Podcasts Similar to Serial: The Best True Crime and Investigative Alternatives

When Serial debuted in 2014, it revolutionized the podcasting world. Its investigative journalism, episodic storytelling, and deep dive into a single case kept millions of listeners hooked week after week. If you’ve finished all three seasons and are craving podcasts similar to Serial, you’re in luck — there’s a wealth of equally compelling options.

This guide covers:

What makes Serial unique
Must-listen alternatives
Where to stream them

What Made Serial So Popular?

Before finding similar podcasts, it’s important to understand why Serial struck such a chord:

Narrative-Driven Storytelling – One story, told over multiple episodes.
Investigative Journalism – Detailed research and interviews.
Real-Life Cases – True crime at its most authentic.
Strong Host Presence – Sarah Koenig’s style kept listeners engaged.
Suspenseful Cliffhangers – Episodes ended with just enough intrigue to keep you coming back.

Top Podcasts Similar to Serial

S-Town

Creators: The team behind Serial and This American Life
Why It’s Similar: Same investigative depth, single compelling story told over episodes.
Premise: Reporter Brian Reed investigates an eccentric man’s claims about his small Alabama town, uncovering unexpected twists.

Criminal

Host: Phoebe Judge
Why It’s Similar: High-quality production, fascinating true crime stories.
Difference: Each episode is a standalone crime story rather than a season-long investigation.

In the Dark

Focus: In-depth investigative reporting on criminal justice issues.
Why It’s Similar: Season-long explorations of a single case with meticulous research.
Highlight: Season 2’s coverage of the Curtis Flowers case contributed to legal changes.

Dirty John

Producer: Los Angeles Times & Wondery
Why It’s Similar: Serialized true crime storytelling with a mix of interviews and narrative.
Premise: The dangerous relationship between Debra Newell and conman John Meehan.

The Teacher’s Pet

Host: Hedley Thomas
Why It’s Similar: Investigative journalism focused on a decades-old missing person case in Australia.
Impact: The podcast helped lead to a renewed police investigation.

Someone Knows Something

Host: David Ridgen
Why It’s Similar: Slow-burn, season-long dives into unsolved cases.
Style: Emotional, thoughtful, and methodical reporting.

Bear Brook

Producer: New Hampshire Public Radio
Why It’s Similar: Combines true crime and investigative journalism with new forensic techniques.
Premise: A decades-old murder mystery solved with groundbreaking DNA work.

Key Features to Look for in a Serial Alternative

When searching for podcasts similar to Serial, focus on:

Season-Long Case Coverage – Keeps the same immersive experience.
Journalistic Rigor – Fact-checked, credible reporting.
Strong Host Presence – Adds personality and empathy to the story.
High-Quality Production – Good audio and editing keep you engaged.
Emotional Connection – Stories that resonate beyond the crime itself.

Where to Listen to Podcasts Like Serial

Most Serial-style podcasts are available on:

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Stitcher
Pocket Casts

Conclusion

If Serial left you hungry for more immersive storytelling and deep investigative work, there’s no shortage of equally engaging podcasts. From the haunting investigation in S-Town to the groundbreaking reporting in In the Dark, these shows capture the suspense, emotional weight, and journalistic excellence that made Serial a phenomenon.