What is The First 48 about?

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,...

The First 48

Name: The First 48
Genre: Documentary, Drama, Crime
Released: 2004-06-03
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Dion Graham

TV Show 2004 7.9 /10

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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026

About The First 48

The First 48 follows homicide investigations during the crucial initial hours after a crime is discovered, showing detectives working under intense time pressure to gather leads that might identify a suspect. Cameras ride along as officers process scenes, interview witnesses, analyze evidence, and put together timelines. The series keeps a tight focus on procedure and minutes that matter, presenting raw footage of autopsies, forensic labs, and interrogations without revealing later-case resolutions or twists. It emphasizes the practical steps detectives take when information is scarce and stakes are high, keeping the storytelling grounded in real-world police work.

The series first aired in 2004, presented as a documentary-style television show, with Dion Graham providing the narration. It was produced for long-form broadcast television and maintains a fly-on-the-wall approach that privileges observational footage over dramatization.

It hasn't been a major presence in mainstream awards competitions, and there are no widely reported Oscar or Emmy wins tied to the series. That said, it has been widely discussed in industry and academic circles for its access and method, and individual episodes and moments have drawn attention in crime reporting and broadcast journalism.

The show helped popularize the idea that the initial 48 hours of an investigation are decisive, and that urgency has dramatic value for viewers. Its format inspired similar true crime programs and daytime specials, and it fueled public interest in forensic procedures and police tactics. At the same time, the series sparked debates about ethics, consent, and the impact of cameras on victims, families, and suspects.

Critics and audiences rate the show positively for the immediacy and level of procedural detail it offers, reflected in a 7.9/10 average from viewers. Themes include time pressure, resource limits, and the messy human side of policing, with praise for access tempered by criticism that some episodes veer toward sensationalism or raise questions about privacy and courtroom implications.

Details

Release Date: June 03, 2004
User Ratings: 98 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 29
Episodes: 584
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Crime

Cast

Dion Graham

Narrator

Seasons (29 seasons, 584 episodes)

Season 1

13 episodes - 2004

Season 2

13 episodes - 2005

Season 3

12 episodes - 2005

Season 4

19 episodes - 2006

Season 5

13 episodes - 2007

Season 6

17 episodes - 2007

Season 7

32 episodes - 2008

Season 8

15 episodes - 2009

Season 9

13 episodes - 2009

Season 10

29 episodes - 2010

Season 11

39 episodes - 2010

Season 12

32 episodes - 2011

Season 13

36 episodes - 2013

Season 14

39 episodes - 2014

Season 15

29 episodes - 2015

Season 16

22 episodes - 2016

Season 17

28 episodes - 2017

Season 18

18 episodes - 2019

Season 19

54 episodes - 2020

Season 20

23 episodes - 2021

Season 21

19 episodes - 2022

Season 22

8 episodes - 2023

Season 23

10 episodes - 2024

Season 24

9 episodes - 2024

Season 25

9 episodes - 2025

S26

Season 26

9 episodes - 2024

S27

Season 27

12 episodes - 2025

Season 28

12 episodes - 2025

S29

Season 29

1 episodes - 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

The First 48 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, and Peacock Premium. You can also rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, The First 48 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Yes, you can buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

The First 48 has 29 seasons with a total of 584 episodes.

With a rating of 7.9/10 from 98 viewers, The First 48 is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

The First 48 stars Dion Graham.

The First 48 was released on June 03, 2004.

The First 48 is a Documentary, Drama, and Crime series.

The title refers to the first 48 hours after a homicide, the period when detectives have the best chance to gather leads and identify suspects. The series focuses on that critical timeframe and the race against time to solve cases.

The First 48 is a documentary series that follows real homicide investigations and real detectives from departments around the country. Episodes show actual crime scenes, autopsies, forensic work and interrogations rather than scripted reenactments.

Dion Graham serves as the show's narrator, providing voiceover context and transitions throughout episodes. His narration helps explain investigation steps and ties together the on-scene footage.

No, the show is generally intended for mature audiences because episodes often include graphic crime scene footage, autopsies and intense interrogations. Parental discretion is advised.