description S-Town Overview
S-Town begins with an Alabama resident, John B. McLemore, asking reporter Brian Reed to investigate troubling claims about his hometown. The nonfiction podcast develops from that inquiry into a detailed portrait of McLemore and the people connected to him. His distinctive perspectives and complicated relationships become central to a story whose direction changes as the reporting proceeds.
Its long-form structure allows conversations and apparently small details to gain meaning across successive chapters. Small-town Southern life provides the setting, but the series places particular emphasis on an individual rather than offering a general account of the region. It suits listeners interested in character studies and personal narratives who also enjoy investigative storytelling. The premise draws on true crime, though the full experience extends beyond solving an alleged crime.
help S-Town FAQ
Who created the investigative podcast S-Town?
S-Town was created and hosted by Brian Reed, an investigative journalist who previously worked as a producer on the hit podcast "Serial." The series was produced by the makers of Serial and This American Life, premiering in 2017.
Why was the podcast originally called "Shittown"?
The podcast's true title is S-Town, but it originated from a nickname for the town: John B. McLemore constantly referred to his hometown of Woodstock, Alabama, as "Shittown" in his correspondence. He contacted Brian Reed to investigate an alleged murder and local cover-up there.
What makes S-Town different from other true crime podcasts?
Unlike traditional true crime, S-Town quickly pivots away from the alleged murder mystery to become a profound character study of the brilliant but troubled horologist, John B. McLemore. The podcast explores heavy themes like mental decay, sexuality, and systemic corruption in the American South.
How many episodes are in the complete series of S-Town?
The entire narrative of S-Town is contained within exactly seven chapters. Unlike other ongoing podcasts, all seven episodes were released simultaneously on March 28, 2017, allowing listeners to binge the complete story.
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