Crimes described include murder, rape, robbery, and arson. There is often discussion of human remains as part of the investigation. Surviving family members share their stories about missing loved ones. Paranormal phenomena like ghosts and hauntings are also described in detail. Sound effects and music is haunting and suspenseful.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Some episodes include moderate swearing such as use of the word "f---ing". Swearing usually only happens when reading text messages or recalling something someone involved in the case said.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
A major theme is not giving up on loved ones who are missing or presumed dead. Listeners can help solve crimes by sending in tips or calling the CrimeStoppers tip line if they have any information about a case. Updates are posted when a crime has been solved.
Positive Role Models
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We hear from investigators, forensic anthropologists, and other specialists who've used their expertise to try and solve difficult cases. Many episodes feature relatives of missing family members who demonstrate resilience.
Diverse Representations
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The stories feature people from different ethnic backgrounds, classes, and genders. The locations of the crimes range from a farmhouse in rural Tennessee to a recording studio in Los Angeles. One investigation takes place in a Mormon community, and another crime affects a suburban Indian American family.
Listeners interested in forensics or ballistics will learn some interesting facts, like why human remains may be found in a pugilistic (boxer's) pose, or how to tell if a shooter had professional training.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Unsolved Mysteries is a weekly podcast focused on bizarre true crimes and paranormal activity, from the creators of the original Unsolved Mysteries tv show and the more recent Netflix reboot. Expect stories about unexplained disappearances, unsolved murders, and hauntings. The podcast also features the franchise's signature creepy music and suspenseful sound effects. There are often descriptions of violent crimes and human remains, but it's not especially gory. Though infrequent, there's sometimes moderate language in episodes when recalling a text message or something said. The main focus of the show is on the investigation and what makes the cases so unusual or difficult to solve. Teens and adults who love mysteries or true crime will probably enjoy this podcast, but should first read episode descriptions to figure out which episodes they can handle and if some may be too intense.
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What’s It About?
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES is a true crime podcast that explores cases of unexplained deaths, missing persons, and paranormal phenomena. Host Steve French leads listeners through a mysterious case each week, providing a detailed backstory to the crime or ghostly activity. Stories range from the murder of a loan clerk who had just swapped shifts with a coworker, to the disappearance of two children who had been presumed dead in a Tennessee barn fire. We hear from victims' families, police investigators, and forensics experts who tried to solve the cases. At the end of the episode, the public is called upon to send in any tips.
From the opening teaser and familiar theme song at the start of each episode, this podcast is sure to draw you in with its stories of puzzling crimes and unexplainable events. The Unsolved Mysteries podcast feels like a return to the original 1987 show hosted by Robert Stack, partly because it once again features a host (unlike the recent reboot). Steve French does a great job of bringing back the classic, slightly unnerving feeling of the original show which makes for a satisfyingly eerie listen.
Unsolved Mysteries is at its best when it's focused on truly unusual cold cases that have stumped experts. The podcast doesn't feature as much of the paranormal/alien content as the original series, but there are occasional episodes about haunted homes and pet mediums. Though the paranormal episodes may not be as gripping as the criminal cases, it wouldn't be Unsolved Mysteries without a few demonic possessions. In the crowded world of true crime podcasts, Unsolved Mysteries continues to solidify its place as a one-of-a-kind show and fan favorite.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Unsolved Mysteries has been on the air in some form for over 30 years. What do you think draws people to this genre? What has changed in how they now look at these crimes and mysteries?
How do you feel about true crime being a popular form of entertainment? Is it empowering or exploiting victims and survivors?
We often hear from the family members of crime victims in this podcast. Does this affect how you feel about the case?
Do true crime podcasts like this one teach viewers anything about personal safety? Is it necessary to focus on violent crimes in order to impart these lessons? Does the show treat the cases it covers delicately, or is it graphic and offensive?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Lakshmi Hutchinson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
