On the Case with Paula Zahn
A Investigation Discovery Original
On the Case with Paula Zahn takes a measured, interview-driven look at shocking crimes by talking to the people who lived them. Each episode centers on one case, pairing Zahn's on-camera interviews with detectives, prosecutors, defense lawyers and victims' relatives. Short segments of archival... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About On the Case with Paula Zahn
On the Case with Paula Zahn takes a measured, interview-driven look at shocking crimes by talking to the people who lived them. Each episode centers on one case, pairing Zahn's on-camera interviews with detectives, prosecutors, defense lawyers and victims' relatives. Short segments of archival footage and evidence briefing fill in context, while Zahn asks pointed, clear questions that encourage candor rather than theatrics. Episodes move at a steady pace, laying out timelines, courtroom fragments and family recollections so viewers can follow the facts and the human consequences. Investigations include interviews with prosecutors who explain legal strategy and with families who describe the aftermath, offering balance between facts and emotion. Zahn keeps the focus on accuracy over sensationalism.
Premiering in 2009, the series is fronted by Paula Zahn and relies on original interviews and archival material to tell chronological case narratives, airing as standalone episodes designed for single-episode viewing that focus on legal and human perspectives, and accessible.
Host Paula Zahn is an award-winning journalist, and her credibility shapes the show's tone. The series benefits from her years of newsroom experience; her past reporting has earned industry recognition, and her background includes national reporting, which informs her approach. She brings that rigor to interviews and fact-checking.
As part of the broader true crime surge on cable and streaming, the series helped normalize long-form case studies centered on victims and legal voices. Its straightforward interview format influenced later programs and gave viewers direct access to courtroom and family perspectives, encouraging more victim-centered storytelling in the genre.
Audiences rate the show highly, reflected in an 8.4/10 average from viewers, who often praise Zahn's calm, direct questioning. Episodes frequently touch on themes of justice, accountability and the human cost of crime, with emphasis on investigative reporting, survivor voices and the procedural details that matter, and considered measured.
Details
- Release Date
- October 18, 2009
- Episode Length
- 43m
- Rating
- TV-14
- User Ratings
- 18 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 28
- Episodes
- 398
- Network
- Investigation Discovery
- Status
- Returning Series
- Genres
- Crime, Documentary
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Scott Sternberg Productions, Inc. +1 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Cast
Paula Zahn
Self - Host
Seasons (28 seasons, 398 episodes)
Season 1
13 episodes - 2009
Season 2
13 episodes - 2010
Season 3
13 episodes - 2010
Season 4
13 episodes - 2011
Season 5
13 episodes - 2011
Season 6
12 episodes - 2012
Season 7
14 episodes - 2012
Season 8
16 episodes - 2013
Season 9
16 episodes - 2013
Season 10
16 episodes - 2014
Season 11
15 episodes - 2015
Season 12
17 episodes - 2015
Season 13
12 episodes - 2016
Season 14
20 episodes - 2016
Season 15
13 episodes - 2017
Season 16
16 episodes - 2017
Season 17
19 episodes - 2018
Season 18
16 episodes - 2019
Season 19
15 episodes - 2019
Season 20
15 episodes - 2020
Season 21
9 episodes - 2020
Season 22
8 episodes - 2021
Season 23
16 episodes - 2021
Season 24
16 episodes - 2022
Season 25
17 episodes - 2022
Season 26
12 episodes - 2023
Season 27
11 episodes - 2024
Season 28
12 episodes - 2025
