S-Town is a podcast hosted by Brian Reed from Serial Productions, a New York Times company. The story follows a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who's allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But when someone else ends up dead, the search for the truth leads to a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man's life.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter.
Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
Chart trend
Position in the Personal Journals chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#10#19JunJulAugSep
#1
all-time peak
62
days in the top 3 since Nov 2024
Latest episodes
Showing 3 · updated from the feed
Trailer - Question Everything
A new podcast from Brian Reed. Subscribe here: https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/question-everything Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and
Spo
Sep 16 2024 2 min
The Trojan Horse Affair - Trailer
A mysterious letter detailing a supposed Islamist plot to take over schools shocked Britain in 2014. But who wrote it? From Serial Productions and The New York Times, “Th
Feb 4 2022 4 min
Chapter I
#27 trending · Personal Journals
“If you keep your mouth shut, you’ll be surprised what you can learn.”
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscrib
Mar 28 2017 53 min
Chart positions
Where S-Town ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 9, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
I’ve listened to this twice because it is one of the most compelling stories I have ever heard, told beautifully.
turtgurl · Apr 2026
This was a story that you could never tell where you would end up. From believing there was corruption in this small town to meeting a brilliant man who was so flawed and multifaceted that it’s hard to define him. I really loved how this was told and showed much about our society.
SammieIC · Jan 2026
As an avid podcast listener, this ranks above and beyond. First time I’ve listened to Brian Reed, Investigator/Journalist.
S-town is so deep with twists and turns, knowing and doubting, I never knew who to believe or how did Brian have the patience and courage to continue. I’m going to follow his other podcasts now.
Battmother · Nov 2025
“Life is tedious and brief.” 🥺
One of the best podcasts I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to, and one that I have listened to over & over again. It’s cup-filling and wholesome, but also one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever heard. I find myself coming back to this one in times when I need to know that there are/were other people out there who care about the world and the environment, or who just keep up with ALL the world events. A brilliant man who should have had a lot better life but stuck around bc he bore the responsibility of everything around him! I sure do wish that I could have had the pleasure of meeting John B. Macklemore, and sit down with him and listen to him talk for hours. His life was definitely not in vain, and ever since listening to this for the very first time, I have a piece of John B. with me everywhere I go. Thank you for this production, but I hate that it’s subscriber only now. I wish that wasn’t the case
Tayy-Tayy94 · Dec 2024
S-Town is one of my absolute favorite Podcasts, I’ve listened to it several times over and recommended it countless times… However now that it’s behind a paywall I will definitely be rethinking recommending this.
Blocking episodes that have been out and free for years behind a new paywall is absolutely insane. I 100% get paying to listen to episodes early, but this is *not* it. Shame on whomever approved this decision!
MPisano17 · Dec 2024
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
More podcasts like S-Town
Popular shows in Personal Journals, for your next listen.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of S-Town, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
