Dateline NBC

10 Best Episodes of Dateline NBC - Season 28

Dateline NBC is an investigative journalism show that has been airing on NBC since 1992. The reporters for Dateline research their subjects and interview the people closely involved to create a comprehensive and informative work of journalism. With 30 seasons and over a quarter of a century of episodes, it can be hard to pick the best episodes. To help narrow down the list, we have ranked the top 5 Dateline NBC episodes.

The top 5 Dateline NBC episodes cover a wide variety of topics from crime stories to human interest stories. These episodes have been chosen for their compelling stories, intriguing investigations, and depth of coverage. From investigating a murder mystery with unexpected twists and turns to uncovering a complex fraud, these episodes are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

If you're looking for the best Dateline NBC episodes, you've come to the right place. Read on to find out which episodes made the list and why they are considered the best of the best. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or just getting started, these episodes are sure to keep you entertained and informed.

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!

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Dateline NBC - S28E29

#15 - What Happened to the Children? (Season 28 - Episode 29)

Dateline NBC's episode "What Happened to the Children?" looks at the disappearance of two children, Tylee and JJ, and their mother, Lori Vallow. Keith Morrison investigates the situation and interviews close family members of Lori Vallow to get a better understanding of what could have happened. The episode dives into the mysterious disappearance of these two children, raising questions about their safety and whereabouts.

The episode contains exclusive interviews with those close to Lori Vallow, as Keith Morrison attempts to determine the truth behind the disappearance of Tylee and JJ. Such interviews provide a unique insight into the case and potentially shed light on why the children have not been seen since September. Dateline NBC's episode "What Happened to the Children?" provides an in-depth look at the case, and viewers will be left with more questions than answers.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 12 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E21

#14 - The Perfect Guy (Season 28 - Episode 21)

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Dateline NBC’s episode “The Perfect Guy” follows the story of a man who has been stealing millions of dollars from unsuspecting women and businesses over the course of 25 years. Despite his long and successful crime spree, law enforcement has yet to catch him. Dateline NBC’s Andrea Canning takes viewers on an investigative journey to uncover the truth behind this mysterious criminal.

The episode follows the story of the “Perfect Guy” as he has managed to stay one step ahead of law enforcement a total of 25 years. How has he managed to pull off such an impressive feat? What methods has he used to con women and businesses out of their money? The episode follows the investigation that is conducted by Andrea Canning and her team as they try to uncover the truth. With the help of interviews and investigative journalism, viewers can gain a better understanding of the methods employed by the Perfect Guy and how he has managed to stay one step ahead of law enforcement for so long.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 12 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E5

#13 - The Box (Season 28 - Episode 5)

The tragic case of a Montana man's death is explored in Dateline NBC's episode, "The Box." Years after his passing, his son dreads what he will find when he opens up the box of case files. The box contains the never-before-seen evidence surrounding his father's death, giving him insight into what really happened. The episode follows the son as he discovers the truth about his father's death and the events that led up to it.

Hosted by Keith Morrison, "The Box" is an emotional journey of discovery and loss. As the son goes through the evidence, he is forced to face the reality of his father's passing, and the circumstances that led up to it. It is a story of pain, sorrow, and ultimately hope, as the son finds closure in the truth of his father's death.

The episode was rated 7.60 from 15 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E16

#12 - Abducted (Season 28 - Episode 16)

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Dateline NBC's episode "Abducted" focuses on the story of Heidi Broussard, a Texas mother who was tragically abducted and murdered in 2019. As investigators attempt to piece together the events leading up to her disappearance, they uncover a web of deceit and betrayal that leads them to one of Heidi's closest friends, Magen Fieramusca. It's a tense and shocking story with twists and turns that make it one of Dateline's most memorable episodes.

The episode showcases the relentless effort of law enforcement and the Broussard family in their search for Heidi and their determination to bring her killer to justice. It also highlights the heartbreaking effects of Heidi's disappearance on the community, and the incredible resilience of her family and friends in the wake of such a tragedy. With gripping interviews and compelling evidence, the episode paints an in-depth picture of a crime that left an entire community in shock.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 14 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E26

#11 - The House (Season 28 - Episode 26)

Dateline NBC's episode "The House" follows the investigation of a former FBI agent who was brutally murdered in his own home. After the initial investigation, police begin to believe that the answer to the mystery lies close to the victim's home. Josh Mankiewicz reports on the case and the evidence collected to try to bring the killer to justice.

The episode offers a gripping look at the mystery of the murder and the investigation. Viewers are taken through the evidence, the leads, and the possible suspects as the investigators try to uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, the suspect list narrows and the tension mounts as the investigators get closer to solving the case. As the episode ends, viewers are left with the hope that justice will be served and the killer will be brought to justice.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 11 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E13

#10 - The Devil Was Watching (Season 28 - Episode 13)

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The story of Dateline NBC's episode "The Devil Was Watching" centers around the Colorado woman's unexplained disappearance. With no crime scene, evidence, or body, the mystery surrounding her disappearance is deep and perplexing. In order to uncover the truth behind this woman's disappearance, Dennis Murphy delves deep into the secrets of her marriage. Through interviews with family and friends, Murphy attempts to uncover the truth behind this woman's disappearance.

The episode is filled with suspense and intrigue. The audience is left in the dark, not knowing if the woman's disappearance was voluntary or if a sinister force was at work. Murphy's investigation leads him to uncover a number of secrets and potential motives, all of which add to the mystery. The episode culminates with Murphy's detective work leading to a shocking conclusion that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 10 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E22

#9 - The Black Box (Season 28 - Episode 22)

On an otherwise normal day, a coroner arrives at the scene of a car accident to find his friend, Judy Orr Baldwin, dead. This tragedy is made even more difficult when he notices some unusual markings on her face. This leads him to suspect foul play and he sets out to uncover the truth about her death.

Dateline NBC's episode "The Black Box" follows the coroner as he investigates the mysterious circumstances of Judy Orr Baldwin's death. With the help of investigative reporter Andrea Canning, they attempt to piece together the evidence and find out if it was an accident or something far more sinister. As they uncover more of the story, viewers are taken on an emotional journey as the coroner comes to terms with his friend's death.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 11 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E2

#8 - Haunted (Season 28 - Episode 2)

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Dateline NBC’s episode of Haunted is a deep dive into the mysterious disappearance of Utah mother Susan Powell. Ten years after her disappearance, private journals, home videos, and emails provide viewers with a new understanding of the story. Investigating this case is Dateline NBC’s correspondent Keith Morrison, who provides viewers with an in-depth look at the events that transpired in 2010.

Haunted begins with Keith Morrison guiding viewers through Susan Powell’s life before her disappearance. Through interviews with family and friends, viewers get a glimpse into the woman Susan was, and the life she lead with her family. From there, the episode changes focus to the events that lead to her disappearance. It is through the personal records of Susan Powell’s that the story of her disappearance takes a darker turn, as the evidence suggests that her husband may have been involved.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 22 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E18

#7 - Where are the Children? (Season 28 - Episode 18)

Dateline NBC's episode, "Where are the Children?" is a gripping investigation into the mysterious disappearance of two Idaho children. Host Keith Morrison takes viewers on a journey to Hawaii, searching for clues to the whereabouts of their mother and her new husband. With few leads to go on and no real answers, the investigation takes a dramatic turn as Morrison and his team are forced to search for the children in a hostile and unfamiliar environment.

The episode is a roller-coaster ride of emotions as viewers are left wondering what happened to the missing children. Through interviews with family members, friends, and strangers, Morrison pieces together the clues and attempts to bring the children home. Despite the challenges and frustration he and his team face, Morrison never gives up and continues to search for answers. The episode is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thrilling mystery that will keep them on the edge of their seat.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 10 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E1

#6 - The Thing About Pam (Season 28 - Episode 1)

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Dateline NBC's episode, "The Thing About Pam," tells the incredible story of how the murder of Betsy Faria set off a series of events with devastating consequences. The episode follows Keith Morrison as he explores the details surrounding the case and sheds light on a diabolical scheme.

The episode delves into the shocking details of the events that transpired after Betsy Faria's death. It examines the intricate web of lies and deceit that was uncovered during the investigation and explores the implications of the case. The episode also looks into the impact that the case had on the people involved in it and how the chain of events changed their lives forever. Through Morrison's exploration of the events, the audience is able to gain a greater understanding of the complexities of the case and how it was eventually solved.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 32 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E3

#5 - The Plan (Season 28 - Episode 3)

Dateline NBC’s episode “The Plan” is a gripping crime story that follows a double homicide in upstate New York and the cross country investigation to uncover an unexpected suspect. The episode begins with a gruesome discovery by local police of a man and woman murdered in their home. As the police launch an investigation to find the killer, they quickly uncover a web of lies and deception that leads them across the country.

The episode does an excellent job of keeping viewers engaged as it twists and turns through the investigation. With the help of surveillance footage, GPS trackers, and interviews with key witnesses, the detectives eventually uncover a plan to commit murder that goes back several years. The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation with the suspect, who is revealed to be someone entirely unexpected.

Dateline NBC’s “The Plan” is an exciting and well-crafted episode that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. It is an excellent example of how a crime story can be told with suspense, revealing the truth of the case in a suspenseful and thrilling way.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 27 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E4

#4 - The Pink Skirt Plot (Season 28 - Episode 4)

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Dateline NBC brings us an intriguing tale of mystery and suspense in its episode “The Pink Skirt Plot”. When a young businessman is found murdered in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, it marks the beginning of a 15 year long hunt to find the killer. This episode follows the investigation as it is taken up by Detective Alberto Rivera, who is determined to bring the murderer to justice.

As the investigation progresses, Detective Rivera encounters many obstacles and challenges. He meets with resistance from the local police force, who are unwilling to help, and the case begins to look more and more hopeless. However, with his determination and dedication, Rivera is able to piece together the clues and eventually discovers the identity of the murderer. In a thrilling finale, he is able to bring the killer to justice and close the case, 15 years after it began.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 20 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E23

#3 - The Ranch (Season 28 - Episode 23)

In this dramatic episode of Dateline NBC, “The Ranch,” three siblings face the unimaginable when their father is taken hostage in an orchestrated abduction. Keith Morrison follows their story as they, for the first time, discuss their ordeal and its unexpected conclusion.

The three siblings, Tom, Colleen, and Tim, were living their lives on the family ranch in rural Kansas when their father was kidnapped. The family had no idea who was responsible or why they had targeted their father. The siblings had to adjust to their new reality, trying to continue with their lives while worrying about their father’s safety. After months of searching, the FBI finally located their father and the family was reunited.

The story of “The Ranch” is a heart-wrenching story of a family’s strength and courage in the face of adversity. Through interviews with the siblings and their families, Keith Morrison provides a detailed account of the kidnapping and its resolution. Viewers will be moved by the siblings’ resilience and the strength of their family bond.

The episode was rated 8.15 from 13 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E32

#2 - The Playbook (Season 28 - Episode 32)

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Dateline NBC's latest episode, The Playbook, dives into the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Host Lester Holt investigates if better preparation could have saved lives. In this episode, Holt investigates how the government handled the pandemic, from the time it first emerged in China until it spread across the globe. He also analyzes the strategies that were used and whether or not they were effective in saving lives.

Holt interviews a wide range of experts, from epidemiologists to public health professionals, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic's impact. He speaks to those on the frontlines, who are dealing with the virus on a daily basis, to gain insight into the challenges faced. Additionally, he speaks to individuals who have lost loved ones due to the virus, giving a personal take on the impact of the government's response.

The Playbook is an eye-opening episode that gives viewers a comprehensive look into the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. It examines the strategies that were used, the challenges faced, and the impact it has had on individuals and communities across the globe. Through Holt's interviews and analysis, viewers gain a better understanding of the pandemic, and the episode encourages viewers to consider if different strategies may have saved lives.

The episode was rated 8.40 from 10 votes.

Dateline NBC - S28E20

#1 - The House on the Hill (Season 28 - Episode 20)

The Dateline NBC episode “The House on the Hill” tells the story of Karl Karlsen and his family. When his wife dies in a house fire, Karlsen is left to care for their son. Unfortunately, his luck doesn’t stop there. His prized horses die in a separate fire, and his son dies in an apparent accident. How can one man be so unlucky? Dateline NBC reporter Andrea Canning investigates.

The episode takes viewers through Karlsen’s story, from the death of his wife to the death of his son. Canning interviews family members, friends, and Karlsen himself to get to the bottom of the mystery. She also investigates the evidence, such as the fire reports and Karlsen’s own alibis. As the episode progresses, viewers will begin to wonder if Karlsen is really as unlucky as he seems, or if something more sinister is going on.

The episode was rated 8.43 from 14 votes.

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