The First 48 is one of the longest-running and most successful crime series on A&E. It premiered in 2004 and has now aired 24 seasons. The show follows detectives during the hours immediately following a homicide. Over the years, many episodes have been highly lauded for their gripping stories and compelling crime scenes. But there have also been some episodes that have been met with criticism or have been ranked among the show’s worst. In this article, we will rank the worst episodes of The First 48, examining the reasons why they are not as well-received as the rest.
In order to determine the worst episodes of the show, we must first examine the criteria for what makes an episode great. Generally, the most successful episodes of The First 48 have an interesting crime scene and a compelling story that follows it. Good episodes will also draw viewers in with intense suspense and drama, and will resolve the crime in a satisfying way.
The following episodes are some of the lowest-rated in the show’s history. While these episodes may not be as well-received as the rest, they still offer a unique insight into the world of crime and justice. We will discuss why these episodes have been considered some of the worst, and what makes them stand out from the rest of the series.
Written by Sophie and last updated on Feb 13, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Detective Rayell Johnson investigates the shooting death of an elderly New Orleans man found dead outside his home, while Atlanta Detective Kevin Leonpacher must ID the young man and woman caught on a store camera committing a murder in broad daylight.
The episode was rated 7,36 from 103 votes.
A Tulsa, Okla., police detective cuts through conflicting stories in the case of a man who was shot and run over by a car; a gunman opens fire outside an Atlanta nightclub, killing one man and leaving another clinging to life.
The episode was rated 7,41 from 101 votes.
A Tulsa, Okla., woman goes on the run after the murder of her boyfriend; an Army veteran gunned down after helping a homeless man in Atlanta.
The episode was rated 7,41 from 92 votes.
A retired pre-school teacher is killed and detectives rely on a witness to crack the case.
The episode was rated 7,42 from 74 votes.
New Orleans homicide detectives work the stabbing death of an infamous local criminal; a squabble among friends leaves a woman brutally murdered in a Minneapolis bus station.
The episode was rated 7,44 from 112 votes.
When a man is gunned down protecting his wife, police detectives hope his ex-wife can reveal who may have wanted him killed.
The episode was rated 7,46 from 95 votes.
A night out leaves an innocent man dead; detectives follow up on solid leads that go nowhere, then discover a motive they never expected.
The episode was rated 7,48 from 84 votes.
A shootout in an Atlanta rap studio leaves two men dead and an investigation reveals a vengeful motive.
The episode was rated 7,48 from 106 votes.
When a young man from Tulsa., Okla., is found shot dead in his van, homicide detectives retrace his final hours and get caught up in a web of lies.
The episode was rated 7,49 from 106 votes.
After a young woman has a deadly premonition, the New Orleans homicide team learns her killer may have killed before.
The episode was rated 7,57 from 137 votes.
When an argument at a Tulsa, Okla., bar ends with the fatal shooting of a young social activist, police search for answers in a divided community.
The episode was rated 7,62 from 112 votes.
A Tulsa man is gunned down in broad daylight and a New Orleans man is shot eight times in his home after a text message falls into the hands of a killer.
The episode was rated 7,72 from 65 votes.
In Tulsa, Okla., detectives suspect a random roadside encounter when they find an unidentified cyclist gunned down in the middle of an intersection outside the airport.
The episode was rated 7,72 from 69 votes.
The First 48's Officer Down episode follows the New Orleans police department's homicide division as they investigate the cold-blooded execution of one of their own. With the killer still on the loose, detectives must race against the clock to catch the suspect before more lives are taken. The episode follows the detectives as they follow leads, interview witnesses, and analyze evidence to try and identify the killer.
The detectives soon discover that the murdered officer may not have been the only victim. With a killer who targets the law, the detectives must work quickly to prevent any further deaths. As the detectives work to unravel the case, viewers are taken on an intense journey as they uncover the truth behind the crime. With its gripping suspense and thrilling action, Officer Down is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode was rated 7,84 from 98 votes.
The First 48 episode "Dangerous Business" follows Minneapolis Detective Emily Dunphy as she investigates the death of a suburban teenager in a robbery gone bad. Detective Dunphy must investigate which of the victim's friends may have double-crossed him. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets, lies and dangerous business practices.
The episode follows Detective Dunphy as she pieces together the clues and interviews witnesses and family members. With each new clue, she must decide if the evidence is connecting her to the right person. As the investigation progresses, the audience is kept in suspense as to who is responsible for the death of the teenager.
The First 48 episode "Dangerous Business" is an intense and thrilling episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Detective Dunphy's skillful detective work and keen eye for detail will leave viewers wondering who is responsible and what the ultimate outcome of the case will be.
The episode was rated 7,90 from 113 votes.
