In 2014, “Serial” kicked off the true-crime podcast phenomenon. If you’ve never listened to one, the premise is simple: A narrator takes a real-life crime and breaks down all the people, places and things along the way in sometimes excruciating detail.
Now there are hundreds of these audio mysteries — “20/20,” “Crime Junkie,” “Dateline NBC” and “My Favorite Murder” might be names you’ve heard. New numbers from Pew Research show precisely who’s listening.
Spoiler: It’s not me
True crime isn’t my cup of tea, but many people love it.
- For context, 34% of regular podcast listeners say they’ve listened to true crime shows.
- Women are twice as likely to tune in (44% compared to 23%).
- What about education? About 45% of podcast listeners with a high school diploma or less regularly listen; that number is 27% for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Younger people are more into it, too — 41% of crime junkies are 18 to 29, and just 15% are 65 or older.
Have you checked out my podcasts? It’s about time that you did. Tap or click here to check them out.