There’s nothing like a good podcast to while the hours away. Moreover, there’s nothing quite like a good true crime podcast to turn those hours into a thrilling ride (even if it is while folding laundry).
And if you’ve been meaning to refresh your usual rotation, you’ve come to the right place. Here, a round-up of the best true crime podcasts (some new, some underrated and some just too good to ignore) to get in your ears in 2020.
Scroll on to see them all.
1. Chasing Charlie
Approached with a seemingly routine case of a jilted lover, private investigator Julia Robson begins to uncover the unsettling saga of unscrupulous conman, Charlie. Relentless, determined, and whip smart, Julia embarks on a seven-year mission for the redemption and justice of victims around the globe, who under closer observation aren’t your regular shrinking violets. Chasing Charlie is a true story of crime, dominance and deception with dark sexual undertones.
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2. Australian True Crime Podcast
Think nothing ever happens in your town? Australia’s suburbs are home to some of the most mysterious and disturbing true crime cases in the world. Meshel Laurie is a true crime obsessive. Emily Webb is a true crime author. And together with expert interviews with writers, victims, investigators and perpetrators, they probe the underbelly of our towns and suburbs, and uncover the darkness at the heart of Australian life.
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3. The Zest Is History
Ex-All Aussie Mystery Hour hosts Josie Rozenberg-Clarke and Melissa Mason went independent in 2020 with their new history podcast. While they’ll now delve into political scandals and bushranger adventures, they’re still covering murders, supernatural entities and, of course, mysteries in Australia.
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4. The Dating Game Killer
In 1978, Rodney Alcala won a date on the popular TV show, The Dating Game. What no one knew was that he was a prolific serial killer in the middle of a cross-country murder spree. In this six-part series, the hosts take listeners on an unbelievable journey into Alcala’s twisting secret life. He hid behind normal jobs as a typesetter at a prominent newspaper and a summer camp counselor. How did this predatory monster fool employers, prison psychiatrists, and parole boards — all while committing heinous crimes from coast to coast? And how did a one-time appearance as a game show contestant help lead to his capture? From the makers of Dirty John, this is the story of the most famous serial killer you’ve never heard of.
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5. Murder In Hollywoodland
It’s February 2nd 1922, and all of Hollywood is about to wake up and learn that William Desmond Taylor, the most famous film director in town, was murdered in his home last night. The investigation will shine a light on some of Hollywood’s most scandalous affairs, backroom deals, and underground drug dens. This real life Murder Mystery is one of the most iconic ‘whodunnit’ cases of the 20th century that will leave you guessing (and second guessing) who killed William Desmond Taylor for weeks to come. Murder in Hollywoodland premieres June 17th wherever you find your podcasts.
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6. Morning Cup Of Murder
Ever wonder what murder took place on today in true crime history? If so, sit back and grab a cup of coffee as you enjoy your daily dose of TC goodness. Your host, Korina Biemesderfer, guides you through history with tales of murder, abduction, serial killers, crimes of passion, cults and more in this short form daily true crime podcast.
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7. Killer Queens
Prefer your true crime on the ‘lighter’ side? Obsessed with all things ’90s? This is the podcast for you. Hosted by sisters Tori and Tyrella who get together weekly to discuss a different case straight from the headlines or news feed, this series delivers plenty of witty chatter, Friends quotes (yes, really) and, of course, plenty of crime (we strongly recommend the bonus episodes about Tiger King’s Joe Exotic).
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8. Detective Trapp
Anaheim investigator Julissa Trapp is not like other detectives. She’s the only woman on the homicide squad, and a skilled chameleon: undercover cop in vice stings, crime-scene commander, patient confidante of killers. A master interrogator, she invokes her personal experience – and deepest griefs – as a tool to elicit confessions. When a young woman’s body is found at a trash-sorting plant, Trapp learns the murder may be linked to the disappearance of three other women in nearby Santa Ana. Trapp embarks on a dark journey that brings her face to face with a man who takes “a little piece of her soul.” The series is about a singular detective on a relentless, sometimes lonely quest for answers.
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9. Killer Fun
Less about the crime, and more about how TV, movies and books shape our perception of criminals. Hosts Christie and Jackie dive into all things crime (real and fictional) in entertainment and pack out each hour-long episode with plenty of well-researched facts and excellent banter.
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10. The Lady Vanishes
A much loved mother, teacher and friend steps on a plane for an overseas adventure and is never seen again. Marion Barter, the former wife of Australian soccer great Johnny Warren, went missing in 1997. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are bizarre. Her daughter has never given up hope of finding her. This is her quest.
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11. Trace: The Informer
Pefer a more psychological take on crime? Criminologists Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg go deep in this podcast that is all about, you guessed it, women and crime. Bringing to the table their experience studying women who have been victims of crime, those who have committed crimes and those who work in the criminal justice system, each episode uses a criminologist’s lens to look at how women are treated in the criminal justice system and the psyches of female killers.
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13. The Orange Tree
Calling all fans of Serial: get The Orange Tree on your list, stat. A limited seven-episode series, the show investigates the 2005 murder of Jennifer Cave. Twenty-one-year-old Jennifer went out one night and was never seen again… until her body was found at The Orange Tree, an apartment complex near the university. Her friend, who was the last person to meet her before she went missing, mysteriously fled to Mexico… and he wasn’t alone. The story takes such a wild turn, you’ll want to prepare to binge!
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