
Criminal is the first of its kind. A show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Named a Best Podcast of 2023 by the New York Times. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 468 | Founded | 12 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureTrue Crime | |||

Phoebe interviews crime novelist Patricia Cornwell about how working in an autopsy suite inspired her to create her most famous character: forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta. Plus, Phoebe and Patricia talk about visiting “body farms,” listening to po... more
The “body farm” at Texas State University is a place almost no one is allowed to see, because it’s one of very few places in the world that deliberately puts out human bodies to decompose in nature. We asked if we could visit, and they agreed.
This ... more
In 2008, an article in the monthly FBI bulletin argued that 911 calls could contain clues for homicide investigations. “The caller, in fact, may be the killer.”
Brett Murphy investigated 911 call analysis for ProPublica. You can find their new show,... more
In November 2019, nineteen-year-old Zac Brettler went missing. When his parents began looking for him, they discovered that Zac had been living a double life.
Patrick Radden Keefe’s book is London Falling.
Say hello on Facebook, Instagram and TikTo... more
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Brilliant stuff 🤓
Love the pod - listener for a few years now, has to be! But I pay $7.99/month for Netflix… the entirety of Netflix… that monthly cost for this is out of bounds! Come on, Phoebe… you be the Judge! Pun intended!
Absolutely in my top 5 podcasts that I religiously listen to. At first I was not a big fan of the extra show with the two of them chatting, but they have grown on me big time and I love listening to them now. They are unique in their thoughts and so smart, that we all still learn a few new things every episode. I hate not being challenged mentally and they always have me doing some sort of deep thinking. Do NOT bypass this podcast…. IT IS A MUST KEEP; MUST LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES…..WORTHY WORTHY ... more
Great episode as usual but Phoebe, surely you know grand juries do not find someone not guilty or acquit them. They indict or don’t indict based on the evidence they are presented with. Both you and your guest say Pusser was found not guilty by a grand jury. That’s just not true and shame on both of you for not catching that error. But a fascinating episode nevertheless!
(Reviewers should have to take a short class on the art of reviewing before skewing the numbers with their personal preferences.)
Listen to Criminal Plus; this is Phoebe’s voice. If it’s not for you, move on. Not everything is curated for your own special enjoyment. (Also applies to the “political” complaints.)
The stories are fascinating, and they seem to magically show up when my partner and I are debating about that specific issue (curated for me, perhaps?), and Criminal Plus makes me laugh ... more
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #154 | |
Spotify | #24 | |
Apple Podcasts | #227 | |
Apple Podcasts | #38 | |
Spotify | #137 | |
Spotify | #38 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A thoughtfully engineered true-crime/history show that blends investigative reporting, expert analysis, and personal narratives to explore cases at the intersection of crime, law, and society. Episodes frequently center on legal principles, historical context, and human impact, featuring voices from academia, journalism, and affected communities. Notable strengths include meticulous storytelling, credible sourcing, and a calm, steady hosting style that elevates complex topics without sensationalism. For potential listeners, the show offers clear case backgrounds, multiple perspectives, and accessible takes on legal and ethical questions that resonate with both history buffs and true-crime enthusiasts.
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Criminal launched 12 years ago and published 468 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Criminal include:
1. Patricia Cornwell
2. Erlon Woods
3. Nigel Porter
4. Antoine Williams
5. Elaine Walker
6. Dr. Daniel Wescott
7. Grady Early
8. Dr. Bill Bass
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