[3] Dean was investigating conspiracy theories which tied Edwards to the deaths of several other high-profile crime victims, such as JonBenét Ramsey and Laci Peterson.

Additionally, Sawyer noted that the show is "not like the movies", because it focuses on the difficulties of solving cold cases in the face of police lack of interest.

The review praised the podcast's discussions of the mythologization of serial killers, as well as the trauma for family members of victims of unsolved murders.

However, EJ Dickson of Rolling Stone found that Balascio's involvement with The Clearing's production elevated the show.

The review also stated that The Clearing critiques other true crime podcasts by setting out to debunk rumors about Edwards, in contrast to shows which may promote theories not based on evidence.