane Does. Through interviews with law enforcement, forensic experts, victim advocates, and families, we investigate what happened and why these cases remain unsolved. We dig into current issues in forensic science, DNA evidence, and criminal justice — and confront the disparities that leave underrepresented victims, including those lost to serial killers, without headlines or justice. Every episode is victim-centered, not drama-driven. Real cases. Real families. Real justice. more

Dark Downeast: Maine and New England's True Crime Podcast digs into the decades-old and modern day cases that prickle the history of Vacationland and beyond the unsolved homicides, undetermined deaths, unexplained disappearances and other dark stories of New England.Investigative journalist and storyteller Kylie Low gets straight to the story with a mix of narrated episodes and documentary style production featuring interviews with surviving family and friends and insight on the investigations from detectives and sources who know these cases best.This is heart-centered, ethical true crime, bringing light to stories you're not hearing on other podcasts. It is Dark Downeast's mission to honor the legacy of the humans at the heart of each story and bring new attention to the cases still awaiting justice. more

Author Andrea Dunlop is looking for answers. When her older sister was first investigated for Munchausen by Proxy abuse more than a decade ago, it tore her family apart. This catastrophic series of events sent Dunlop on a journey to understand this most taboo form of abuse. In this groundbreaking podcast, she talks to some of the top experts in the world to explore the criminology and psychopathology behind Munchausen by Proxy and to reveal the wide swath of destruction these perpetrators leave in their wake.In each season, Dunlop investigates a case: speaking to friends, family members, doctors, law enforcement, child protection workers, and experts. Nobody Should Believe Me unravels these complex and terrifying stories, shedding light on an unspeakable crime.'A rich and harrowing chronicle of the condition.' --The New York Times​ ​ (LM032423) more

PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web. Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling. Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off. PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC. © 2026 Creative Babble LLC [CLAIM:B6BT3XC4] more

Do you ever listen to a true crime podcast and think, 'that's not quite right…?' Same. Crime stories are hard to ignore and even harder to forget. But the thing is... they're stories. And getting a story right is all about how you tell it. Truer Crime talks about real people— murdered, missing, misled — with more nuance, more context, and more questions. Hosted by Celisia Stanton. Season 3 out now! more

True crime with a new focus...shining a light on the all too often ignored cases of Black women and girls who have gone missing or have fallen victim to murder. Each episode takes you on a heart wrenching journey through the stories of these women and girls and the families they left behind. Join us as we work to uncover hidden truths and bring the stories of these women to the forefront. Together we can seek justice for the forgotten and give a voice to the voiceless. New episodes Now Available Weekly more

Exploring the ethical complexities of true crime, one case at a time.

We all hear stories almost daily now about cold cases being solved by investigative genetic genealogy. This new crime-solving tool answers the 'who' question about these often decades-old crimes... but what about the why? This podcast will look at crimes solved by genetic genealogy, and examine the connection - if any - between the victim and the killer, and why the crime occurred. Each case is unique, and has its own story behind the headline. Join us for DNA: ID. New episodes will come out every other week on Mondays. more

The Murder Diaries is a victim-centered true crime podcast with three distinct episodes each week. We cover missing persons and cold cases that need your attention, unpack the real lives behind Hollywood's most tragic figures, and break down true crime and adjacent documentaries that are worth a deeper look. New episodes weekly: Mondays Tragic Hollywood Tuesdays - DocuFiles Thursdays - True crime cases that need your attention Connect with us at themurderdiariespodcast.com or on socials @themurderdiariespod more

What happens after the experiences of true crime survivors have been shared with the world? Does the media truly capture all it entails to survive such tragedy in the public eye? What comes after the convictions are in, the cameras stop rolling, and the court of public opinion has spoken? Can sharing our stories lead to justice, and is there ever really justice? These questions and many more are discussed on the new true crime docuseries podcast brought to you by Broken Cycle Media . What Came Next is co-created and produced by Something Was Wrong 's Tiffany Reese and host, award-winning writer, victim advocate and true crime survivor Amy B. Chesler . On What Came Next , you'll hear firsthand accounts from those impacted, with behind the scenes insights about what came next for survivors after their stories were shared with the world, and how the media impacts crime victims and their loved ones. more

Season 3: Trouble in SweetwaterViolence. Retaliation. Disappearances. The Navajo Nation is 27,000 square miles of remote terrain with just over 200 tribal police officers. This season on Stolen, Connie Walker's investigation into the cases of two missing women leads her on a search for justice in a place where people say you can get away with murder.Reporting for Stolen: Trouble in Sweetwater was supported by the International Women's Media Foundation's (IWMF) Fund for Indigenous Journalists reporting on issues related to Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) with a concentration on women, girls, Two-Spirit, and transgender people.Season 2: Surviving St. Michael's Last May, investigative journalist Connie Walker came upon a story about her late father she'd never heard before. One night back in the late 1970s while he was working as an officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, he pulled over a suspected drunk driver. He walked up to the vehicle and came face-to-face with a ghost from his past—a residential school priest. What happened on the road that night set in motion an investigation that would send Connie deep into her own past, trying to uncover the secrets of her family and the legacy of trauma passed down through the generations.In Stolen: Surviving St. Michael's, Connie unearths how her family's story fits into one of Canada's darkest chapters: the residential school system.Season 1: The Search for JermainIn 2018, a young Indigenous mother named Jermain Charlo left a bar in Missoula, Montana, and was never seen again. After two years and thousands of hours of investigative work, police believe they are close to solving the mystery of what happened to her. We go inside the investigation, tracking down leads and joining search parties through the dense mountains of the Flathead Reservation. As we unravel this mystery, Stolen: The Search for Jermain examines what it means to be an Indigenous woman in America.Stolen is hosted by Connie Walker. more

Listen to Mind Over Murder, the true crime podcast from victim's advocates Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley. Kristin is a researcher, writer and teacher from Virginia. Bill is an entertainment executive now living in Connecticut who is also the brother of a murder victim. His younger sister Cathy Thomas along with her girlfriend Rebecca Dowski, were the first two victims in now partially solved Colonial Parkway Murders ,which claimed the lives of at least 10 young people near Williamsburg from 1986 to 1989. They moderate the Colonial Parkway Murders FaceBook and Mind Over Murder pages with more than 20,000 followers. Join them for thoughtful true crime advocacy. Now celebrating their sixth season with more than 500 podcast episodes. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mind-over-murder--4847179/support . more

In this captivating podcast, I aim to uncover and share the stories behind heinous and insane acts that have been overlooked or overshadowed by mainstream media in the Black community. The mission is to bring attention to the untold narratives, seeking justice for those whose voices have been silenced. With a careful blend of meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and a deep respect for the victims and their families, I present these gripping and often haunting tales. more

This is true crime with journalistic integrity — and a curious, conversational edge. Every other Monday , Crime Story dives into gripping cases of every kind: from white-collar scandals and high-profile trials to under-the-radar stories you've never heard before. At the heart of each episode is a deep, intimate interview with someone who knows the case inside and out — the journalists, documentarians, and storytellers who've reported on these crimes, chased leads for years, and lost sleep uncovering the truth. Their insights cut through the noise, revealing not just what happened, but why it matters. Hosted by award-winning journalist Kathleen Goldhar — a true crime devotee with more than 20 years of experience and a track record of critically-acclaimed podcasts — the show blends sharp reporting with an authentic love for the genre. more

Crime of the Truest Kind is a Massachusetts‑based true crime and local history podcast exploring the crimes, mysteries, memories, and moments that shaped New England (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). Hosted by Anngelle Wood — the longtime Boston radio voice (WFNX, WBCN, WZLX) and credentialed victims' advocate — the show brings storytelling shaped by her years on‑air, sharp pacing, deep research, heartfelt advocacy, and dry wit to every case. Each episode revisits the missing, the murdered, the unsolved, the cold cases, and the stories that still haunt our cities and towns. Anngelle works closely with families to tell their stories with care, offering an honest, human perspective on even the hardest cases, guided by a storyteller's instinct. It's crime, history, advocacy, memory, and mystery — told with heart and defined by truth. CrimeoftheTruestKind.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Every true crime case involves real people and real lives that are cut short. True Crime with Kimbyr seeks to honor the victims of these unfathomable crimes by bringing facts to the forefront and sharing their stories with dignity and grace. An acclaimed storyteller on both her namesake and DARKLIVITY shows, Kimbyrleigha brings empathy and sensitivity to the world of true crime, conducting in-depth research and approaching each case with the care they deserve. more

Welcome to 'Murder Files Unsealed' a True Crime Podcast, your portal into the darkest corners of the human psyche and the chilling stories that have left an indelible mark on society. Join us as we delve deep into the realms of real-life mysteries, unsolved cases, and the minds of both criminals and investigators. 🎙️ Podcast: Tune in to our gripping podcast episodes, where we breathe life into these haunting tales through immersive storytelling and in-depth interviews with experts, detectives, and survivors. Each episode takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from shock and fear to empathy and hope. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, our podcast offers a captivating blend of suspense, intrigue, and human drama. 🕵️♀️ Our Commitment: At 'Murder Files Unsealed,' we are dedicated to respecting the sensitivity of these stories while ensuring that the voices of victims and their families are heard. We strive to shed light on the relentless pursuit of justice, the tireless efforts of law enforcement, and the resilience of survivors. Our content is meticulously researched, and we approach each case with empathy and integrity. Join us on this captivating journey through the annals of true crime history. Together, we'll unravel the mysteries, examine the evidence, and seek the truth behind the most perplexing cases that have gripped the world's imagination. 'Murder Files Unsealed' is more than just a podcast and blog; it's an exploration of the human condition, the pursuit of justice, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of darkness. 'Murder Files Unsealed' is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Our goal is to inform and engage our audience in the intricacies of criminal investigations, forensic science, and the pursuit of justice. We do not seek to glorify or sensationalize crime but rather to foster understanding and awareness. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support . more

She Goes by Jane is a true crime podcast that focuses on the stories of missing women and unidentified women. Each episode explores unsolved disappearances and Jane Doe cases with deep research, historical context, and original poetry, featuring guest readings by actors and advocates. Unlike other true crime podcasts, we center the victims—not the killers. No gore. No gimmicks. Just the truth, told with care. Perfect for listeners who want ethical true crime storytelling about unsolved mysteries, missing persons, and cold cases. more

As someone who has been personally effected by homicide, I approach every True Crime case I cover with the goal of balancing facts with empathy—giving victims a voice while exploring the larger cultural and societal implications of the cases. I want you to leave my episodes not only knowing that the people who I talk about are real.. what happened to them is real but also acknowledging that they are much more than just their deaths.Each audio file from this podcast is taken from my videos on YouTube. If you want to see me in action, you can search 'Bratterstein' there. more

Weird True Crime is the ultimate podcast for fans of bizarre, lesser-known, and jaw-dropping true crime stories. Hosted by Gina Nichols and Amber Paul, these lifelong besties explore strange crimes that will leave you stunned. They dive into ethical, victim-focused storytelling with family interviews that bring humanity to the forefront of the narrative. Every episode of Weird True Crime unravels mysterious cases, unsolved crimes, and shocking events you won't believe are real. Need a lighter take? Tune in biweekly for WTF Wednesday , where Gina and Amber share hilarious stories of dumb criminals, true crime history, and other oddball crime tales guaranteed to make you laugh. As part of the Weird True Crime family, you'll join a growing community of 'little skeletons' led by our quirky mascot, Billy the Skelly, who guides you through these wild and fascinating tales. Whether searching for podcasts about true crime, strange cases, ethical storytelling, or even light-hearted crime stories, Weird True Crime offers a unique blend of heart, humor, and spine-tingling content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and let Gina, Amber, and Billy take you on an unforgettable journey into the weirdest corners of crime. Weird True Crime is a Fire Eyes Media LLC production. Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeirdTrueCrime Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weirdtruecrime Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support . more

Discover the untold stories of domestic violence, missing persons, and unsolved cases with Sins and Survivors, a Las Vegas true crime podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of victims and survivors. Every Tuesday, Shaun & John delve into real-life cases with thoughtful analysis, expert research, and a commitment to justice. What happens here, happens everywhere. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sins-survivors-a-las-vegas-true-crime-podcast--6173686/support . more

DEADLY INTENT: The Dark Side of HumanityHosted by Carman CarrionWhen the worst people in the world cross the line, what drives them to do it? Deadly Intent takes you inside real true crime stories with an emotional, human-centered approach that refuses to exploit victims — but never shies away from the disturbing reality of the crimes.Hosted by Carman Carrion, this weekly true crime podcast blends deep research, forensic detail, and psychological insight to reveal not just what happened… but why. Every episode explores criminal psychology, murder cases, disturbing confessions, and the dark motives behind real-world horrors.You'll hear:Emotional, narrative true crime told with empathyDetailed timelines that pull you straight into the eventsForensic and psychological breakdowns of the criminal mindLesser-known cases and chilling crimes you've never heard ofHigh-profile murders examined through a victim-focused lensIf you love true crime deep dives, crime scene analysis, and raw, honest storytelling, this show is for you.New episodes every week. more

The Unseen Truth - an investigative True Crime Podcast dives into unsolved and cold cases from the midwest and beyond. Investigative journalist and True Crime podcaster, Jen Rivera, is on a mission to give victims a voice while diving into the unseen realm of True Crime cases - ranging from homicides to missing persons to undetermined deaths. From cases that dominated the headlines, to those that you're not hearing about in the media. Each season covers an in depth investigation on a specific case through well-researched and ethically conducted storytelling, always keeping the victim's voice at the heart. A mix of documentary style production and narrative episodes featuring interviews from friends and family and insights from detectives and valuable sources that know the cases best. View source information and materials at unseentruthpodcast.com Follow @unseentruthpodcast on Facebook and Instagram To suggest a case email ****@reignitedmedia.com The Unseen Truth is a Fire Eyes Media production hosted by Jen Rivera more

The Knife: A True Crime Podcast is a weekly true crime podcast from journalist/producers Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton. It's a show about people who've been dropped into a story they didn't start, but are left to finish. In-depth interviews take the listener behind the punchy headlines to hear what really happened from the people who lived it. The Knife reveals the ripple effect of crime. Through empathetic, solution-oriented journalism, Hannah and Patia find the untold stories of people who've been touched by crime. They're not breaking news or solving cases, they're cutting to the heart of the experience through gripping, first-person storytelling. Follow The Knife on Instagram @theknifepodcast and on Bluesky @theknifepodcast.bsky.social. The Knife is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including true crime, comedic interviews, news, science, pop culture and more. The network is home to My Favorite Murder hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, This Podcast Will Kill You, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, Buried Bones and more. more

I'm the creator and host of a true crime podcast that highlights overlooked Black stories with depth, empathy, and a little bit of humor. I blend solid research with honest, engaging storytelling to bring truth and representation to the forefront. more

True Crime podcast hosted by Steve Rhode, exploring untold true crime stories and the complexities behind true crime cases. Each episode honors victims while discussing justice and accidentally teaching new information you don't know.CrimeCon UK True Crime Awards 2026 — Podcast: Rising Star, Highly CommendedTo join the exclusive email notification list go to https://truecrimeunheard.com/subscribe more

This is a true crime podcast that shifts the focus where it belongs—on the victims. Through research and compassionate storytelling, your host Alecia Watson brings you a twisted and true story that offers a respectful, fact-based perspective on true crime. She strives for the victims to be remembered not just for the crimes committed against them, but for the lives they lived and who they were all while immersing you in the mystery of what happened. Thank you so much for listening and remember that you are wanted, you are loved, and you deserve to be here. Follow the show @ itstrulytwisted on Instagram and @trulytwisted on Tiktok. Follow Alecia personally @littleleesha Subscribe over on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@itstrulytwisted more