10 Podcasts Like Something Was Wrong: Messy, Moody, Addictive

Let’s be real, true crime podcasts have always and will always dominate the podcast world. And are we tuning into almost every single one? Of course we are!  Between that “edge of your seat” suspension and “I can’t believe this actually happened” energy, we can’t get enough. Not sure what it says about us that we love crime and chaos while doing skincare, but here we are!

True crime is SUCH a versatile and easy-to-enjoy genre because there are sooo many different themes. Some are raw and investigative (AKA the Believeable: The Coco Berthmann Story), some are twisty and full of fiction ( like Bone Marry Bury), and some are a little too real—like Something Was Wrong.

Something Was Wrong isn’t your typical binge-worthy true crime podcast. It’s psychological, personal, and full of stories about gaslighting and manipulation. If you’re anything like us and are craving shows with a similar vibe, we came prepared. Here’s a roundup of podcasts like Something Was Wrong—all deeply personal and impossible to pause. Let’s dive in!

10 Podcasts Like Something Was Wrong: Messy, Moody, Addictive

Something Was Wrong is a standout show among the sea of true crime podcasts, and for good reason. It tells the stories of people who have experienced crime, abuse, and overall shocking events firsthand. And, while we love the emotional storytelling and no-BS discussions about red flags, we also really admire the show’s prioritization of the survivors of each story. 

We all tend to fall into a cycle when listening to true crime podcasts. We listen to the episode, share it in the group chat, and hit that “next episode” button for more. While doing this, it’s so easy to forget that these are real people and real stories. However, Something Was Wrong approaches each topic with sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. They’re not letting any listener forget the power that coming out on the other side holds.

Before we dive into our list of recs, it’s super important to recap what Something Was Wrong is all about! This can set your expectations, provide a little refresher, or convince you to tune in if you haven’t already. Without further ado, let’s REALLY dive deep and explore what this podcast is all about.

What Is Something Was Wrong Podcast About?

This award-winning docuseries isn’t about cold cases and unsolved mysteries (although we love those, too.) Something Was Wrong is about authentic experiences from people who dealt with deception, manipulation, and everything in between. Think: emotional abuse, psychological chaos, and big “too close to home” energy. 

Each season usually highlights one specific story or person’s journey, starting with a strong emphasis on their average, mundane lives. (Not in a “your life is boring” kinda way, more like a “this could happen to anyone” kind of way.) It’s a big reality check. From there, host Tiffany Reese shows us how quickly those flags can turn red. She doesn’t do it through shame, though—she wants to raise awareness. Tiffany wants each listener to think: “Wait, this could happen to me, too.” Because honestly, even the brightest red flags can look a little hazy if you love and care about someone enough. Just listen to this episode of Girls Gotta Eat to hear more.

We love tuning in because of the suspense, but we stick around for the power this show holds. It’s a huge reminder that if you’ve ever been in a toxic relationship before, you’re def not alone. From survivors of the Jonestown Massacre to victims of evangelical abuse, Tiffany covers it all. 

So, ready to check out a bunch of soon-to-be-fave new podcasts? Here are a bunch of recs that are just as emotional, binge-worthy, and even a little therapeutic.

Podcasts Similar To Something Was Wrong

Let’s Not Meet

What’s scarier than ghosts and all those paranormal things you can’t see? Real-life situations like stalkers, break-ins, and “I can’t believe that almost happened” moments. Hosted by Andrew Tate, each episode of Let’s Not Meet is a mini-collection of true horror stories told by real people. 

Like Something Was Wrong, this podcast offers an inside look at the dread, panic, and fear each person experienced in their story. It’s approached with an equal dose of empathy and a no-BS attitude. 

Serial

We’re huge fans of Serial, but honestly, who isn’t? It’s a true crime classic responsible for sparking a lot of people’s obsession with the genre. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, Serial gives us one story per season, but it’s SO deep and well-researched. 

This podcast is more journalistic than Something Was Wrong, but it maintains that layered storytelling vibe through and through. You’ll definitely wanna start with Season 1 to understand why the story about Adnan Syed put Serial on the map.

Already binged every Serial episode? Us, too. Check out this post: “Binge-Worthy Podcasts Like Serial.”

The Lets Read Podcast

This show is for all of you who frequently find yourself in a scary Reddit rabbit hole at 3am. (Been there, done that). An anonymous host (yeah, we have no idea who he is) reads REAL Reddit stories and brings them to life. Think: r/LetsNotMeet, r/TrueOffMyChest, and r/nosleep, but with a creepy voice and even creepier sound effects.

It doesn’t always channel that Something Was Wrong level of emotional manipulation, but it has that “something’s… off here” vibe. Lock your doors and get cozy—you’re in for a treat with The Lets Read Podcast.

Believeable: The Coco Berthmann Story

This story is straight out of the Something Was Wrong universe, so expect to be both shocked AND impressed. Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story follows the journey of how an internet personality’s cancer diagnosis turned her into a suspect. Oh, did we mention that her cancer diagnosis was fake? 

Hosts Sara Ganim and Karen Given give us every single juicy, shocking detail. They also bring up a super important point… Lies and manipulation can truly take over the world when they’re convincing enough. Sounds a loooot like Something Was Wrong to us!

After you tune in, check out this episode of the Him & Her Show where they actually interview Coco. Before she was a prime suspect and landed herself in jail, obvi.

This Is Actually Happening

We love a good narrated podcast, but we also love hearing about experiences straight from the person who lived it. You too? Then tune into This Is Actually Happening. Each life-altering event is heavy, hard to believe, and truly terrifying. Some of the stories get pretty intense, so be sure to read the descriptions and FULLY prepare yourself.

If Something Was Wrong discusses the red flags we miss along the way, This Is Actually Happening is the moment we see those red flags for what they are. It all feels very full circle, and it’s not a podcast you wanna skip listening to.

Sympathy Pains

If you loved and already re-listened to Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story, take a break and check Sympathy Pains out. The podcast follows Sarah Delashmit, a woman who lied about MULTIPLE illnesses for years. And by illnesses, we mean things like cancer, muscular dystrophy, and child loss. Yeah, it’s dark. 

Here’s why we love this podcast, though: NPR tells it in a way that’s both empathetic and real. It’s sad that Sarah carried out this whole manipulative plan; there’s no denying that. But it’s also completely unfair and unfortunate to all those who sympathized with her and offered help along the way. If you love stories that untangle a web full of (real) lies, you’ll love Sympathy Pains.

Scamanda

Speaking of untangling a web full of lies, have you listened to Scamanda yet??? This story has taken the world by storm, and we totally get why. The podcast tells the true story of Amanda Riley, a Cali-based blogger and, yep, a cancer survivor. As you probably guessed (we’re clearly on theme here), the cancer diagnosis was completely fake. 

Thousands of fundraising dollars and an angry and confused community later, Scamanda paints the entire deceptive picture. This show is the perfect blend of Something Was Wrong and Sympathy Pains. It’s emotional, personal, and completely captivating.

Over My Dead Body

This podcast tells stories of betrayal, manipulation, and corruption in a way that has us IMMEDIATELY clicking “next episode.” Each season unravels an entirely different true crime story—love gone wrong, legal drama, murder —it has it all. 

And our favorite part? Each season has a different host who, somehow, someway, is connected to the story. Over My Dead Body definitely channels that Something Was Wrong vibe—tune in to see for yourself!

The Shrink Next Door

Imagine living next to a psychiatrist who exclusively sees celebrities, prominent figures, and Manhattan’s elites. He throws these star-studded parties, lives this very eccentric life, and, oh yeah, takes over his patients’ lives. Bet you weren’t expecting that twist! 

This podcast is hosted by none other than veteran journalist and neighbor of the psychiatrist, Joe Nocera. Joe ACTUALLY knew these people and saw what was happening in real-time, making his perspective super personal and completely captivating. If you loved the psychological side of Something Was Wrong, you’ll wanna binge The Shrink Next Door ASAP.

When Dating Hurts

It’s no secret that the world of true crime is dark and disturbing. We love listening to it because of the thrill and anticipation, but oftentimes, it also has this deep “reality check relatability.” When Dating Hurts is a powerful exploration of dating abuse, domestic violence, and how alarmingly common they are.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of this side of true crime, it’s honestly a show everyone should listen to. Host Bill Mitchell lost his daughter to domestic violence, so he does an incredible job of making each story educational, emotional, and extremely thought-provoking.

Get comfy, grab your snacks, and get ready to fully immerse yourself in these podcasts.

As obsessed as we are with Something Was Wrong, we also love throwing in a few new recs into the mix. How else are you supposed to find your new favorite podcasts, right??? From lies and deception to criminal escapades, these shows all have one thing in common… They’re just like Something Was Wrong, and they all scare the HELL out of us. You’re welcome!

Check out the Dear Media blog for anything from the latest pop culture updates to essential relationship advice. And, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for tons of must-have products! This “Safe, Kind, & Hot” cowgirl tee realllyyy fits the vibes here.