Top 26 Documentary Podcasts of 2026

Serial is the pioneering investigative journalism podcast that single-handedly launched the modern podcast era when it debuted in 2014. Created by Sarah Koenig and produced by Serial Productions in association with This American Life, the show redefined what audio storytelling could achieve by applying rigorous, long-form journalism to a single story across an entire season. The first season investigated the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed, raising profound questions about the reliability of memory, the fairness of the criminal justice system, and the difficulty of reconstructing events from the distant past. Sarah Koenig's distinctive narration style — honest about her own doubts and uncertainties, willing to follow the evidence wherever it led — created a new template for podcast journalism that has been widely imitated but never truly replicated. The series generated massive cultural conversation, led to legal proceedings being reopened, and ultimately contributed to Adnan Syed's release from prison. Subsequent seasons investigated other major stories with the same meticulous approach, cementing Serial's legacy as one of the most important and influential media productions of the 21st century.

S-Town is a groundbreaking narrative podcast from Serial Productions and This American Life that defies easy categorization. Created by producer Brian Reed, the seven-episode series begins when an Alabama man named John B. McLemore contacts Reed to investigate a rumored murder in his small hometown of Woodstock, Alabama. What starts as a murder mystery quickly evolves into something far more complex, surprising, and emotionally profound: a meditation on time, mortality, beauty, decay, and the hidden depths of a brilliant, troubled man living in a place that seems to have forgotten him. Brian Reed spent years getting to know John B. McLemore before the story took an unexpected turn that transformed the entire project into something no one could have predicted. The podcast's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of mental health, sexuality, small-town life, environmental degradation, and the meaning of craftsmanship, all centered on one of the most unforgettable characters in audio storytelling. S-Town was downloaded over 40 million times in its first week alone, making it one of the most successful podcast launches in history.

Radiolab is a pioneering podcast and public radio show from WNYC Studios that has been pushing the boundaries of audio storytelling since 2002. Now hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser, the show explores big questions about science, philosophy, and the human experience through innovative sound design, rigorous reporting, and a unique conversational format that invites listeners into the process of discovery. Radiolab's signature production style — layering voices, music, and sound effects to create immersive audio experiences — has influenced an entire generation of podcast creators and remains unmatched in its ambition and creativity. Episodes tackle topics ranging from the nature of consciousness and the ethics of genetic engineering to the surprising science of color and the mathematical patterns hidden in nature, always finding ways to make abstract concepts feel visceral and personal. The show consistently challenges listeners to think differently about the world around them, revealing the strange, beautiful, and sometimes unsettling truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday reality. Radiolab is essential listening for curious minds and the perfect walking companion.

Reveal is an award-winning investigative journalism podcast and radio show from The Center for Investigative Reporting, hosted by Al Letson. As one of the most respected investigative reporting outlets in America, Reveal tackles stories that matter — exposing corruption, holding powerful institutions accountable, and giving voice to communities that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Each episode features deeply researched investigations into topics ranging from environmental pollution and workplace safety violations to immigration enforcement and corporate malfeasance, often spending months or even years on a single story to ensure accuracy and depth. Al Letson brings passion and urgency to every episode, and the show's team of reporters represent some of the finest investigative journalists working today. Reveal's investigations have led to congressional hearings, policy changes, and criminal investigations, demonstrating the real-world impact that committed journalism can achieve. The show's production quality is exceptional, combining rigorous fact-finding with compelling narrative storytelling that keeps listeners engaged even when the subjects are complex or technical.

Criminal is an award-winning podcast hosted by Phoebe Judge that takes a uniquely thoughtful and nuanced approach to stories about crime. Rather than focusing on graphic details or sensationalizing violence, Criminal explores the human dimensions of crime — examining stories of people who have done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the complicated middle. Since its launch in 2014, the show has covered an extraordinary range of topics, from art theft and wildlife crime to wrongful convictions and the complexities of the justice system. Phoebe Judge's calm, measured narration style creates an intimate listening experience that draws you in and encourages reflection rather than judgment.

Slow Burn is a critically acclaimed narrative podcast from Slate that takes deep dives into pivotal political scandals, crises, and turning points in American history, revealing the overlooked details, forgotten characters, and surprising connections that shaped how these events unfolded. Each season focuses on a different historical moment — from Watergate and the Clinton impeachment to the rise of white supremacist David Duke and the road to the Iraq War — meticulously reconstructing how these events felt in real time, before their outcomes were known. What makes Slow Burn exceptional is its focus on the margins of well-known stories, uncovering the lesser-known figures whose decisions and actions were crucial but have been largely forgotten by history. The show combines archival audio, interviews with participants, and rich narrative writing to create an immersive experience that makes listeners feel as though they are living through these historical moments themselves. Each season demonstrates how history rarely unfolds the way we remember it, and that understanding the messy, uncertain reality of past events is essential for understanding our present.

Bear Brook is a groundbreaking true crime podcast from New Hampshire Public Radio, reported and hosted by Jason Moon. The series investigates one of the most chilling cold cases in American history: the discovery of four bodies in barrels in Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire, spanning decades of mystery. What begins as a seemingly unsolvable murder case transforms into a riveting exploration of cutting-edge forensic technology, including genetic genealogy and isotope analysis, that would ultimately crack the case wide open. The podcast masterfully weaves together the stories of dedicated investigators, innovative scientists, and the victims whose identities were lost for decades.

American Scandal is a gripping narrative podcast from Wondery hosted by Lindsay Graham that chronicles some of the biggest scandals in American history. Each season takes a deep dive into a different scandal, meticulously reconstructing events through dramatized storytelling and expert interviews. From Enron's corporate fraud to the Teapot Dome scandal, from the steroids era in baseball to political corruption at the highest levels, the show examines how power, greed, and ambition can lead to devastating consequences. Lindsay Graham's compelling narration weaves together the personal stories of whistleblowers, perpetrators, and victims, creating a rich tapestry of American history that reveals recurring patterns of institutional failure and individual courage.

Dirty John is a riveting true crime podcast and Los Angeles Times investigation by reporter Christopher Goffard that tells the terrifying true story of John Meehan, a charming con man who infiltrated the life of successful businesswoman Debra Newell and her family. The six-episode series masterfully chronicles how Meehan used manipulation, lies, and psychological abuse to control Debra while systematically isolating her from her increasingly alarmed daughters. Through extensive interviews with family members, law enforcement, and people from Meehan's past, the podcast reveals a decades-long pattern of predatory behavior that crossed multiple states and left a trail of traumatized victims.

"The Dropout? More like the 'drop-everything-you're-doing-and-listen,' am I right? In an epic saga of ambition gone awry, this podcast takes a hard look at Elizabeth Holmes and her billion-dollar start-up, Theranos. Rebecca Jarvis of ABC News takes you on a wild roller-coaster ride of deception, inflated promises, and serious turtlenecks. Targeting anyone who loves a good investigative narrative, techie enthusiasts, or anyone with an insatiable curiosity for start-up blunders. It offers an enticing blend of business, technology, and scandal, as it unravels an intrigue so gripping, it makes your morning commute feel like an episode of Sherlock. From boardroom battles to heartbreaking personal stories, prepare for in-depth interviews, unheard deposition tapes, and more. And remember, folks, it's all fun and games until someone falsifies a lab test!"

30 for 30 Podcasts is the acclaimed audio extension of ESPN's award-winning documentary film series, bringing the same cinematic storytelling approach to the podcast medium. Each season explores compelling stories from the world of sports that transcend the playing field, examining the cultural, social, and personal dimensions of athletic competition and the people involved. From forgotten heroes to controversial moments in sports history, the series features meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and rich archival audio that transports listeners to pivotal moments in time. Whether covering the rise and fall of sports empires, the untold stories behind iconic events, or the human drama that unfolds beyond the scoreboard, 30 for 30 Podcasts delivers documentary journalism at its finest, making it essential listening for sports fans and narrative enthusiasts alike.

Believed is a powerful investigative podcast from Michigan Radio, hosted by reporters Kate Wells and Lindsey Smith, that tells the harrowing story of how Larry Nassar — a respected doctor at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics — sexually abused hundreds of young athletes over the course of decades. The series meticulously documents how multiple institutions failed to protect these athletes despite repeated warnings and complaints, examining the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked. Through interviews with survivors, investigators, and insiders, Believed reveals how institutional power and a culture of silence enabled one of the worst serial abuse cases in American sports history.

Ear Hustle is a groundbreaking podcast that tells stories of life inside and outside of prison, co-created and originally produced inside San Quentin State Prison in California. Founded by Earlonne Woods, who was incarcerated at San Quentin, and artist Nigel Poor, who volunteered at the prison, the show brings listeners authentic, unfiltered perspectives on daily life behind bars that are rarely heard in mainstream media. From the challenges of sharing a tiny cell with a stranger to the complexities of maintaining relationships with family on the outside, Ear Hustle covers the full spectrum of the incarcerated experience with humanity, humor, and unflinching honesty.

'Dr. Death' is a chilling and slightly bonkers podcast that's definitely not for the faint of heart or squeamish. Hosted by medical scholar Laura Beil, it invites listeners down a rabbit hole into the shocking world of neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, who turned the operating room into a horrifying crime scene. The podcast is tailor-made for medical enthusiasts, true crime junkies, or anyone who loves tales of betrayal, medicine, and malpractice. If you think your worst nightmare is a rogue surgeon, 'Dr. Death' is here to say, "Hold my scalpel!” But it’s not all gloom and doom - there’s a tantalizing blend of investigative journalism, dramatic storytelling, and wry humor packed into every episode. So, mind the blood spatters and join us for a spine-tingling ride with 'Dr. Death’!

Dolly Parton's America is a deeply thoughtful and beautifully produced podcast from WNYC Studios, hosted by Radiolab co-creator Jad Abumrad, that explores how country music legend Dolly Parton became one of the few truly unifying figures in an increasingly divided America. Over nine episodes, the series examines Dolly's extraordinary ability to transcend political, cultural, and social boundaries while maintaining her authentic identity rooted in the Appalachian mountains of East Tennessee. Jad Abumrad brings his signature innovative sound design and narrative storytelling to explore themes of identity, authenticity, feminism, and the American dream through the lens of Dolly's remarkable life and career. The podcast features extensive original interviews with Dolly herself, who proves to be as thoughtful and complex as her music suggests, as well as conversations with scholars, musicians, and fans who help contextualize her cultural significance. The show also serves as a meditation on the power of music to bring people together across seemingly insurmountable divides. Dolly Parton's America won the Peabody Award and was widely praised as one of the finest podcast productions of its era.

The Lazarus Heist is a gripping podcast from BBC World Service, presented by journalist Geoff White and Korea expert Jean Lee, that investigates the extraordinary story of how North Korean hackers carried out some of the most audacious cyber crimes in history. The series traces the activities of the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking collective linked to North Korea's intelligence agencies, from the devastating 2014 attack on Sony Pictures to the attempted theft of nearly one billion dollars from the Bangladesh Central Bank, and the WannaCry ransomware attack that crippled hospitals, businesses, and government agencies around the world. Through interviews with cybersecurity experts, former intelligence officials, and people directly affected by these attacks, the podcast reveals how one of the world's most isolated and impoverished nations built a sophisticated cyber warfare program capable of threatening global financial systems. Geoff White and Jean Lee bring complementary expertise to the investigation, combining deep technical knowledge with nuanced understanding of North Korean society and politics. The Lazarus Heist is both a thrilling detective story and a sobering examination of how cyber warfare has become one of the defining security challenges of our time.

Tortoise Investigates is a thoughtful and meticulously crafted documentary podcast from Tortoise Media, the British news organization founded on the principle that journalism should slow down to speed up understanding. Each season or episode tackles a major story — political scandals, corporate malfeasance, social justice issues, or cultural controversies — with the depth and rigor that only patient, thorough investigation can provide. Unlike the breakneck pace of daily news coverage, Tortoise Investigates takes the time to follow leads wherever they go, to interview dozens of sources, and to build a comprehensive picture of complex events that resists easy simplification. The production quality is outstanding, with rich sound design and careful narrative construction that makes even the most complex investigations accessible and engaging. The show has covered stories ranging from the dark side of the global fashion industry to the hidden dynamics of political power, always bringing fresh perspectives and original reporting that you won't find elsewhere. Tortoise Investigates represents a commitment to journalism that prioritizes depth over speed, nuance over sensationalism, and public interest over clicks and controversy.

Someone Knows Something is a gripping investigative documentary podcast from CBC, hosted by award-winning filmmaker David Ridgen. Each season takes a deep dive into a different unsolved case, combining meticulous investigative journalism with powerful storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. David Ridgen brings decades of documentary filmmaking experience to the podcast, personally traveling to crime scenes, knocking on doors, and conducting interviews with witnesses, suspects, and family members of victims. The show's first season investigated the 1972 disappearance of five-year-old Adrien McNaughton during a family fishing trip in Ontario, while subsequent seasons have explored other cold cases across Canada and the United States. What sets Someone Knows Something apart from other true crime podcasts is its deeply personal approach — Ridgen doesn't just report on cases from a distance; he embeds himself in the communities affected and builds genuine relationships with the families seeking answers. The podcast has actually helped generate new leads and tips in several cases, demonstrating the real-world impact that dedicated investigative journalism can have.

Over My Dead Body is a riveting true crime documentary podcast from Wondery that tells jaw-dropping stories of love turned deadly, where bitter disputes between couples, business partners, or family members escalate to unimaginable extremes. Each season chronicles a different case in meticulous detail, using court documents, police reports, and exclusive interviews to reconstruct how seemingly normal relationships spiraled into obsession, betrayal, and ultimately violence. The first season told the shocking story of Dan Markel, a Florida State University law professor who was murdered in his own driveway in what turned out to be a murder-for-hire plot connected to his contentious divorce. The second season explored the bizarre tale of a couple whose bitter custody battle over their beloved pets led to a chain of events no one could have predicted. What makes Over My Dead Body particularly compelling is its focus on the slow build — how small grievances and mounting resentments can accumulate over time until they reach a devastating tipping point. The podcast excels at making listeners understand how ordinary people end up in extraordinary circumstances, examining the psychological dynamics of control, revenge, and the darker sides of human nature.

"Root of Evil," the podcast sensation not named after a gardening accident, delves into the intricacies surrounding the infamous Black Dahlia murder. Our hosts, Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, could surely pick a cheerier topic, but where's the fun in that? They’re the great granddaughters of George Hodel, a prime suspect, just to add a dash more darkness. This gripping, family-filled whodunit is not for the faint-hearted, at times it’s more twisted than a pretzel at a yoga retreat. A must-listen for true crime fans and lovers of an intriguing mystery. So put on your detective hat (and maybe leave the lights on), because with episodes like "Mannequin at the Carnival", you're in for one heck of a spine-tingling journey!

Last Day is a powerful and deeply personal documentary podcast hosted by Stephanie Wittels Wachs that examines the addiction crisis in America through the lens of her own devastating loss — the death of her brother, comedian Harris Wittels, from a heroin overdose. The show goes beyond statistics and policy debates to explore the human dimensions of addiction, treatment, and recovery, featuring interviews with people in recovery, families affected by addiction, healthcare providers, harm reduction advocates, and policymakers working to address the crisis. Each season tackles a different aspect of the addiction epidemic, from the failures of the treatment industry and the role of pharmaceutical companies to the stigma that prevents people from seeking help and the innovative approaches that are saving lives. Stephanie's willingness to share her own grief and anger makes the podcast feel intensely personal, while her rigorous journalism ensures that each episode is grounded in facts and evidence. Last Day has become an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the addiction crisis in America.

In the Dark is an award-winning investigative documentary podcast from APM Reports, hosted by Madeleine Baran, that set a new standard for long-form investigative journalism in the podcast medium. The first season examined the 1989 kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling in rural Minnesota, a case that went unsolved for 27 years and fundamentally changed how America handles missing children cases. Through meticulous reporting, Madeleine Baran exposed how law enforcement failures and systemic incompetence allowed the case to remain open for decades. The second season investigated the case of Curtis Flowers, a Black man in Mississippi who was tried six times for the same crime by the same prosecutor, revealing a shocking pattern of racial discrimination in jury selection and prosecutorial misconduct. In the Dark's investigation directly contributed to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Flowers' conviction and ultimately led to all charges being dropped. The podcast demonstrates the extraordinary power of investigative journalism to effect real change in the criminal justice system, combining rigorous fact-finding with compelling narrative storytelling that keeps listeners engaged across complex, multi-episode investigations.

Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo is a deeply moving investigative documentary podcast from CBC, hosted by journalist Connie Walker, that tells the heartbreaking story of a Cree family's search for their sister Cleopatra Nicotine Semaganis, who was taken from her home during the Sixties Scoop — a dark chapter in Canadian history when thousands of Indigenous children were removed from their families and placed with non-Indigenous foster and adoptive families. The podcast follows Connie Walker as she traces Cleo's journey through the child welfare system, uncovering a trail of records, foster homes, and ultimately devastating revelations about what happened to the young girl after she was separated from her siblings. Through interviews with family members, social workers, and others connected to the case, the series illuminates the generational trauma caused by colonial policies that deliberately sought to sever Indigenous children from their cultures, languages, and families. Missing & Murdered is both a specific investigation into one family's loss and a broader indictment of systemic racism and institutional failure. The podcast has been recognized with multiple journalism awards and has played an important role in raising awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Wind of Change is a wildly entertaining investigative documentary podcast from Crooked Media and Pineapple Street Studios, hosted by journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, that investigates one of the most bizarre conspiracy theories of the Cold War era: did the CIA secretly write the Scorpions' power ballad Wind of Change as propaganda to help bring down the Soviet Union? What begins as an almost absurdly fun premise quickly becomes a genuinely fascinating deep dive into the real and documented history of the CIA's involvement in cultural warfare, the use of art and music as tools of geopolitical influence, and the chaotic final years of the Soviet empire. Patrick Radden Keefe, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for his meticulous investigative journalism, brings serious reporting chops to this seemingly lighthearted topic, interviewing former CIA operatives, Scorpions band members, and Cold War historians in his quest for the truth. The result is a podcast that is simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely illuminating, revealing how the lines between culture, politics, and espionage have always been blurrier than we might like to believe. Wind of Change proves that the best documentary storytelling can be both deeply entertaining and intellectually rigorous.

The Clearing is a haunting and deeply personal investigative documentary podcast from Gimlet Media that tells the story of April Balascio, a woman who grew up to realize that her father, Edward Wayne Edwards, may have been one of America's most prolific serial killers. The podcast follows April's extraordinary journey from suspicion to certainty, as she grapples with the devastating realization that the man who raised her was responsible for multiple murders spanning decades. Through April's own testimony and extensive reporting by journalist Josh Dean, The Clearing explores how a seemingly ordinary family man was able to hide a monstrous double life from those closest to him, and what it means for a daughter to reckon with such an unimaginable truth about her own father. The series examines the psychological dynamics of families built on secrets, the ways that denial and compartmentalization allow people to coexist with horror, and the tremendous courage required to come forward with information that destroys your own family's narrative. The Clearing is both a gripping true crime investigation and a profound meditation on memory, identity, and the limits of what we can truly know about the people we love.

The Shrink Next Door is a jaw-dropping documentary podcast from Wondery and Bloomberg, hosted by journalist Joe Nocera, that tells the almost unbelievable true story of a psychiatrist named Dr. Isaac Herschkopf who gradually took over every aspect of his patient Marty Markowitz's life over the course of three decades. What began as a standard therapeutic relationship slowly transformed into something far more sinister, as Dr. Ike — as he was known — manipulated Marty into signing over his home in the Hamptons, taking control of his business, alienating him from his family, and essentially stealing his entire identity. Joe Nocera's investigation reveals how a brilliant but predatory therapist exploited the inherent power imbalance of the therapeutic relationship to an extraordinary degree, raising profound questions about the ethics of psychotherapy, the nature of psychological manipulation, and why it can be so difficult for victims of emotional abuse to recognize what is happening to them. The podcast features interviews with Marty himself, who has the remarkable ability to reflect on his experience with both sadness and humor, as well as other former patients and colleagues who witnessed Dr. Ike's behavior. The Shrink Next Door became a cultural phenomenon and was adapted into a television series starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd.