Audacy Launches Gone South Season 5 With 40 New Episodes Exploring the American South

Audacy has officially launched the fifth season of its acclaimed investigative podcast Gone South, delivering 40 brand-new episodes that expand the show’s scope far beyond traditional true crime storytelling.

The latest season, released on 19 February 2026, continues the podcast’s signature deep-dive reporting style, but this time takes listeners deeper into the history, cultural identity, political influence, and long-standing myths that have shaped the American South for generations.

With millions of loyal followers and a reputation for sharp narrative journalism, Gone South Season 5 is already being positioned as one of the most ambitious seasons in the podcast’s history.

Audacy launches Gone South Season 5 with 40 new weekly episodes

Table of Contents

Gone South Season 5: A Bigger, Bolder Investigation

The Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series has long been known for its gripping storytelling and investigative rigor. But according to Audacy, this new season aims to deliver something even more expansive: a full portrait of the South’s hidden systems of power.

Unlike earlier seasons, which leaned heavily into criminal cases and scandals, Season 5 widens the lens to examine:

This season isn’t just about crime—it’s about the forces that allow certain crimes, scandals, and injustices to thrive.

40 New Episodes Released Weekly

Audacy confirmed that the fifth season includes a total of 40 episodes, making it one of the largest single-season episode runs in the show’s history.

Release Schedule

New episodes of Gone South are being released:

Listeners can stream the series on popular services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Audacy’s own podcast network.

Hosted and Written by Award-Winning Journalist Jed Lipinski

Season 5 continues to be written and hosted by Jed Lipinski, a respected investigative journalist and storyteller who has become a defining voice in modern podcast journalism.

Lipinski’s reporting style is built around:

His approach gives the podcast the feel of a documentary series rather than a standard episodic crime show.

Why Gone South Has Become a Podcast Powerhouse

Audacy revealed that the Gone South franchise has already surpassed 20 million downloads, a major milestone that reflects the show’s strong fanbase and growing national relevance.

The podcast’s success can be attributed to its ability to combine:

Rather than relying on sensationalism, Gone South focuses on exploring the South as a complex region shaped by contradictions—beauty and brutality, tradition and rebellion, myth and reality.

Season 5 Expands Beyond Crime Into Southern Mythology and History

One of the biggest shifts this season is the podcast’s deliberate move toward exploring how Southern identity was built—and how it continues to influence politics, culture, and public perception today.

Audacy describes Season 5 as an exploration of the “enduring myths and legacies” that have shaped the region.

Themes Covered in Season 5 Include:

This broader approach allows each episode to stand as its own compelling story while contributing to a bigger narrative arc.

Powerful Storytelling Through Interviews and Narrative Reporting

Season 5 leans heavily into Lipinski’s signature method: narrative reporting paired with deep interviews.

Throughout the season, listeners will hear from:

These voices add authenticity and nuance, offering perspectives often missing from national media coverage of Southern life.

Instead of simply describing events, Lipinski builds episodes that feel lived-in—stories told through the people who experienced them.

Episodes Spotlight The Alamo, Alex Murdaugh, and Political Scandals

Season 5’s episode lineup includes several major headline-worthy topics that have already sparked widespread interest.

Key Stories Featured in Season 5

Some of the standout episode subjects include:

1. The Cultural Meaning of the Alamo

The Alamo has long been treated as a heroic symbol in American history. But Gone South explores deeper questions:

By revisiting the Alamo through a cultural lens, the podcast examines how history becomes identity—and how identity becomes power.

2. The Family History of Alex Murdaugh

The Alex Murdaugh case remains one of the most infamous scandals tied to Southern legal power structures.

Season 5 explores not just the crimes, but the deeper generational influence behind the Murdaugh name, including:

Rather than retelling courtroom drama, the show examines what the Murdaugh saga reveals about privilege, secrecy, and small-town justice.

3. Federal Indictment of New Orleans’ Former Mayor

Political corruption has long been a recurring theme in Southern history, and Gone South dives into one of the most controversial recent developments: the federal indictment of New Orleans’ former mayor.

The podcast explores:

New Orleans has always been a city rich in culture but tangled in political controversy, making it a perfect case study for the season’s theme.

Each Episode Stands Alone—But Builds a Larger Portrait

Audacy confirmed that while each episode is designed as a standalone narrative, the season is intentionally structured to create a larger mosaic of Southern life.

This format makes it easy for new listeners to jump in at any point, while loyal fans can experience the season as a full investigative journey.

What Makes This Structure Unique

The result is a podcast that feels like an unfolding documentary series rather than isolated reports.

Jed Lipinski’s Documentary Credentials Strengthen the Podcast

Lipinski is not just known for podcast journalism—he has also built a major reputation in streaming documentary production.

His previous credits include:

These projects helped establish him as one of the most compelling investigative storytellers in modern media.

His experience with visual documentaries also reflects in the podcast’s cinematic pacing and emotional tension.

Lipinski’s Journalism Background Adds Credibility and Authority

Before Gone South became a major podcast brand, Lipinski built his career through traditional journalism.

He previously contributed to The New York Times and spent four years reporting at The Times-Picayune in New Orleans.

During that time, his reporting earned recognition from several respected institutions, including:

This history reinforces why the podcast maintains such a strong reputation for credibility: it is built on genuine investigative discipline, not entertainment-first storytelling.

Why This Season Could Be the Most Relevant Yet

Season 5 arrives at a time when the American South is once again at the center of national attention.

From political realignments to cultural clashes, the region continues to influence major national conversations around:

By expanding beyond crime, Gone South positions itself as a podcast that doesn’t just entertain—it explains.

The Podcast Industry’s Shift Toward Investigative Storytelling

Audacy’s continued investment in Gone South also reflects a broader industry trend: audiences increasingly want podcasts that feel like high-quality investigative journalism rather than casual conversation shows.

The demand for:

has grown dramatically over the last few years.

With 40 episodes lined up, Audacy appears committed to making Gone South a flagship series in the investigative podcast space.

What Listeners Can Expect From the New Episodes

Audacy promises that the season will deliver:

Key Listening Highlights

For longtime fans, it’s a deeper evolution of the show. For new listeners, it’s an accessible entry into one of podcasting’s most respected investigative franchises.

Where to Listen to Gone South Season 5

Listeners can stream Season 5 of Gone South on:

New episodes are released weekly, making it a strong ongoing series for audiences who enjoy investigative storytelling over time.

Final Thoughts: Audacy’s Gone South Is Redefining Southern Storytelling

With 40 new episodes, a broader cultural lens, and Jed Lipinski’s trusted investigative style, Gone South Season 5 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious podcast launches of 2026.

By moving beyond crime into the deeper structures of Southern history and influence, the series offers something rare: a storytelling project that entertains, informs, and challenges the narratives people think they already know.

For anyone interested in true journalism, cultural exploration, or the hidden forces behind American identity, this season may be essential listening.

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