Mystery podcasts have surged in popularity since the groundbreaking success of Serial, and today, the landscape offers a plethora of captivating options. Whether you’re drawn to true crime narratives or tales of the supernatural, 2024 promises an array of top-tier mystery podcasts to enrich your listening experience. Here’s our curated selection to keep you engaged and intrigued:

Serial

Undoubtedly, Serial deserves its place as the pioneer of the genre. While its debut season delves into a gripping high school murder and potential wrongful conviction, subsequent seasons explore entirely new mysteries, allowing listeners to dive into each without continuity constraints. Season 1 and 3 stand out as essential listens, while Season 2 can be optional. Amongst the best mystery podcasts

Atlanta Monster

This podcast revisits a chilling killing spree that began in 1979, infamous for its impact on the community. The narrative, popularized in Netflix’s Mindhunter, scrutinizes the handling of the case and questions whether the convicted suspect was truly guilty. Over 40 years later, Atlanta Monster continues to unravel the truth behind these haunting events. It also features Amongst the best mystery podcasts

Homecoming

Initially a podcast and later adapted into an Amazon Prime series, Homecoming boasts a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Catherine Keener, and Oscar Isaac. Set within an experimental facility for returning soldiers, its narrative unfolds across two seasons, promising suspense and unexpected twists exclusively on Spotify. The list doesn’t complete without Homecoming Amongst the best mystery podcasts.

S-Town

S-Town captivates with its investigative journey into the eccentricities of a small Alabama town and its enigmatic protagonist. What begins as an exploration of wild allegations evolves into a deeply personal narrative, spanning just eight episodes but leaving a lasting impact and is Amongst the best mystery podcasts.

Up and Vanished

From the creators of Atlanta Monster, Up and Vanished investigates different murder cases across its seasons, revisiting evidence and interviewing witnesses to shed new light on old mysteries. Season 4, launched in early 2024, continues this tradition of gripping storytelling.

Bowraville

This Australian podcast examines the unresolved murders of three Aboriginal Australians, drawing comparisons to the investigative depth of Serial. With just five episodes, it offers a concise yet compelling exploration of a decades-old cold case.

Missing Richard Simmons

Delving into the mysterious withdrawal of 90s fitness icon Richard Simmons from public life, this podcast combines intrigue with societal reflection, presented in a narrative style reminiscent of Serial.

Spines and Mirrors

For those craving mystery tinged with sci-fi horror, Spines and its sequel Mirrors deliver immersive experiences through a gripping radio drama format, exploring surreal and unsettling scenarios that linger long after the episodes end.

Archive 81

Adapted unsuccessfully into a Netflix series, Archive 81 unfolds as a found-footage tale chronicling an archivist’s unsettling discoveries within a mysterious apartment complex. Across its three seasons, it weaves together horror, sci-fi, and paranormal elements into a gripping narrative.

Unsolved Mysteries

Known for its iconic TV series, Unsolved Mysteries also thrills in podcast form, focusing on unresolved crimes and wrongful convictions. While production has slowed, its extensive catalog remains a treasure trove for mystery enthusiasts.

These podcasts promise to keep you enthralled with their compelling narratives and thought-provoking mysteries, ensuring there’s always something intriguing waiting in your playlist. So, dive in and enjoy the thrill of these captivating stories, but beware of spoilers—sometimes, the mystery is best enjoyed as it unfolds.