Best podcasts of the week: the reality show that ridiculed its trans star

Harsh Reality considers how TV has changed, as it celebrates Miriam Rivera's life rather than mocking her. Plus: how a group of American students ended up at Fake Oxford'

Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera
In 2004, when There's Something About Miriam was touted as the next big thing, ratings were more important than duty of care in reality TV. This podcast goes beyond the reality show that saw six men competing to win cash and Miriam Rivera's love - and exploited the trans star's identity as its twist". It recalls Miriam as a superstar on the New York ball scene and celebrates her life as a pioneer, rather than a victim of cruelty.
Hannah Verdier

The Thing About Helen & Olga
From the makers of serial killer podcast The Thing About Pam - currently in development for TV, starring Renee Zellweger - comes another serviceable, if tabloid, true crime tale. This time, our subjects are two nice retired women helping the homeless in Los Angeles - and bumping them off.
Hannah J Davies

One Year
Another series of Slate's podcast, which zooms in on forgotten or little-known events from one year in history (this time it's 1995). Josh Levin reports on the mind-boggling story of a group of US students hoodwinked into believing they had been accepted into Oxford, the rise of the Macarena and more. HJD

It's the terrifying word of mouth hit that brought intrigue and interest to the well-worn true crime podcast genre, and this week Sweet Bobby came to an end with a stunning revelation. Showing that a complicated story doesn't need an overly sensational treatment, Tortoise Media's series has been among the most talked about shows of the year, and the most terrifying.

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