True Crime Obsessed Breaks New Ground in Ethical Documentary Coverage

True Crime Obsessed fans worldwide have found their voice in Gillian Pensavalle and Patrick Hinds, the dynamic duo behind one of the most influential podcasts in the genre. Their show has accumulated over 200 million downloads since launching in May 2017, establishing itself as a cornerstone of modern true crime commentary.

“We’ve seen the true crime genre make some very positive changes since we started,” Hinds says. “There’s a big movement in true crime now to lead with compassion for the victims and families. It’s a movement towards more ethical true crime storytelling.”

Pensavalle and Hinds are professional podcasters and creators living in Manhattan who have seen true crime media change. True Crime Obsessed started as a passion project that has evolved into a cultural phenomenon and is now regularly listed on Apple Podcasts Top 200 in All Categories list. What makes the podcast successful is its originality in its documentary recap style, its combination of intellectualism with the hosts’ honest portrayal of actual feelings, all without disrespecting the victims of the crimes being talked about.

The format of the show features Pensavalle and Hinds watching true crime documentaries and giving their opinions on cases that have attracted national attention. Some of the high-profile documentaries they’ve covered include Unknown Number, The Jinx, Scamanda, and Class Action Park. The difference lies in the fact that they are dedicated to the idea of victim-based narration, which is one of the tenets they have held since they began.

“We have always been a victim-focused podcast, and it’s great to see that the documentaries we cover are going that way too,” Hinds says. “This means centering the victim rather than the perpetrator and working with families of victims to keep the stories focused on them.”

Ethical Storytelling Takes Center Stage

Hinds and Pensavalle have positioned themselves at the forefront of ethical true crime storytelling, a movement gaining momentum across the genre. Their approach reflects a broader shift in how creators handle sensitive material involving real victims and their families.

“Ethical true crime storytelling is very important to us,” Hinds says. “If a family is opposed to a documentary that has been made, we don’t cover it. Whenever we infuse humor into our commentary, it is never ever at the expense of the victim.”

This commitment extends to their selection process for cases to cover. The hosts prioritize diversity in their coverage, recognizing that certain communities receive less attention in mainstream true crime media. They balance listener requests with their mission to highlight underrepresented cases, creating content that serves both entertainment and awareness purposes.

“I’ve made it my mission to make sure that we cover these stories the best we can, when we can,” Pensavalle says.

The podcast’s ethical framework guides every aspect of production. When humor appears in their commentary, it serves to emphasize points about investigative failures or legal shortcomings rather than making light of tragic circumstances. This approach has resonated with audiences seeking thoughtful true crime content that respects the gravity of real-world consequences.

The show’s preparation process contributes significantly to its authentic feel and spontaneous energy. Rather than coordinating their approaches beforehand or scripting their reactions, Pensavalle and Hinds prepare separately for each episode, ensuring genuine surprise and organic responses during recording sessions.

“One of the best aspects of the way we do things is that Gillian and I prep for our episodes separately,” Hinds explains. “We never know what about the documentary or the case really stood out to the other, so our recording sessions are full of surprises. And this is always wonderful both for us and our listeners.”

Their presence in the true crime space has presented new opportunities. True Crime Obsessed became the first podcast to hold a live performance on Broadway in April 2022, developing a new Equity contract that employed six union dancers and hosting special guest James Monroe Iglehart. The milestone was not only a personal accomplishment but also the acknowledgment of the increased importance of podcasting in culture.

True Crime Obsessed Builds Community Through Authentic Connection

The relationship between True Crime Obsessed and its audience extends far beyond typical podcast listener engagement. “A genuine two-way relationship is built on mutual respect and open communication,” Gillian says.

This mindset has created what Hinds and Pensavalle affectionately refer to as the “TCO Fam,” a specific group of listeners who are very active, listening and providing feedback to the content. 

“We love our listener community, we call them the TCO Fam,” Hinds says. “We are always receptive to feedback, positive and negative, when it is delivered with kindness. And there have been several instances when we have integrated feedback into the way we do things.”

This connection has influenced the way the show has evolved and has also translated into remarkable commercial success and cultural impact. Their Patreon membership feed, launched in January 2018, quickly became a top creator on the Patreon platform. The rapid growth demonstrated the audience’s hunger for additional content and deeper engagement with the hosts.

“The most rewarding part of building this listener community is the continued growth of the podcast,” Pensavalle says. “It’s wonderful to hear the stories of how the show has helped people through difficult times.”

Between 2018 and 2023, True Crime Obsessed toured live shows across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, bringing their unique energy to theaters and venues nationwide. These live performances allowed fans to experience the chemistry between Pensavalle and Hinds in person while supporting their favorite podcast.

The show’s evolution includes expansion into visual media with a recently launched YouTube channel that Hinds describes as “growing like gangbusters every day.” This platform offers new ways to connect with the TCO Fam while maintaining the core values that have defined their success.

Looking Forward in True Crime Media

Pensavalle and Hinds view the future of True Crime Obsessed within the context of broader industry changes toward more responsible content creation. The podcast’s established position allows it to influence discussions about ethical practices while continuing to grow its audience and impact.

The show’s trajectory reflects a careful balance between maintaining existing successful elements of the podcast while adapting to evolving audience expectations. Pensavalle and Hinds’s commitment to victim-centered storytelling positions the podcast to remain relevant as the true crime genre continues maturing toward more compassionate approaches.

The podcast’s influence extends beyond entertainment to education and advocacy. By consistently championing victims and calling out investigative failures, Pensavalle and Hinds use their platform to promote justice and accountability. Their approach shows how true crime content can serve public interest while respecting those affected by the crimes discussed.

The show’s journey from passion project to cultural phenomenon illustrates how authentic voices can shape entire genres. Through consistent application of ethical principles and genuine community engagement, True Crime Obsessed has helped establish new standards for true crime content that other creators increasingly adopt.

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