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!
After a 14-year-old boy is shot to death outside of a friend's house, detectives wonder if he was caught in the middle of a sinister plot.
The episode was rated 6.91 from 11 votes.
In Mobile, Ala., a man is gunned down in front of his family, and it's up to Det. Jermaine Rogers to sift through differing accounts of the incident to find the truth.
The episode was rated 7.00 from 13 votes.
A young man is murdered while defending his friends during a home invasion; retired Detective Ronnie Leatherman hands off the case to Detective Lacey Lansdown, who must now seek justice for the man's family.
The episode was rated 7.08 from 24 votes.
In Tulsa, detectives scour the city for a man on the run while trying to uncover the truth behind a woman's mysterious injuries.
The episode was rated 7.30 from 23 votes.
When a woman's body is discovered in her car on an overgrown lot outside of Mobile, Det. Glenn Barton traces her final steps to find who or what is ultimately responsible for her mysterious death.
The episode was rated 7.48 from 25 votes.
Detective Angela Carter takes over the case of a missing teenage girl and wonders if the key to her disappearance could lie shockingly close to home.
The episode was rated 7.56 from 27 votes.
When a man is found inside of a truck, stabbed 45 times, a bilingual Tulsa community comes together to help Detective Mark Kennedy identify the victim and track down his killer.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 23 votes.
When a house fire turns out to be a triple murder involving a 7-year-old girl, Tulsa Homicide takes it personally.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 25 votes.
