Find out where you can watch the longstanding true-crime show 48 Hours.
The hit show 48 Hours is one of the longest-standing true crime programs on television. Originally airing all the way back in January 1988, the show has held a prime-time Saturday night spot on CBS since its very first episode. If there is one thing in this life you can rely on, it’s CBS showing an episode of 48 Hours come 10 pm on Saturday night. It has proved a successful formula for the broadcasting giants as 48 Hours has continually been the number one non-sporting program viewed on Saturday night prime-time TV.
We are currently on season 35 of 48 Hours, and the true crime program has amassed over 991 episodes documenting real-life crime and justice stories. The show’s producers have been dedicated to uncovering some of the most intriguing crime stories that have unfortunately befallen normal people. At first, the show was exclusively interested in covering American crime stories but as the investigative team grew, they turned their attention to cases around the globe and international investigations have been carried out.
Each episode tends to focus on one particular case with the program including interviews with law enforcement, witnesses, officials, and family of the victims. Some very high-profile cases have been featured in 48 Hours during its time on air: The O.J. Simpson trial and the Casey Anthony case were both covered by the influential program.
With that being said, why are true crime programs like 48 Hours so popular? Gruesome topics like murder or kidnappings aren’t what immediately spring to mind for enjoyable Saturday night entertainment. However, the statistics don’t lie, people continually flock to such programs and 48 Hours' success is a testament to that. Anyone can give 48 Hours a try now by streaming it on Paramount+
Why Do People Love True-Crime Shows So Much?
People’s interest in true crime is a complex phenomenon that has been studied and debated by scholars, journalists, and psychologists. There are many different reasons why people are drawn to macabre events. True crime offers a glimpse into the darker side of human nature, a side not many people experience or are exposed to on a daily basis. We as a species are fascinated with the psychology and motivations of people who perform heinous acts, particularly murder. Murder is considered a truly taboo human impulse and true crime offers a glimpse into the evil which harnesses that impulse.
True crime shows, particularly 48 Hours, quell people’s desire for justice and closure. 48 Hours is a show that prides itself on investigating cases that have ‘gone cold’ or haven’t been proven and following the show is a good way to seek justice and gain some closure for victims and their families. The sense of satisfaction, when a perpetrator is caught, keeps people coming back for more, every Saturday night.
The final reason coincides with a critique some have of true crime programs and the way they sensationalize crime cases. True crime offers entertainment value for people. Those out there who enjoy suspense or dramatic stories are drawn to true crime cases. After all, what’s more suspenseful than a real-life murder case? The puzzle-like nature in which true crime programs are often presented is satisfying for people to solve and if you mix in suspense and drama, you have a formula that will attract many people’s attention.
However, it can sometimes feel that true crime programs forget the cases they cover have affected real people, and sensationalizing a case can be quite insensitive. It is a fine line.
Where to Watch 48 Hours
You can watch 48 Hours on Paramount+. There are currently 8 seasons for you to binge-watch, seasons 25-33. Each season has around 30 episodes, so this will keep the true crime side of your brain satisfied for a considerable amount of time. Every episode is free to stream for those with a Paramount+ hip.