Want more after Under Suspicion: Kate McCann? The best Madeleine McCann documentaries and podcasts
If you're ready for a deep dive into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, we've got you covered
Under Suspicion: Kate McCann may have reawakened your interest in the Madeleine McCann case – so, we’ve rounded up the best documentaries and podcasts on her disappearance.
Madeleine vanished in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, while on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry, her younger siblings, and family friends.
Nineteen years later, she’s still nowhere to be found. She is, arguably, the most well-known missing person of the 21st century. However, Under Suspicion: Kate McCann is a first – until now, there’s never been a drama directly based on her case.
Even today, her story is far from over, with UK authorities trying to extradite their prime suspect. There’s no shortage of material on Madeleine McCann, but these documentaries and podcasts are a good place to start.
Some of the documentaries and podcasts on this list include speculation about Kate and Gerry McCann. Madeleine’s parents have consistently and adamantly denied any role in her disappearance or her theorised death.
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
- Year: 2019
- Format: Documentary
- Length: 8 episodes
- Where to stream in the UK: Netflix
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann had to be included. It’s the most mainstream, high-profile documentary on the case, and it’s on the biggest streaming platform in the world.
Is it as good (in all the ways a documentary can be: thorough, incisive, and illuminating) as others on this list? No. However, if nothing else, it’s a comprehensive, compelling introduction to the case. It may be a little too long, but it’s a good starting point.
The Infamous Disappearance of 3-Year-Old Madeleine McCann
- Year: 2025
- Format: Podcast
- Length: 1 hour 39 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: Spotify and Apple Podcasts
This podcast is an even easier sell than the Netflix doc. Firstly, it’s just under 100 minutes long; perfect for one long walk or two dog walks. Secondly, its hosts – Sylas Dean and Stew – are a little more upbeat (though not more so than the subject demands), bringing their likable personalities to their dissection of the case. And, thirdly, it’s a well-researched, balanced look at a case so often plagued by biases.
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Madeleine McCann: The Evidence on Prime Suspect Christian Brueckner
- Year: 2025
- Format: Documentary
- Length: 37 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: YouTube
If you’re at all familiar with the Madeleine McCann case, you probably know about Christian Brueckner.
If not, here’s what you should know: he’s the prime suspect in McCann’s disappearance. He’s been convicted for rape and child sexual abuse, and it’s believed he was in the Algarve region at the time she vanished. Brueckner recently evaded police surveillance in Germany, but he was later arrested. He has denied any connection to McCann, but Met Police detectives are reportedly pushing for his extradition.
This documentary, produced by The Sun, was largely praised upon release – and you can watch it for free!
Maddie
- Year: 2019
- Format: Podcast
- Length: 11 episodes
- Where to stream in the UK: Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Arguably the most measured and digestible podcast on Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, Maddie is an 11-part series by Australia’s Nine.com.au. Within one month of its launch, it was downloaded more than a million times.
Led by the news outlet’s senior journalist, Mark Saunokonoko, the podcast doesn’t skimp on any detail, nor does it neglect any theories you may be curious about. If you’re going to listen to one podcast about McCann, it should be this one.
The Puzzle: Solving the Madeleine McCann Case
- Year: 2023
- Format: Documentary
- Length: 41 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Released as part of CBS’ 48 Hours series, this documentary was produced off the back of Christian Brueckner becoming a suspect.
It may be guilty of a few Americanisms (overly dramatic music, animated voiceovers). However, it’s a fast-paced, disquieting, and objective report that makes for a great companion to The Sun’s doc. Plus, it’s available on Spotify too, so you can watch it or listen to it.
They’ve Taken Her
- Year: 2020
- Format: Podcast
- Length: 31 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: Spotify and Apple Podcasts
You shouldn’t listen to They’ve Taken Her until you’ve finished Maddie… because it’s made by the same people!
With new leads, evidence, and fresh perspectives, it is an absolute must-listen. The only frustrating thing is there’s only one episode, though it’s a compelling report on Christian Brueckner. Either way, even if there aren’t any more episodes in the pipeline, it’s a worthwhile half-hour.
The McCanns and the Police
- Year: 2018
- Format: Documentary
- Length: 46 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: YouTube
Among the most revered online docs about the case, Sonia Poulton’s The McCanns and The Police isn’t like other documentaries.
Rather than making its scope too wide, it takes a closer look (as its title suggests) as the relationship between Kate and Gerry McCann and police, both abroad and at home. This is especially relevant viewing, given Under Suspicion: Kate McCann revolves around her interrogation as an “arguida”. Once you finish it, you should watch her follow-up: Madeleine McCann: Public Relations and Saving Reputations. One thing to note: Poulton barely takes a breath, so make sure you’re paying attention.
New Witness Comes Forward in the Madeleine McCann Case – Detective Bernt Stellander Tells All
- Year: 2024
- Format: Podcast
- Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Bernt Stellander, also known as the Foreign Detective, claimed to have solved four questions about Madeleine McCann: when she died (even though it’s not been confirmed if she died), where she was temporarily hidden, when she was moved to her alleged burial spot, and where that could be.
If your eyebrows are already approaching your headline, here’s the best bit: this is a near-two-hour interview with him. One YouTube commenter even wrote: “100% behind Bernt. There’s no doubt in my mind that he is correct.”
The True Story of Madeleine McCann
- Year: 2016
- Format: Documentary
- Length: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Where to stream in the UK: YouTube
This is, undoubtedly, the most controversial documentary on this list. It’s a four-hour, exhaustive deep dive into the case, and it’s regularly cited by viewers on Reddit as one of the best docs on McCann’s disappearance.
It’s also been criticised (and embraced, by those who agree with him) for its conspiracy theories. Also, its maker, Richard D. Hall, was ordered to pay damages to two survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing for harassment, coming after he claimed the attack was orchestrated by the British government.
Read more: Under Suspicion: Kate McCann is the best and most powerful Channel 5 drama of the year
