S-Town

S-Town is an investigative journalism podcast that begins with a cryptic tip about an alleged murder in Woodstock, Alabama. Host Brian Reed embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, and along the way develops an unexpected relationship with town resident John B. McLemore. In the process, he uncovers a complex web of secrets, history, and human relationships beneath the surface of this small Southern community.

S-Town was released as a complete series of seven chapters on March 28, 2017, and broke new ground with its strategy of releasing all episodes simultaneously. This allowed listeners to experience the entire investigation at once, rather than waiting for weekly episodes. The podcast's gripping narrative and intimate character study transcend the typical true crime format, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and the gap between perception and reality.

S-Town is produced by the acclaimed team behind Serial and This American Life and represents a distinctive approach to investigative journalism. The podcast combines meticulous research with deeply human storytelling that challenges listeners' assumptions about life in a small town and the stories that never get told.