True crime has had a vice-like grip on pop culture for a while now, and it’s no surprise, after all, what’s scarier or more compelling than the horrors of real life?
If the podcast revolution has taught us anything, it’s this: people love true crime. The gorier the better. To be clear, it’s not that we like violence per se. But there’s something about the mystery and intrigue of uncovering a gruesome crime, learning the investigative details and debating all the theories that becomes seriously addictive. Several Team Sassy members are veteran watchers and listeners of true crime podcasts, documentaries and TV shows, and we’ve rounded up our favourites so you know where to start! And the following true crime podcasts, TV shows and documentaries cater to this morbid fascination with aplomb…
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Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
There’s something bone-chilling about hearing the serial killer themself admit to their crimes, especially one that was executed in the electric chair. It’s believed notorious serial killer Ted Bundy has taken over 100 lives, and he’s escaped prison twice to continue his killing spree. Oh, and he had a wife and received plenty of fanmail when in jail. This four-part true crime show is a classic.
Watch Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes on Netflix.
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True Crime Garage
This is a great one to listen to when you’re out for a solo meal (or so suggests our Managing Director who’s been known to avidly listen to an episode over a dinner at Genki) because the hosts are more than enough company! Sibling duo Nic and Captain make the perfect team – one with the facts, one with the jokes, and both guzzling down beer for good measure. They cover everything from missing persons to international atrocities, unsolved cases and infamous serial killers.
Listen to True Crime Garage via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Mindhunter
A must-watch for any true crime fan, Mindhunter is based on the 1995 true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. Though a slow start, once it gets intense, it gets intense! Every actor’s done an amazing job and the casting is quite insane as the serial killers on the show all resemble the real ones (Ed Kemper from the first season and Charles Manson from the second, oh boy!).
Watch Mindhunter on Netflix.
My Favorite Murder
As one of the original pioneers of true crime podcasts, My Favorite Murder has become somewhat of a cult classic. Hosted by comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the show brings a light-hearted twist to all things murder. Each episode consists of a candid chat where the girls share and discuss (you guessed it) their favourite murders. Though some critics dislike their loose interpretations of the facts, dates and pronunciations, we personally think it adds to the charm of it all. Make sure to check out the “Hometown” editions where listeners write in and share their real-life “murderino” experiences!
Listen to My Favorite Murder via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story & The Menendez Brothers
If you thought The Jeffrey Dahmer Story was intense, wait till you get a load of this! The latest iteration in the Monster anthology series – helmed by the same duo (Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan) who brought us the record-breaking DAHMER – follows the horrific case of two brothers who killed their parents in 1989. Their steadfast claim that they only did it to escape the years of abuse at the hands of their parents left audiences wondering: who are the real monsters? Now, with the brand-new documentary The Menendez Brothers that has just been released – featuring interviews with the brothers themselves – will we finally get an answer?
Watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix. Watch The Menendez Brothers on Netflix.
Anatomy of a Murder
Another good one if you like getting a peek behind the curtain to see how a professional does it. Based on the idea that murder cases have several layers (victim, crime, investigation) and you must dissect the puzzle to truly understand it, former NYC homicide prosecutor, Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, teams up with Emmy award-winning investigative journalist and former Deputy Sheriff Scott Weinberger to do just that in Anatomy of a Murder. In every episode, you’ll hear from someone directly involved in the investigation, including prosecutors and family members of the victim. If you happen to wandering through the haunted areas of Hong Kong and want to enhance the already creepy vibe, this is the podcast to turn to.
Listen to Anatomy of a Murder via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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When They See Us
The first episode is very painful to watch (emotionally) but you just have to push through because this show is a masterpiece that raises important topics about police brutality and systemic racism. Based on the events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case where five teenagers were falsely sentenced for rape, this show is simply powerful and worth every heartwrenching moment.
Watch When They See Us on Netflix.
Crime Junkie
Time to lighten the mood with Crime Junkie! This podcast has been a consistent hit since 2017 and won Top Show of 2023 on Apple Podcasts – and there’s a good reason for it. If you find that you just can’t get enough of true crime, like you notice it filtering into your real life when you’re Googleing new friends to find dirt or you blurt out murderous ‘fun facts’ everywhere you go, then best friends and co-hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat are likely your soul sisters! They’ll satiate every true-crime-impulse you have with their weekly podcast, while also providing laughs along the way.
Listen to Crime Junkies via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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Not Another True Crime Podcast
True crime for the millennial generation, Not Another True Crime Podcast puts a tongue-in-cheek spin on the genre. Produced by Betches Media, hosts Sara Levine and Danny Murphy make each episode feel like one big gossip session, complete with wine of course! Though hardcore “true crimers” may dismiss this show as frivolous, the podcast’s excellent coverage of contemporary crime scandals (e.g. The Bling Ring and scammer Anna Delvey) make it worthy of a listen.
Listen to Not Another True Crime Podcast via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
In The Dark
An oldie but a goodie. If you’re more interested in the police examination of murders as opposed to the crimes themselves, you have to listen to In The Dark. Showcasing investigative journalism at its very best, this podcast tackles crime-solving accountability head on, drawing attention to systemic law enforcement failures. We loved the first two seasons of the show; the first centred upon the kidnapping and murder of Jacob Wetterling and the ensuing investigation, and the second following the case of Curtis Flowers who has been tried six times for multiple murders. The miniseries and third season have also really scratched that true crime itch. We particularly recommend this one for those who loved Serial.
Listen to In The Dark via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated in October 2024 by Veena Raghunath, with thanks to Jess Ng for her contribution.
Main image courtesy of Sassy Media Group, image 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 & 10 courtesy of Apple Podcasts, image 1, 3 & 7 courtesy of IMDB, image 5 courtesy of Netflix.