The First 48

10 Best Episodes of The First 48 - Season 18

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!

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The First 48 - S18E7

#15 - Deadly Favor / Just Kids (Season 18 - Episode 7)

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 7.37 from 102 votes.

The First 48 - S18E8

#14 - Deadly Lies / Stay Down (Season 18 - Episode 8)

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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.

The First 48 - S18E10

#13 - Love Hate / A Soldier's Life (Season 18 - Episode 10)

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.

The First 48 - S18E13

#12 - Bullets Have No Names (Season 18 - Episode 13)

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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.

The First 48 - S18E4

#11 - Mr. New Orleans / No Shelter (Season 18 - Episode 4)

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.

The First 48 - S18E9

#10 - The Other Wife (Season 18 - Episode 9)

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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 7.48 from 94 votes.

The First 48 - S18E15

#9 - Deadly Rap (Season 18 - Episode 15)

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.

The First 48 - S18E3

#8 - Killer Contact (Season 18 - Episode 3)

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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.

The First 48 - S18E12

#7 - Fatal Mistake (Season 18 - Episode 12)

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 7.49 from 83 votes.

The First 48 - S18E1

#6 - Deadly Premonition (Season 18 - Episode 1)

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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.

The First 48 - S18E6

#5 - A Fighting Chance (Season 18 - Episode 6)

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.

The First 48 - S18E14

#4 - Fatal Showdown / Deadly Text (Season 18 - Episode 14)

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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.

The First 48 - S18E18

#3 - Crossroads (Season 18 - Episode 18)

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 - S18E16

#2 - Officer Down (Season 18 - Episode 16)

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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 - S18E17

#1 - Dangerous Business (Season 18 - Episode 17)

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.

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