Listener sentiment
Listeners are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about Wicked and Grim, praising the husband-and-wife duo's natural chemistry, Ben's meticulous research and calming storytelling voice, and Nicole's genuine, spontaneous reactions that make even non-true-crime fans feel like they're catching up with old friends. Reviewers consistently highlight the show's victim-centered approach, its coverage of lesser-known and Canadian cases, and the way humor leavens dark material without trivializing it. The recurring criticism centers on ad load: several recent reviewers note that the volume of ads — particularly gambling promotions — has grown noticeably and detracts from the listening experience. Nicole is a polarizing figure, with a small but vocal contingent finding her commentary uninformative or her delivery grating, while the far larger majority find her endearing and essential to the show's appeal. A smattering of one- and two-star reviews also cite excessive pre-story banter, pronunciation errors, and profanity as turnoffs, but these are isolated compared to the broad chorus of five-star praise.
Apple4.5 · 154
Summary generated Aug 27, 2026