“Monster” franchise surpasses 137 million downloads and expands with new content delving into the infamous BTK serial killer

The new 10-part Monster series will feature shocking interviews and commentary from BTK’s daughter, former law enforcement officials, family members of his victims and more

Listen to the trailer now HERE

NEW YORK AND ATLANTA – January 13, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Tenderfoot TV, the leading Atlanta-based independent content production studio, today announced the expansion of their wildly popular Monster true-crime podcast franchise. Through the lens of the victims and family, the new installment, “Monster: BTK” will explore the notorious serial killer’s life and crimes, and the tireless investigations that ultimately brought him to justice. “Monster: BTK” will premiere on January 13 with new episodes available on Mondays. Listen to the trailer now, here. 

The Monster true-crime anthology franchise has shattered records, amassing more than 137 million downloads and solidifying its position as a go-to source for true crime enthusiasts everywhere. The podcast franchise, co-produced by Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts, has built a dedicated and growing fanbase starting with the hit series “Atlanta Monster” in 2018. The success of the flagship podcast has led to a robust slate of shows including “Monster: Zodiac Killer,” “Monster Presents: Insomniac,” “Monster: DC Sniper,” the international series “Le Monstre,“ “Monster: Freeway Phantom” and now “Monster: BTK.” Continuing the momentum, Tenderfoot TV and iHeartMedia will also introduce two additional installments of Monster this year, as well as a new always-on format.

“We’re excited to return with the sixth season of our Monster series, ‘Monster: BTK,’ seven years after the franchise first debuted with ‘Atlanta Monster,’” said Donald Albright, Tenderfoot TV CEO and co-founder. “We look forward to our continued partnership with iHeartMedia which has given us the ability to reach more listeners and bring these victim centric stories to a massive audience.

Hosted by veteran journalist Susan Peters, who covered news developments around the serial killer as they unfolded, “Monster: BTK” will reveal the true story of Dennis Rader, known as the BTK Killer (Bind, Torture, Kill), who murdered at least 10 people in Kansas between 1974 and 1991. BTK's notoriety was bolstered by his taunting letters to police and phone calls to the media. Rader's identity was finally revealed in 2004 to the shock of his family, his community and the world. The new Monster installment will feature shocking interviews and commentary from BTK’s daughter, Kerri Rawson, famed FBI profiler and author, John Douglas, author Katherine Ramsland who co-wrote the book ‘Confession of a Serial Killer’ with Rader,  as well as survivors and family members of his victims, providing first-hand accounts and new insights that will add new layers of depth to the well-known story.

“iHeart’s continued support of the Monster franchise demonstrates our commitment to providing top-tier, captivating content to our constantly growing audience of listeners,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Our partnership with the innovative team at Tenderfoot TV isn’t just about re-telling stories of shocking crimes that took hold of our communities, but digging deeper into the people, societies and culture that shaped these events. Together we will continue to provide our millions of listeners with even more compelling and unforgettable true crime stories as we redefine the genre.” 
“Monster: BTK” and all podcasts in the Monster anthology franchise are distributed by iHeartPodcasts and are available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

iHeartPodcasts, which sees more than 174 million U.S. downloads each month, spans every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, lifestyle, family, comedy and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartPodcasts the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. 

COVER ART: Download official show artwork here.

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About Tenderfoot TV

A leader in premium podcast content, Tenderfoot TV was founded by Atlanta director and independent filmmaker, Payne Lindsey, and music industry veteran, Donald Albright. The 2016 launch of the award-winning true-crime podcast, “Up and Vanished,” marked Tenderfoot’s entry and ascension in podcasting. The viral sensation became an international news story after influencing 2 arrests in a decade-old cold case and receiving over 450 million downloads across three seasons. Tenderfoot has since created additional breakthrough podcasts including the critically acclaimed “Atlanta Monster,” “Dear Alana,” “The MLK Tapes,” “Radio Rental'' starring Rainn Wilson, and AP’s Podcast of the year, “To Live and Die in LA.” With over 850 million downloads to date, Tenderfoot continues to develop fiction and nonfiction projects as podcasts, and has expanded into TV and film, airing the first season of “Up and Vanished” (TV series) on the Oxygen network in 2020. Recipients of the 2020 Icon/Pioneer Award at the iHeart Podcast Awards, and recognized by Fast Company as a company that “knows how to keep listeners engaged,” Tenderfoot has no plans of slowing down, having already collaborated with the likes of HBO, Netflix, iHeart, Audible, Audacy, QCode, Spotify, and Issa Rae’s label Radio. In eight years, Tenderfoot has become one of the premiere creatives and most respected destinations for podcasting,  and aims to be a leader in multi-platform storytelling. Visit tenderfoot.tv for more company information.