Best Episodes
The First 48 is a hit true crime docu-series that follows detectives during the hours immediately following a homicide. It is available to watch on A&E and first aired back in 2004. After 24 seasons, The First 48 has created some unforgettable episodes. Below, we’ll be ranking the best episodes of The First 48 and why they have earned their spots on the list.
From the shocking twists and turns of the case, to the heartbreaking stories of the victims and their families, the show has created some truly moving and captivating episodes. Each episode is filled with intense moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the ranking and see which episodes made the cut as the best of the best of The First 48.
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!
A young father killed at an abandoned Atlanta car wash may have been the victim of gang violence; a Gulf War veteran is shot dead in a park.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 25 votes.
In Cleveland, an innocent man is gunned down in a gang war and Detectives race to find his killers before any more blood is shed. Then, in Dallas, a father is murdered close to home and detectives need his neighbors to give them a lead.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 67 votes.
An Atlanta man ends up being shot at an illegal establishment whilst an Oklahoma detective takes a look at a double murder.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 44 votes.
Masked gunmen terrorize a Cleveland family and execute the young patriarch; Dallas detectives hunt for a killer who gunned down an innocent teen with an assault rifle
The episode was rated 7.62 from 55 votes.
New Orleans homicide detectives investigate the case of a man who was gunned down in the street and a coldblooded killing in a convenience store.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 14 votes.
The killing of a foreign exchange student is captured on video; family members are involved in a shooting at a New Orleans carwash.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 59 votes.
Prosecutors work to convict the suspected shooter in a fatal robbery, but the defendant's violent reputation frightens potential trial witnesses.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 43 votes.
The First 48 episode "Bound and Burned" follows a Dallas police detective as they investigate the mysterious death of an expectant father. The body of the victim has been found bound and burned in a creek bed, and the detective must uncover the truth behind the crime. As the investigation progresses, the detective reveals a complex robbery plot that may be connected to the victim's death.
The episode is full of suspense and intrigue as the detective works to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. With each clue, the detective is closer to uncovering the truth, although the plot twists and turns as the investigation continues. As the episode reaches its climax, the detective is able to piece together the pieces of the puzzle, and the audience is left with a feeling of satisfaction as the case is resolved.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 46 votes.
When a young father is attacked by a pack of brazen shooters, Atlanta Detective Summer Benton uncovers the shocking reason for his murder.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 65 votes.
A late-night pizza delivery in New Orleans leads to a fatal outcome; a young Atlanta man is murdered during a cigarette run.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 35 votes.
A late-night pizza delivery in New Orleans leads to a fatal outcome; a young Atlanta man is murdered during a cigarette run.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 60 votes.
A young Oklahoma woman is shot in broad daylight; police Detective Justin Ritter believes witnesses to the crime are withholding information.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 48 votes.
Four days before Christmas, a single mother of five is shot twice, dumped on an East Cleveland street, and run over by the killer. As the investigation moves forward, the victim's husband goes from grieving spouse to main suspect. His attorneys question the investigation, saying the state rushed to judgment. But what truly shocks the victim's family is a dark secret about her husband's past.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 35 votes.
The First 48 episode Night Run follows Detective Summer Benton as she investigates the murder of a young father in Atlanta. After initial investigation, it is clear that the father was attacked by a group of shooters. Detective Benton works diligently to uncover the truth of what happened, and why this tragedy occurred.
As the episode progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the murder was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted attack. But as to why the father was targeted remains a mystery. Detective Benton dives deep into the investigation and eventually discovers a shocking revelation behind the motive of the murder.
Night Run is an exciting and intense episode of The First 48, full of twists and turns. It is sure to keep viewers guessing until the very end as Detective Benton works to uncover the truth of what happened. With the help of her team, Benton is able to put the pieces of the puzzle together and reveal the truth behind the murder.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 51 votes.
The First 48 episode "Murder Rap/New Year's Terror" is a gripping story of a former gang member's untimely death. It follows the investigation by police to find out the perpetrators of the crime. The victim, who had dedicated his life to end the violence in his neighbourhood, is shot dead and a deadly home invasion is launched.
The episode is filled with suspense as the investigators try their best to find the killers. The episode highlights the importance of justice and how it can be elusive when it comes to gang violence. It also shows the courage of the victim and his dedication to make his neighbourhood a better place. It is an emotional story of a life taken too soon and the search for justice.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 27 votes.
