Mercury Podcast Network Expands True Crime Slate With Major 2026 Signings
The UK-based Mercury Podcast Network has officially kicked off 2026 with a bold expansion of its true crime portfolio, announcing the launch and acquisition of three high-profile podcasts that are set to strengthen its position in the competitive audio storytelling space.
The creator-led podcast network has added Rae Review: Dark Stories, Seeing Red, and Dead Famous to its growing slate—marking a significant milestone in Mercury’s ongoing mission to empower independent creators while scaling commercially successful podcasts.
With true crime continuing to dominate global podcast charts and listener engagement metrics, Mercury’s latest signings highlight both the network’s strategic vision and its commitment to high-quality, ethical storytelling.
A Creator-First Network Built for Independent Voices
Founded by audio producer and independent creator advocate Liam Heffernan, Mercury Podcast Network was established with a clear philosophy: to provide creators with the tools, infrastructure, and strategic support needed to grow profitable podcasts—without compromising ownership or editorial freedom.
Unlike traditional podcast networks that often demand content control or IP rights, Mercury operates on a creator-first model, allowing podcasters to:
Retain full ownership of their intellectual property
Maintain editorial independence
Access monetisation strategies and brand partnerships
Receive long-term growth and audience development support
This approach has positioned Mercury as a trusted home for creators looking to scale sustainably while staying true to their creative vision.
Why True Crime Continues to Dominate Podcasting
True crime remains one of the most powerful and commercially successful genres in podcasting. According to industry data, true crime podcasts consistently rank among the most downloaded and most binge-listened audio formats globally.
Key reasons for the genre’s continued success include:
Deep audience engagement and loyalty
Strong performance across advertising and subscription models
Cross-platform adaptability, including video, books, and documentaries
High shareability across social media platforms
Mercury’s decision to double down on true crime reflects a broader industry trend—but with a distinct emphasis on responsible storytelling, research depth, and ethical production.
Rae Review: Dark Stories – A Major New Mercury Original
Launch Date: 14 January 2026
Format: Weekly Episodes
Genre: True Crime | Dark History | Psychology
One of the most anticipated additions to the Mercury slate is Rae Review: Dark Stories, launching as a Mercury original podcast on 14 January.
Hosted by Rae Review, one of the fastest-growing true crime influencers globally, the podcast marks a major evolution of her storytelling career.
From Social Media to Long-Form Audio
With nearly two million followers across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Rae Review has built a massive audience through short-form true crime content. The new podcast format allows her to:
Explore cases in greater depth
Provide historical and psychological context
Deliver carefully researched narratives
Slow down the storytelling pace for reflection and nuance
Each episode of Rae Review: Dark Stories delves into true crime cases, disturbing historical events, and the complexities of human behaviour—presented through calm, measured narration.
Rae Review on the Power of Podcasting
Speaking about the new podcast, Rae Review explained that long-form audio gives her the freedom to go beyond the limitations of social media.
“The podcast allows me to explore stories in a way that short-form content simply doesn’t allow. It’s about depth, nuance, and giving listeners the full picture.”
Her transition into podcasting reflects a growing trend among digital creators who are seeking longer attention spans, deeper engagement, and sustainable revenue streams.
Seeing Red Joins Mercury After 16 Million Downloads
Established: 2018
Hosts: Mark & Bethan
Total Downloads: 16+ Million
Also joining Mercury Podcast Network is Seeing Red, one of the UK’s longest-running and most downloaded true crime podcasts.
Since its launch in 2018, Seeing Red has built a loyal international audience, surpassing 16 million downloads and earning a reputation for detailed research and respectful case coverage.
What Makes Seeing Red Stand Out?
Consistent weekly release schedule
Strong focus on lesser-known cases
Balanced discussion and thoughtful analysis
Dedicated global listener base
Under Mercury, Seeing Red will continue its weekly format while expanding its offerings through:
Early access episodes
Exclusive bonus content
Enhanced Patreon support
The partnership is expected to unlock new growth opportunities while preserving the show’s established tone and editorial approach.
Dead Famous: A Fresh Take on Celebrity Crime and Legacy
Launch Date: 12 January 2026
Host: Mark Randell
Genre: Biography | True Crime | Cultural History
Completing Mercury’s January expansion is Dead Famous, a brand-new podcast launching on 12 January.
Created and hosted by Mark Randell, the series explores the lives, deaths, and lasting cultural impact of some of the world’s most iconic celebrities.
Blending Crime, Culture, and Biography
Dead Famous offers a unique angle by combining:
Celebrity biographies
Investigative true crime elements
Historical and cultural context
Media analysis of fame and legacy
Rather than focusing solely on criminal cases, the podcast examines how fame intersects with power, vulnerability, and public perception—making it a compelling addition to Mercury’s lineup.
Mercury’s Vision for Ethical True Crime Storytelling
Addressing the network’s latest signings, founder Liam Heffernan emphasized the responsibility that comes with producing true crime content.
“True crime remains one of the most powerful storytelling spaces in audio, but it demands creators who approach it with care, depth, and integrity.”
Heffernan praised the new additions, stating that Rae Review, Mark, and Bethan represent some of the most compelling and thoughtful voices working in the genre today.
What These Signings Mean for Independent Podcasters
Mercury’s expansion sends a clear signal to the wider podcasting industry: independent creators can scale successfully without sacrificing ownership or creative control.
Key takeaways for creators include:
Networks are evolving toward partnership models
Creator IP ownership is becoming a competitive advantage
True crime remains a strong entry point for growth
Cross-platform audiences are driving podcast success
By aligning with established and emerging voices, Mercury is positioning itself as a long-term home for sustainable podcast careers.
The Bigger Picture: Podcasting in 2026
As podcasting continues to mature in 2026, networks like Mercury are redefining what success looks like—moving away from volume-driven strategies toward quality, trust, and creator empowerment.
With true crime still at the forefront of listener demand, Mercury’s latest signings reflect a carefully curated approach rather than rapid expansion.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Start to the Year for Mercury Podcast Network
The addition of Rae Review: Dark Stories, Seeing Red, and Dead Famous marks a significant step forward for Mercury Podcast Network as it enters the new year.
By blending established hits with innovative new originals, the network is not only expanding its true crime slate—but also reinforcing its commitment to independent creators and responsible storytelling.
As listener appetite for compelling, ethical audio narratives continues to grow, Mercury appears well-positioned to remain a major player in the evolving podcast landscape.
