Serial, The Jinx, Making a Murderer ... suffice it to say, we'll skip the part where we say you're probably addicted and just assume it. Because — let's face it — who isn't?
A true crime wave has swept the nation — emphasis on "true," no accent on the "crime," and don't forget the silent "TV program or podcast."
In honor of this, here's a roundup of the best crime podcasts as chosen by us, along with a description and an embedded player for the most recent episode of each so you can get your fix between seasons of your favorites — and with luck, make some new ones.
Generation Why
Created by hosts Aaron and Justin, a duo based out of Kansas City, Mo., Generation Why gives a play-by-play of each case of the week either they or viewers select or suggest. The crimes the hosts examine vary from unsolved mysteries to bizarre conspiracy theories to closed cases.
What makes the podcast intriguing is the hosts' propensity to play devil's advocate against each other, and to bring in the occasional guest to add yet another varying perspective. All in all, it's refreshing to hear each and every case approached with at least a couple of differing angles, instead of adhering to one singular narrative. Oh: did we mention that its merch is pretty cool?
You can check out episodes of Generation Why on its website here, or listen via Stitcher Radio here.
Criminal
According to its website, the podcast Criminal is all about "people who've done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle."
The show is made by radio production veterans, and the quality is apparent — all while co-creator and host Phoebe Judge explores facets of the American criminal system in both now and the past. What makes the show stand out are topics related to crime that one wouldn't necessarily consider right off the bat — like the story of the sketch artist who drew John Wayne Gacy in court, or the origin of the American murder ballad.
You can check out episodes of Criminal on the website here, or listen via Stitcher Radio here (oh, and check out our interview with Phoebe Judge here).
Thinking Sideways
Like the title suggests, Thinking Sideways is all about the idea of approaching an age-old mystery with a unique or "out there" perspective, which is all the more enriched by the chummy dynamic and charisma of hosts Devin, Steve and Joe. Like Generation Why, the topics featured on Thinking Sideways run from age-old cases to conspiracy theories, but quirky little treats — like getting to the bottom of who, exactly, was or is Frosty the Snowman — give it a vibe all its own.
You can check out episodes of Thinking Sideways on the website here, on iTunes here, or listen via Stitcher Radio here.
The Sword and the Scale
If you miss the days when truTV was Court TV, The Sword and the Scale might be your go-to podcast. The transcript-heavy hour-long spot delves into real-life crimes by relying on recordings of confessions, in-court testimonies, examinations and cross-examinations to convey the entire scope of each and every case.
You can check out episodes of Sword and Scale on the website here, on iTunes here, or listen via Stitcher Radio here.
Lore
OK, so Lore might not be what we could call a traditional true crime podcast, but its exploration of mostly American legends and folklore (hence the title) are, in essence, all about the most complex version of the word "mystery" has to offer. Each episode produced and hosted by creator and novelist Aaron Mahnke attempts to excavate a sought-after kernel of truth from the larger tale, whether it be about American "vampires," the fate of the Roanoke Colony in North Carolina, or real life zombies.
You can check out episodes of Lore on the website here, on iTunes here or listen via Stitcher Radio here.
Photo: Dan4th Nicholas | Flickr
