What Are the Best True Crime Podcasts in the UK?
True crime is the biggest genre in podcasting, and Britain produces some of the best of it. If you’re asking what are the best true crime podcasts in the UK, here’s a guide to the essential shows — British cases, world-class investigations, and a note on listening responsibly.
A quick word first: the best true crime treats victims with respect and focuses on investigation and justice, not gore. The shows below do that. The ones that treat real tragedies as entertainment, I’ve left off.
The British essentials
Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder — investigative journalism at its finest, on Britain’s most notorious unsolved murder and the corruption around it. Gripping and important.
The Real Manhunter — former detective Colin Sutton on the cases he actually solved. Methodical, humane, fascinating.
They Walk Among Us — long-running British true crime, well-researched and respectfully done. A huge back catalogue to work through.
RedHanded — two British hosts with genuine chemistry, covering cases worldwide with research depth and dark humour. Hugely popular for good reason.
Investigative series worth bingeing
Bear Brook — the gold standard of investigative podcasting. A cold case, solved on mic over two seasons. If you only try one, make it this.
In the Dark — season two’s investigation of Curtis Flowers’ case is extraordinary journalism that had real-world impact.
Serial — the one that started it all. Season one remains a landmark; later seasons vary but stay interesting.
Your Own Backyard — a student journalist investigating a decades-old disappearance. Proof that independent podcasters can out-investigate the professionals.
Beyond the murders: wider crime
True crime isn’t only murder. Some of the best shows cover fraud, heists, and scams:
These tend to be lighter in tone while keeping the investigative rigour — good entry points if the heavier stuff isn’t for you.
- Swindled — white-collar crime and corporate villainy, narrated deadpan. Consistently excellent.
- The Dropout — the Theranos story, told brilliantly. The template for startup-fraud podcasts.
- Chameleon — con artists and impostors, with genuinely jaw-dropping twists.
- Casefile — Australian, anonymous host, meticulous research. A true crime institution.
A note on listening well
True crime involves real victims and grieving families. Favour shows that centre victims over perpetrators, avoid ones that speculate wildly about ongoing cases (it can prejudice trials), and take breaks — bingeing dark material for hours affects your mood more than you’d expect. The genre is at its best when it seeks understanding and justice, not just thrills.
What are the best true crime podcasts in the UK? Your questions answered
Is it okay to enjoy true crime? Yes — with awareness. The genre’s appeal (puzzle-solving, justice, understanding darkness) is legitimate. The line is how the show treats victims: the good ones centre victims and seek truth; the exploitative ones treat tragedy as entertainment. Choose accordingly and you’re fine. Millions of thoughtful people love this genre.
Should I avoid podcasts about ongoing cases? Be cautious. Speculation about active investigations can prejudice trials and torment families. The responsible shows either cover closed cases or report with extreme care. If a show is gleefully ‘solving’ a live case from the studio, switch off — that’s entertainment wearing journalism’s clothes.
Where do I start as a complete beginner? Bear Brook (the masterpiece), then Serial season one (the landmark), then They Walk Among Us or RedHanded for British flavour. That sequence takes you from the genre’s peak through its history to its present — and you’ll know exactly what you like by the end.
Listening responsibly: the ethics checklist
True crime’s ethics matter because real people are involved. The checklist: favour shows that name and humanise victims rather than mythologising perpetrators. Avoid shows that use 999 calls or crime scene audio gratuitously — it’s trauma as content. Be sceptical of shows that present theory as fact; the good ones distinguish clearly.
Consider the impact: families of victims sometimes hear these podcasts. The respectful shows acknowledge this; the worst ones don’t care. Your listening choices are votes — the genre improves when audiences reward responsibility.
And look after yourself: bingeing violent content affects mood, sleep, and anxiety more than listeners expect. Pace it, mix in lighter shows, and stop if you’re feeling uneasy. The best true crime leaves you thoughtful, not frightened. If it’s the latter, the show — or the binge — is the problem.
Starting lighter: fraud and heist podcasts
Not ready for the heavy stuff? The fraud, scam, and heist corner of true crime is gripping without the darkness — perfect entry points.
- Swindled: white-collar crime told deadpan — corporate villainy, cons, and corruption. Fascinating and (mostly) victimless.
- The Dropout: the Theranos saga — how a $9 billion fraud happened. The definitive startup-scam story.
- Chameleon: impostors and con artists with genuinely shocking twists. Each season a new unbelievable true story.
- Heist podcasts: search for art heists, casino jobs, and audacious thefts — the ‘how did they do it?’ fascination without the grimness.
- These share true crime’s puzzle-solving pleasure with a lighter emotional weight. Many listeners start here and graduate to the heavier investigations — or happily stay. There’s no hierarchy; follow what grips you.
The takeaway
The best UK true crime podcasts include Untold, The Real Manhunter, They Walk Among Us, and RedHanded for British cases, plus Bear Brook and In the Dark for world-class investigations. Choose shows that respect victims, avoid speculation about live cases, and pace yourself — the best of the genre informs as much as it grips. Start with Bear Brook — it’s the genre at its absolute best and will calibrate your standards permanently. Then explore from there, favouring the respectful, rigorous shows. And keep the ethics checklist handy: victims centred, no live-case speculation, pace yourself. Great true crime informs as much as it grips.
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