As the nights grow longer and the air gets a chill, there's no better time to dive into the world of true crime. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, these five podcasts are perfect for setting a spooky mood in the days leading up to Halloween.

The Last Podcast on the Left

This podcast is a phenomenal deep dive into the darkest corners of humanity and the supernatural. The well-researched episodes cover everything from infamous serial killers and cults to demons, aliens, and cryptids. The hosts blend meticulous detail with dark, often hilarious, humor, making even the most terrifying subjects approachable. For Halloween, tune into their multi-part series on a killer like Richard Chase the "Vampire of Sacramento" or explore their episodes on the occult.

Casefile True Crime

If you prefer your horror delivered straight, without any banter, Casefile is for you. The show's anonymous Australian host presents the facts of shocking crimes in a calm, chilling, and methodical manner. The "just the facts" approach, combined with the host's monotone delivery, creates an incredibly tense and unsettling atmosphere. The lack of sensationalism makes the horrific details of the cases even more impactful.

Lore

While not always traditional true crime, Lore is essential Halloween listening. Host Aaron Mahnke explores the dark historical truths behind our most terrifying myths and legends. Each episode is a bite-sized campfire story, examining the real-life events, superstitions, and strange occurrences that fueled folklore about vampires, werewolves, and haunted places. It’s the perfect podcast for understanding the origins of our fears.

Radio Rental

This podcast offers something truly unique and unsettling. It features ordinary people telling their own true stories of bizarre, creepy, and often unexplainable encounters. From home invasions with a strange twist to brushes with suspected serial killers, these firsthand accounts are genuinely terrifying. The stories are framed within a 1990s video rental store, hosted by the quirky and eccentric shopkeeper Terry Carnation, which adds a perfect layer of nostalgic horror to the experience.

Bonus points for Terry being played by Rainn Wilson.

Someone Knows Something

For a more immersive and haunting experience, David Ridgen's investigative podcast is a must-listen. Each season is a deep dive into a single Canadian cold case, with Ridgen working alongside the victim's family members to uncover new information. The podcast is deeply compassionate and atmospheric, focusing on the lingering mystery and the human cost of the crime. The sense of place is so strong, you'll feel like you're right there with him, searching for answers in the fog.