The Best True Crime Podcasts Dominating Global Charts
From Serial's exonerations to Crime Junkie's weekly investigations, these shows are reshaping how the world engages with criminal cases
**Crime Junkie: The Chart Leader**
Since launching in 2017, Crime Junkie has claimed the #1 position on Apple Podcasts' True Crime charts. Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat deliver meticulously researched cases every Monday, blending high-profile stories with lesser-known investigations that deserve attention. The show's strength lies in its conversational approach—Flowers drives the narrative while Prawat asks the questions listeners are thinking. Notably, 55% of Crime Junkie's case coverage focuses on unsolved crimes, with 30% devoted to missing persons, and 95% of named suspects are men.
**Dateline NBC: The Established Alternative**
Ranking second on Apple's charts, Dateline NBC brings the authority of the long-running television franchise to podcasting. The show excels at delivering detailed investigative accounts with unexpected twists, offering audiences the same narrative depth they've come to expect from the TV version, but in audio format.
**Serial: The Podcast That Changed Everything**
Season 1 of Serial (2014) remains a watershed moment in true crime audio. By investigating the murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed, the podcast sparked global conversation and, ultimately, contributed to Syed's acquittal after serving 23 years. The case was reopened due to insufficient evidence, demonstrating that podcasts can tangibly influence criminal justice outcomes.
**Casefile and the International Approach**
Based in Australia, Casefile True Crime (2016–present) operates with an anonymous narrator and a straightforward methodology. The host focuses on meticulous research and international cases, maintaining minimal commentary to let facts speak for themselves—a counterpoint to more personality-driven shows.
