If you like podcasts that properly pull you in and make you rethink what you thought you knew, investigative series are hard to beat. These are the shows that turn a single question into something much bigger, often blending strong storytelling with real reporting. Here are five worth your time right now.
- The Slow Newscast
Each episode of The Slow Newscast focuses on a completely different investigation, which makes it ideal if you want variety without losing depth. The tone is calm and considered, taking a step back from the daily news cycle to really unpack the story at hand. A recent standout called Rogue Brits: Fighting for Putin follows a young Scottish boy who travelled to fight for Russia in Ukraine, exploring how something like that happens and the wider forces at play. It is thoughtful, well reported and the kind of podcast that quietly stays with you.
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-slow-newscast/id1487320403?i=1000752356913
- Fraudacious
A newer series from Novel, Fraudacious explores the world of scams, cons and the people behind them, from online fraudsters to elaborate real world schemes. It breaks down complex cases in a way that feels clear and engaging without losing the detail, often focusing on how the scams actually work and why people fall for them. There is also a slightly lighter edge to it, which makes it very easy to binge while still being genuinely insightful.
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fraudacious/id1879610796
- Sea of Lies
Produced by CBC as part of its Uncover series, Sea of Lies begins with a body found off the English coast in the 1990s, before opening into a much wider investigation. At the centre is a man living under multiple identities, linked to fraud, stolen money and murder, with the story stretching between the UK and Canada. What makes it particularly gripping is how small details and chance discoveries slowly piece the case together, giving it a steady, unraveling feel rather than relying on big twists.
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sea-of-lies/id1818646689
- Wisecrack
Wisecrack, from Tenderfoot TV, starts with a genuinely unusual hook. A comedian references a real murder in his stand up routine, which then becomes the starting point for a deeper investigation. From there it opens up into something much broader, looking at memory, storytelling and the blurred line between performance and reality. It is a fresh take on the investigative format and stands out for how different it feels.
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wisecrack/id1831347408
- Lucky Boy
Released last year, Lucky Boy explores a complex case involving a teenage boy and his teacher, and the way these relationships are often perceived differently depending on gender. The series does not rush to simple conclusions and instead sits in the uncomfortable grey areas, looking at power, consent and how these stories are framed publicly. It is reflective, challenging and handled with a lot of care. Chloe Hadjimatheou has also hinted that a new series may be on the way, which makes now a good time to catch up.
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lucky-boy/id1830477750
These are the kind of podcasts that stay with you after the episode ends, whether because of the questions they raise or the stories they tell.
