Have you ever found yourself completely engrossed in a story, unable to press pause until you've devoured every last detail? We know we have. It takes a tremendously good documentary podcast to keep you so hooked that you just can't stop listening. And with so many different shows out there, knowing which ones to dedicate the time you might have is a real challenge. So much of a challenge that it might sway you from listening to these kinds of shows altogether!
With that said, we've put together a list of 24 of the best documentary podcasts out there. From true crime to history to current events, there's something for everyone. And the best part? Well, these are considered some of the most binge-worthy documentary podcasts there are, so it's likely that once you start, you won't be able to stop!
1) The Big Dig
Produced by GBH News and hosted by Ian Coss, this nine-episode series dives deep into the story of the Big Dig, a massive highway tunneling endeavor that became notorious for its ballooning costs and was seen as a prime example of waste and corruption.
The Big Dig's journey spanned over four decades, from its initial conception to its ultimate completion. Along the way, the project encountered every imaginable obstacle: cutthroat politics, engineering challenges, tight-lipped contractors, outright fraud, and even the tragic death of a motorist. But despite the negative press, the Big Dig actually delivered on its promise to revitalize the city.
This series offers an authentic, inside look at one of the most complex and expensive public works projects in American history. It's a remarkable roller coaster ride of a documentary that you won't want to miss.
2) The Set
The Set podcast is a groundbreaking 10-episode documentary series that takes you on a thrilling journey through one of the most significant police corruption scandals in NYPD history.
Set during the crack era, when New York City was at its most violent, the NYPD struggled to combat the drug epidemic, and a shocking truth emerged: some police officers had crossed the line and become drug dealers themselves. This series proceeds to take you on a unique first-person perspective on the events that unfolded and delves into the investigation that exposed this corruption, revealing the gritty details and the impact it had on the city.
Zak Levitt's masterful storytelling brings this incredible tale to life, offering viewers an unparalleled look at a dark chapter in New York City's history. Truly a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, police corruption, or the challenges faced by major cities during the crack epidemic.
3) Outlaw Ocean
Brace yourself for a thrilling journey into the untamed world of the high seas with "The Outlaw Ocean" podcast. This gripping seven-part series, created and produced by The Outlaw Ocean Project in collaboration with CBC Podcasts and the L.A. Times Podcasts, takes you on a wild ride through the lawless realm of the world's oceans.
This podcast is the result of over eight years of daring reporting across all seven oceans and more than three dozen countries. Urbina's immersive audio documentary pulls back the curtain on a world few have ever seen, populated by a cast of characters straight out of a thriller novel.
From traffickers and smugglers to pirates and mercenaries, from wreck thieves and repo men to vigilante conservationists and elusive poachers, "The Outlaw Ocean" introduces you to the shadowy figures who call the lawless oceans their home. You'll also meet seabound abortion providers, clandestine oil dumpers, shackled slaves, and cast-adrift stowaways – each with a story more shocking than the last.
4) Mother Country Radicals
Prepare to be transported back in time to an era of radical activism, political upheaval, and a generation's fierce determination to change the world in "Mother Country Radicals." This captivating podcast series is brought to you by Zayd Dohrn, a man whose very existence is rooted in the counterculture movement of the 1970s.
Born to parents who were themselves radicals and rebels, Dohrn's story is one that is inextricably linked to the Weather Underground Organization, a group of young activists who took their fight against the U.S. government to extreme lengths. Listeners will hear how this group joined forces with black militant groups to fight systemic racism, rob banks, and even break their own comrades out of prison.
At its core, "Mother Country Radicals" offers a unique perspective, combined with immersive storytelling and a wealth of historical detail, making for an unforgettable listening experience that will leave you both inspired and unsettled.
5) Big Sugar
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in the sugar industry? Well, Big Sugar has all the answers you may have been looking for. This podcast takes you on an eye-opening journey into the secretive world of the multi-billion dollar sugar industry, exploring the ins and outs of the production and sale of sugar, as exposed by brave workers, determined lawyers, and investigative journalists.
From the White House to the nightclubs of Havana and the sugarcane fields of Florida, this series uncovers the lies and exploitation that have long been hidden from public view and tackles important issues of our time, including human rights, lobbying, nutrition, and the environment.
6) In the Red Cley Podcast
Meet Billy Sunday Birt, a name that strikes fear into the hearts of those who know his story. Birt was a force to be reckoned with, a man who left a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake as leader of the Dixie Mafia. But who was he really, and what drove him to become the most dangerous man in Georgia?
The Red Clay podcast is considered to be a masterful blend of storytelling and investigative journalism, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era and the larger-than-life characters who defined it. From the red clay roads of rural Georgia to the smoky backrooms of local politics, host Sean Kipe unravels the mystery surrounding Birt and brings the truth to light. With each episode, he peels back the layers of this fascinating case, interviewing key players, and uncovering shocking revelations that will leave you breathless.
7) S-Town
Hosted by Brian Reed, a master storyteller from the renowned Serial Productions and The New York Times, S-Town begins with a man named John, fed up with the corruption and decay in his Alabama hometown, enlisting someone by the name of Reed to investigate a shocking claim.
But as Reed delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists that will keep you hooked from the very first episode. And as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that the true heart of S-Town lies not in the murder investigation, but in the enigmatic figure at its center: John himself.
Through intimate conversations and revealing anecdotes, Reed paints a portrait of a brilliant, tormented soul grappling with the weight of existence in a world that seems determined to break him down.
8) Behind the Bastards
Get ready to dive into the dark, twisted minds of history's most notorious villains with "Behind the Bastards," the podcast that dares to explore the unbelievable true stories of the worst humans ever to walk the Earth.
From the young adult novels that shaped Hitler's monstrous ideology to Saddam Hussein's secret career as an amateur romance novelist, "Behind the Bastards" uncovers the bizarre, little-known facts that shed new light on these infamous figures. You'll be shocked, amazed, and morbidly fascinated as host Robert Evans takes you on a wild ride through the lives of dictators, cult leaders, and corrupt power brokers.
9) Blowback
Uncover the hidden truths behind America's foreign policy decisions with "Blowback," the podcast that fearlessly explores the consequences of U.S. interventions abroad. Hosted by Brendan James, former producer of Chapo Trap House, this narrative history podcast offers a fresh and unfiltered perspective on pivotal moments in American history.
Each meticulously researched season takes listeners on a gripping journey through major events such as the Iraq War, the Cuban Revolution, and the Korean War. And with Season 4, "Blowback" turned its attention to the crisis in Afghanistan and the U.S.' involvement post-9/11, weaving together historical facts, insider insights, and thought-provoking analysis.
10) Rabbit Hole
Do you ever wonder what the internet is doing to our minds? Rabbit Hole, a podcast from The New York Times, dives headfirst into this question. Hosted by tech columnist Kevin Roose and brought to life by the killer New York Times Audio team, this 8-part series takes you on a wild ride through the world of internet culture and online radicalization.
Rabbit Hole isn't afraid to ask the tough questions about how our digital lives are shaping our real-world beliefs and behaviors. Through a mix of fascinating stories and expert insights, the podcast explores everything from the addictive nature of social media to the rise of online extremism. It's a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the complex relationship between technology and society.
So, if you're ready to have your mind blown and your assumptions challenged, give Rabbit Hole a listen. Trust me, you won't be able to stop once you start falling down this digital rabbit hole. Kevin Roose is your perfect guide through this crazy online world, and the New York Times Audio team has crafted a series that's as informative as it is entertaining. Don't miss out on this essential exploration of our digital reality.
11) I Am Not A Monster
The I Am Not A Monster is an award-winning documentary podcast by British investigative journalist and filmmaker Josh Baker who is in search of the truth about Sam Sally (aka Sam Elhassani), an American woman who reportedly joined ISIS. It all started with a video of her 10-year-old son, who was coached on how to assemble and carry out a suicide bombing. What made her go for this? Why did she film her son doing that? Josh traveled to Syria and Iraq in dangerous circumstances to investigate and find answers to these questions he pondered throughout.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
12) The Agent – Imperative Entertainment
The Agent is а documentary podcast based on the true story of Jack Barsky, the longest-surviving sleeper agent of the KGB during the Cold War. His mission was to live under a fake identity in the US as one of an elite band of undercover Soviet agents known as "illegals." At the end of 1988, after 10-years of being a KGB agent in the United States, Jack Barsky's mission was about to come to an end.
The Agent is a production of Imperative Entertainment in association with Windjoy and was created by Jason Hoch. It's a 12-episode series with new episodes launching every Monday.
Available on: Apple
13) Blindspot
Blindspot is hosted by Jim O'Grady, WNYC reporter, and based on The HISTORY® Channel's television documentary "Road to 9/11". It has two seasons: "The Road to 9/11" (Season 1) and "Tulsa Burning" (Season 2).
"The Road to 9/11" sheds light on the events that happened before the 2001 terrorist attacks and took place out of the public view – 10 years of botched leads, near misses, and bureaucratic inertia. Jim O'Grady has drawn on interviews with security experts, FBI agents, high-level officials, and other people who knew the terrorists personally.
"Tulsa Burning" takes listeners to the thriving Greenwood District in 1921, known as the "Black Wall Street" – and its destruction by white supremacists with the approval of law enforcement.
The Tulsa race massacre took place on May 31 and June 1, in 1921. Host KalaLea tells the story of this neighborhood through the stories of survivors and descendants.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
14) Fallen Angel
Fallen Angel is a documentary podcast about one of the world's most iconic brands, Victoria's Secret and its secrets. The series investigates the origin story of this brand, its effect on American culture for nearly 40 years and its drastic rise and fall. It's told by women who witnessed what really happened behind the scenes. Tune in to find out how the lingerie retailer rose to the top of women's fashion and how its fall from grace has created an uncertain future for the company. The podcast is co-hosted by Vanessa Grigoriadis and Justine Harman and produced by C13Originals, a Cadence13 studio, and Campside Media.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
15) The Missing Cryptoqueen
The podcast is about the notorious cryptocurrency scammer Dr. Ruja Ignatova. Back in 2014, this mysterious but brilliant businesswoman turned out of nowhere and persuaded millions to join her financial revolution, saying that she got the world's next Bitcoin, the next great cryptocurrency that's going to explode in value and make everyone rich. Millions of people around the world invested in this. which turned out to be a very clever Ponzi Pyramid Scheme. She made billions of pounds selling a fake cryptocurrency called OneCoin, before disappearing in 2017. None of her victims located worldwide have received any of their money back. Follow this documentary podcast by Jamie Bartlett, bringing light to this fascinating story of greed, deceit and herd madness.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart
16) Storytime with Seth Rogen – Earwolf & Seth Rogen
This weekly documentary podcast is hosted by Seth Rogen. The concept of the show is that every week he asks somebody to share a story to tell on his podcast.
This podcast is not a typical comedy show. Each episode is like a little audio documentary, coming with supporting interviews with a rhythmic editing style. Storytime starts with Seth Rogen's curiosity about the world, people and always ends up in an unexpected way.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
17) American Scandal
American Scandal is hosted by Lindsay Graham, coming out every Tuesday. The concept of this podcast is picking American scandals and going back to revisit them, telling them in an informative and interesting way. Scandals have shaped America since its founding - from politics and business to sports and society. The show takes its listeners deep into the heart of America's dark side driving people to break the rules and showing what happens when they're caught.
Available on: Wondery, Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Stitcher
18) Unobscured
Unobscured is a popular historical documentary podcast hosted by Aaron Mahnke.
This podcast aims to delve deep and shed light on some of history's old and dark stories, separate facts from fiction about remarkable events and characters in history like events of witch trials taken place in the colonial village of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, or about Grigori Rasputin, one of the most mysterious characters and Jack the Ripper, etc.
If that's something interesting to you, tune in to better understand where we've come from and make it Unobscured.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
19) British Scandal
The British Scandal is a weekly investigative documentary podcast hosted by Alice Levine and Matt Forde. Well, British scandals really change the course of history. Alice and Matt tell the stories of the murkier side of the British elite, from Nick Leeson, a former derivatives broker from the UK who famously caused the collapse of Barings Bank, to Saville and Profumo's affairs showing listeners the reality of power, the price of pride and the failings of the great and good.
Available on: Wondery, Apple, Spotify, Audible
20) Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad
The podcast is hosted by the retired Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes and Investigative Journalist Billy Jensen. They delve deep into missing person cases, unsolved murders, unidentified remains, trying to solve the crime using a variety of methods, from old-fashioned methods to advanced technologies, social media geotargeting, familial DNA searches, and also the skills of their listeners who become active members of The Murder Squad by sending their tips and theories.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, Audible
21) Bad Batch
Bad Batch is a documentary podcast hosted by Laura Beil, the award-winning host and reporter of "Dr. Death." Many patients searching for a miracle cure end up in critical and horrible conditions. They hunt to find out what went wrong with all this before more people suffer.
Available on: Wondery, Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
22) Black Box Down – Rooster Teeth
This documentary podcast is hosted by lifelong aviation enthusiast Gustavo Sorola and his co-host Chris Demarais. They dig deep to break down the major accidents in aviation and the steps taken to prevent future disasters. Gustavo and Chris explain incidents in Lyman's terms, thus making it available to a wide variety of people both in aviator and non-aviator categories.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
23) Newt's World – Gingrich 360
The Newt's World is hosted by futurist, professor, historian, and former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich. He shares his lifetime knowledge and access to the most interesting minds around the world. It covers almost all aspects of our society - from history to health, national security to science, This podcast is about exploring the past, present, and future to understand where we are coming from and where we're going.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
24) Tug of War – CNN
On Tug of War is a documentary, limited-serial podcast hosted by CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward. She travels to the most volatile corners of the world to document the greatest power struggles of our time and the rise of autocracies. Clarissa Ward takes listeners onto the streets of Afghanistan as the Taliban takes control, investigating the story of poisoning Kremlin opponent and daring activist Alexey Navalny, the death of a revolution in Syria and a lot more.
Available on: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible
Liked this list? Join our Discord Community!
Did you know we have a Discord community full of content creators and content lovers? Join and share shows together, tips on content creation, and be part of a thriving online community!
