Mercury Podcast Network Expands True Crime Slate With “Seeing Red” and New Originals
The UK podcast industry is entering 2026 with renewed momentum, and Mercury Podcast Network is positioning itself firmly at the center of that growth. The creator-led audio network has announced a significant expansion of its true crime slate, signing two established shows and launching a brand-new original series—signaling both confidence in the genre and a long-term commitment to independent creators.
Founded by producer and indie-podcast advocate Liam Heffernan, Mercury has steadily built a reputation as a creator-first audio network, offering infrastructure, strategy, and growth support without stripping creators of ownership. With the addition of “Seeing Red,” “Rae Review: Dark Stories,” and “Dead Famous,” the network is reinforcing its position as a serious player in premium storytelling and mid-tier podcast development.
All three shows will debut or transition under the Mercury banner in January 2026, marking one of the network’s most ambitious programming moves to date.
Why True Crime Still Dominates the Podcast Economy
True crime remains one of the most resilient and high-performing podcast genres globally, consistently ranking among the top categories across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube audio platforms. Despite concerns about oversaturation, listener appetite for carefully produced, ethically grounded crime storytelling shows no signs of slowing.
Strong parasocial bonds form between listeners and hosts
True crime podcasts perform exceptionally well on subscription and bonus-content platforms
The genre translates effectively across video, social media, and live events
Mercury’s latest signings suggest a measured, quality-first approach, rather than volume-driven expansion.
“Rae Review: Dark Stories” Marks Mercury’s First Influencer-Led True Crime Original
One of the most notable announcements is “Rae Review: Dark Stories,” set to debut on January 14, 2026. The show marks Mercury’s first major influencer-fronted original in the true crime category.
Who Is Rae Review?
Rae Review is a fast-rising digital creator whose content spans:
Internet culture
Dark storytelling
Unexplained events
Psychological deep dives
With a combined social media following nearing two million, Rae brings a built-in audience that bridges Gen Z and millennial listeners—two demographics increasingly shaping the future of audio consumption.
What the Podcast Will Cover
“Rae Review: Dark Stories” promises to explore:
Lesser-known true crime cases
Internet-era mysteries
Disturbing stories that algorithms often suppress
Psychological and social implications behind criminal behavior
Rather than sensationalism, the show positions itself as a context-driven exploration of dark narratives, blending storytelling with commentary and analysis.
“This podcast lets me take true crime even further,” Rae Review said in a statement. “It gives listeners a front-row seat to stories their feeds usually protect them from—stories that demand nuance, empathy, and sometimes a few sleepless nights.”
Mercury Acquires “Seeing Red,” One of the UK’s Most Established True Crime Podcasts
In a strategic acquisition, Mercury has also signed “Seeing Red,” a long-running UK true crime podcast hosted by Mark Randell and Bethan Trueman.
A Proven Track Record
Launched in 2018, “Seeing Red” has achieved:
Over 16 million lifetime downloads
A dedicated international listener base
Strong performance across Apple Podcasts and Patreon
Consistent weekly releases for more than six years
The show is widely respected for its empathetic tone, victim-focused storytelling, and rigorous research—qualities increasingly demanded by modern audiences.
What Changes Under Mercury?
Under the new partnership:
Weekly episodes will continue uninterrupted
Patreon supporters will receive early access and bonus content
Mercury will provide strategic growth, monetization, and platform support
Creative control remains with the hosts
Randell and Trueman described the move as “the perfect moment to start the next chapter”, praising Mercury’s hands-on but non-intrusive creator model.
“Dead Famous”: A New Mercury Original Blending Celebrity, Crime, and Cultural History
Rounding out the expansion is “Dead Famous,” a brand-new Mercury original created and hosted by Mark Randell, launching on January 12, 2026.
A Fresh Take on True Crime Storytelling
Unlike traditional case-driven crime podcasts, “Dead Famous” explores:
Crimes involving well-known public figures
Suspicious deaths of celebrities
Dark chapters behind iconic reputations
The cultural aftermath of infamous cases
The series blends celebrity biography, investigative journalism, and cultural critique, offering a format designed to appeal to listeners beyond hardcore true crime fans.
“Mercury has a reputation for championing independent podcasts that do things differently,” Randell said. “Dead Famous fits that ethos perfectly.”
Mercury’s Creator-First Model: Why Indie Podcasters Are Paying Attention
Since launching in February 2024, Mercury Podcast Network has positioned itself as an infrastructure partner, not a gatekeeper.
Focuses on mid-tier creators often overlooked by major studios
Prioritizes long-term sustainability over viral spikes
This approach resonates strongly in a creator economy increasingly wary of restrictive contracts.
Liam Heffernan on Ethics, Integrity, and the Future of True Crime
Founder Liam Heffernan emphasized that Mercury’s expansion isn’t just about audience numbers.
“True crime is one of the most powerful storytelling spaces in audio,” Heffernan said. “But it demands care, integrity, and depth. These partnerships reflect the kind of creator ecosystem we want to build.”
His comments align with broader industry conversations about:
Ethical storytelling
Responsible coverage of victims
Avoiding exploitative narratives
Balancing entertainment with accountability
What This Means for the UK Podcast Industry in 2026
Mercury’s latest moves reflect several broader trends shaping the podcast landscape:
Key Industry Signals
True crime remains commercially viable, when done thoughtfully
Creator-led networks are gaining credibility
Influencer-hosted podcasts continue to blur genre boundaries
Mid-tier podcasts are becoming the industry’s growth engine
Audio-first IP is increasingly designed for cross-platform expansion
As major platforms pull back from expensive exclusivity deals, networks like Mercury may fill the gap—offering flexibility, sustainability, and creative trust.
What’s Next for Mercury Podcast Network?
With three high-profile launches in January alone, Mercury appears poised for a busy year ahead. Industry observers expect:
Further genre expansion beyond true crime
More influencer-led originals
Increased focus on video podcasting
Strategic international partnerships
For now, Mercury’s bet on quality-driven true crime storytelling positions it as one of the most closely watched indie podcast networks entering 2026.
