The First 48 (2004)
A landmark true crime documentary series following real homicide detectives as they race to crack murder cases in the critical first 48 hours.
The First 48 - Series Information
- Original Title: The First 48
- First Air Year: 2004
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 29
- Number of Episodes: 584
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 3, 2004 (United States - TV-14), June 3, 2004 (Canada - 14+), June 3, 2004 (Germany - 12), June 3, 2004 (France - 10), June 3, 2004 (Brazil - 16), June 3, 2004 (Mexico - AA), June 3, 2004 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: A&E
- Alternative Titles: Enquête, les premières 48h (FR), Las primeras 48 horas (MX)
- Production Companies: ITV Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The First 48 - Plot
The First 48 follows detectives from around the country during these first critical hours as they race against time to find the suspect. Gritty and fast-paced, it takes viewers behind the scenes of real-life investigations with unprecedented access to crime scenes, autopsies, forensic processing, and interrogations.
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The First 48 - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Dion Graham
The First 48 - FAQs
Is The First 48 based on real cases?
Every case featured on The First 48 is completely real. Camera crews embed with actual homicide detectives in cities across the United States, documenting genuine murder investigations from the moment detectives are called to the scene through interrogations, forensic work, and — when possible — an arrest.
Where can you stream The First 48?
The First 48 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock Premium, Philo, and A&E. You can also watch it with ads for free on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi TV. Episodes are available to purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
How many seasons does The First 48 have?
The First 48 has 29 seasons and a specials collection, totaling 584 episodes. It premiered on A&E in June 2004 and remains in active production, making it one of the longest-running true crime documentary series on American television.
Has any case on The First 48 gone wrong?
Yes — the show has faced scrutiny over several cases. Most notably, the 2010 investigation of Antoinette Frank's case and others raised concerns about interrogation tactics. In 2012, a Memphis case featured on the show led to a wrongful conviction lawsuit after a suspect was acquitted, prompting debate about the series' impact on real legal proceedings.
What is The First 48 about?
The show follows real homicide detectives across the United States during the crucial first 48 hours after a murder — the window when cases are most likely to be solved. Cameras capture crime scenes, autopsies, forensic processing, and suspect interrogations, offering a raw, unfiltered look at how homicide investigations actually unfold.
Is The First 48 still airing new episodes?
The First 48 is still very much active. The series currently holds a Returning Series status on A&E and is confirmed to be in production, with Season 29 underway. After more than two decades on air, it remains one of the network's flagship programs.
What cities are featured in The First 48?
Over its run, The First 48 has embedded with homicide units in cities including Miami, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Kansas City, Birmingham, Detroit, and New Orleans, among others. The show rotates between departments, giving viewers a broad look at how different police forces approach murder investigations across the country.
What is the content rating for The First 48?
The First 48 carries a TV-14 rating, meaning it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. Given its unflinching depiction of real crime scenes, autopsies, and emotionally charged interrogations, parental guidance is strongly advised for younger viewers.
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