5 Chilling True Crime Podcasts You Can’t Miss in 2025

1. “Dr. Death“

Let me tell you about a podcast that’s been causing quite a stir in the true crime world. “Dr. Death” from Wondery is a chilling dive into the story of Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon who seemed to have it all – confidence, charm, and a claim to being the best in Dallas. Podchaser gives us the lowdown on how this doctor promised to be the miracle worker for people suffering from back pain. But as it turns out, things weren’t quite what they seemed.

Now, here’s where it gets really scary. Town and Country points out that this podcast isn’t just about one bad apple – it’s a deep dive into the complexities of the American medical system. Can you believe that this guy managed to harm 33 patients before someone finally put a stop to it? It’s the kind of story that makes you question everything you thought you knew about the safeguards in place to protect patients.

Fair warning though, this isn’t for the faint of heart. Shortlist advises against listening during your morning commute unless you want to feel a bit woozy. The podcast’s host, medical journalist Laura Beil, doesn’t shy away from the gory details of Duntsch’s malpractice. She talks to some of the luckier victims (and yeah, the fact that there are “lucky” victims is pretty horrifying in itself). It’s a stark reminder of how much trust we put in medical professionals, and how vulnerable that can make us. No wonder this podcast has been adapted for TV – it’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve finished listening.

2. “My Favorite Murder“

“My Favorite Murder,” hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, has been serving up a unique blend of true crime and comedy since 2016. Pod Sauce raves about the incredible chemistry between these two friends, calling them some of the funniest people in podcasting. They’ve got this amazing knack for seamlessly switching between discussing gruesome murders and sharing hilarious stories about their own lives, like getting abandoned at malls in the ’70s or experimenting with questionable ’80s fashion trends.

Now, don’t go into this expecting a super serious, forensically precise account of crimes. Games Radar points out that they even have a weekly “Corrections Corner” to address any factual slip-ups. But that’s not really the point here. What makes this show special is how it feels like you’re just hanging out with your friends at a pub, chatting about murder. Sounds weird when I put it like that, right? But trust me, it works. The hosts are refreshingly open about mental health issues, and they manage to strike this perfect balance between the dark subject matter and their own brand of humor.

It’s no wonder “My Favorite Murder” has become such a hit. Vogue ranks it at the top of their list, and for good reason. The show has spawned a massive, dedicated fanbase who call themselves “murderinos.” These folks are so into it that the podcast has expanded into live shows and even a book with the catchy title “Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered.” If you’re a true crime junkie who doesn’t mind a healthy dose of laughter with your murder mysteries, this is definitely the podcast for you. Just be prepared – you might find yourself using their catchphrase “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered” in your everyday life!

3. “Criminal“

Alright, let me tell you about a podcast that’s putting a fresh spin on the true crime genre. It’s called “Criminal,” and it’s not your run-of-the-mill crime show. Cosmopolitan gives us the lowdown on how the host, Phoebe Judge, digs deeper than just the cold facts of a case. She’s all about exploring the human side of crime – you know, the stories of people who’ve been caught up in the messy world of wrongdoing, whether they’re the perpetrators, the victims, or somewhere in between.

Now, here’s something that sets “Criminal” apart from the pack. The Coolist points out that instead of going for the shock value or sensationalism that some true crime shows love, this podcast takes a more respectful approach. They actually talk to people involved in the cases, which gives you a much more nuanced picture of what went down. It’s like getting the inside scoop, but without feeling like you’re intruding or exploiting anyone’s pain.

And get this – Games Radar raves about how gloriously concise each episode is. In a world where some podcasts can drag on for hours, “Criminal” keeps things tight, usually wrapping up in 20 to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for your commute or when you just want a quick but powerful dose of storytelling. Each episode is like a little self-contained piece of art – sometimes disturbing, always fascinating. So if you’re looking for a true crime podcast that respects your time and your intelligence, “Criminal” might just be your new favorite listen.

4. “Root of Evil“

Let me tell you about a podcast that’s taking the true crime genre to a whole new level of personal. It’s called “Root of Evil,” and trust me, it’s as gripping as it is unsettling. Vogue gives us the scoop on how this isn’t just another rehash of the infamous Black Dahlia murder. Nope, this one’s got a twist that’ll make your jaw drop. The hosts, Yvette Gentile and Rasha Pecoraro aren’t just random true crime buffs – they’re the great-granddaughters of George Hodel, one of the prime suspects in the case. And get this: they actually believe he did it.

Now, Rolling Stone fills us in on some juicy background. This podcast is actually a companion piece to a TNT show called “I Am the Night.” It digs into the seriously messed up history of the Hodel family. George Hodel wasn’t just any old suspect – he was a big-shot doctor to the stars with a seriously shady past. When his daughter Fauna (who wrote a memoir that inspired the TNT show) passed away in 2017, Yvette and Rasha decided to pick up where she left off. But let me tell you, they found way more than they bargained for. We’re talking L.A. noir levels of dark family secrets here.

Country Living reminds us just how big a deal the Black Dahlia murder was – and still is. We’re talking about a case that’s been unsolved for over 70 years and still has people talking. But what makes this podcast really special is the access. These Hodel sisters have gotten their hands on never-before-heard audio and scored interviews that no one else has. It’s like they’re letting us peek behind the curtain of their family’s dark past. Over eight episodes, they unravel a story that’s part true crime, part family drama, and all kinds of fascinating. If you’re into true crime with a personal twist, “Root of Evil” is definitely one you don’t want to miss.

5. “Serial“

This podcast is a big deal. The Coolist gives us the lowdown on how this show burst onto the scene in 2014 and basically created a whole new genre of podcasting. They take one case or concept and dig into it over an entire season. And we’re not talking about some amateur sleuths here – these are top-notch investigative journalists who really know their stuff.

Now, Podchaser fills us in on the pedigree of this show. “Serial” actually started as a spinoff from “This American Life,” which, if you’re into podcasts, you know, is like the godfather of narrative radio. These folks are so good at what they do that they’ve scooped up pretty much every major journalism award out there, including a Peabody – and get this, they were the first podcast ever to win one. That’s how groundbreaking this show is.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. Rolling Stone points out that “Serial” didn’t just create a hit podcast – it created a whole generation of true crime listeners. It got people questioning how we think about criminal convictions and opened up a conversation about the impact this kind of storytelling can have on victims’ families. It’s like they cracked a code that everyone else has been trying to replicate ever since. And while lots of podcasts have tried to copy their formula, nothing quite hits the mark like the original. If you want to understand why true crime podcasts became such a big deal, “Serial” is a great place to start.

Editor’s Pick: “MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark, & Mysterious Stories”

StudyFinds Associate Editor Sophia Naughton is an avid podcast listener across various genres. She couldn’t resist adding her own pick to this list. MrBallen’s podcast follows true crime stories from as recent as months ago to events that happened long ago. “Sometimes podcasts are like shoes; you have to try on a few before you know the right fit,” says Naughton. “As soon as I listened to this pod, it had me hooked. MrBallen includes all the details in a way that is easy to follow, yet captivating. I also love how he adds some production value with sound effects that make you feel like you are in the room watching the crime play out. Subtle details, like floor creaks and breaking glass, truly take you to the scene of the crime. He usually picks stories with a plot twist at the end, so no matter what your suspicions are, they are probably off the mark. This is a great true crime listen that cuts through the narrative commentary that sometimes crowds your ears. MrBallen is a true storyteller.”