Just like I tend to gravitate towards psychological thriller novels, podcasts are no exception. True crime – missing persons and serial kills particularly rather than excess gore – is fascinating to me. Part of the interest stems form a desire to understand the behavior of such individuals. So here are the best thriller & crime podcasts.
Season 1 of Up and Vanished explored the 2005 disappearance of beauty queen and high school teacher Tara Grinstead from her home in Ocilla, Georgia. The cold case was the largest case file in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s history, with no arrests in 11 years. There have 2 season following new cases as well. Most episodes are 30-50 minutes.
Covering missing persons, one episode at a time; sometime splitting cases into multiple parts if they top an hour. The Vanished goes beyond conventional news reports to take a deep dive into the story of a different missing person each week. Host Marissa Jones brings you exclusive interviews with family members, friends, law enforcement and experts. Most episodes are an hour to an hour and a half.
Serial is a podcast from the creators of This American Life, hosted by Sarah Koenig. Serial tells one story — a true story — over the course of a season. There are 3 seasons, however the first series of Serial was the best – I haven’t been nearly as invested since then. Season One covers the disappearance of Hae Min Lee, a popular high-school senior, who disappears after school one day. Six weeks later detectives arrest her classmate and ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, for her murder & the podcast details every bit of the timeline. Most episodes are 30-50 minutes.
From Tenderfoot TV and HowStuffWorks, Monster: The Zodiac Killer dives into one of the most notorious, unsolved serial killing sprees in history. Despite sketches, cyphers and taunting letters to the press, the question still remains: who is the Zodiac? This is Season 2 of 4 of notorious ‘monsters’ – worth checking out the other season as well. Most episodes are 30-45 minutes.
Lore is a documentary podcast on topics such as folklore, legends, and historical events, often with a focus on the macabre. Each episode examines historical events or ancient/urban legends that show the dark side of human nature, and is presented in a style that’s been compared to a campfire experience. Most episodes are 30 minutes.
Cold is a narrative podcast series focused on missing persons cases. Investigative journalist and host Dave Cawley takes on a single story with each season. Susan Powell disappeared from her home in December of 2009. Her body has never been found. The man suspected of killing her was never arrested or charged. This begins the complete story of the search for Susan. Most episodes are 30-45 minutes.
Unraveled is hosted by journalists Billy Jensen and Alexis Linkletter. Each season features a deep dive investigation into a case or issue that true crime fans will be obsessed with, culminating in a special streaming on discovery+. Most episodes are 30-45 minutes.
Aaron & Justin break down theories and give their opinions on unsolved murders, controversies, mysteries and conspiracies. Most episodes are 30-50 minutes.
KILLER PSYCHE
When a shocking crime occurs, people ask “Why?” Was it about power, ego, or revenge? On Killer Psyche, retired FBI agent Candice DeLong draws on her decades of experience to reveal why these murderers and criminals committed these acts. She will reveal fascinating new details about what drove these people, including cases she was close to. Candice will share specific psychological methods and profiling techniques that experts use to understand the deepest part of the most complex, fascinating, and twisted minds, from the Unabomber to Dr. Death to El Chapo. Most episodes are 45 minutes.
