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 man is shot and killed while inside his apartment. Detectives believe the shooter was mistaken and took an innocent life. Time is of the essence while Detectives look for the man who was in the killers sights. A new Detective in the middle of his first big case has a triple murder to solve. As things quickly get out of hand…he must maintain control and work to solve the case.
The episode was rated 7.07 from 44 votes.
A woman is found murdered in a lot. Detectives work to identify a killer before he strikes again. As a victim clings to life…it is their identification that will lead the detectives to the culprits.
The episode was rated 7.17 from 42 votes.
A woman has been stabbed and left to die in the streets. When a witness comes forward with a license plate number detectives must resort to trickery to bring a suspect in. Found dead in his dental clinic, an elderly man’s murder has few clues. Suddenly a woman comes forward with some information leaving detectives to wonder…it is too good to be true?
The episode was rated 7.17 from 41 votes.
A burning truck reveals the fiery grave of two murder victims. Detectives are set in motion to track suspects so they can find a killer. A woman is found murdered in the streets. Detectives are left with few clues to work with, anyone could be the killer.
The episode was rated 7.26 from 54 votes.
Shots ring out in the night, two victims lay dead while another clings to life. Detectives will need the eyes of the third victim to help catch this killer. A veteran police officer is puzzled when he locates a body burning inside a car. Relying on hold fashioned footwork will be what helps find this killer.
The episode was rated 7.29 from 35 votes.
When the only witness to a murder is a young girl, detectives must look to her mother for help. Will she allow the detectives access to the young girl? Can she point to the shooter? Gang violence is growing and one gang in Miami, is thought to of taken the life of a homeless man. Will graffiti be the writing on the wall to help solve this murder?
The episode was rated 7.42 from 36 votes.
A young couples goes missing in Memphis. Family members contact the local police for help, the fear the worst might have happened. While detectives investigate they soon realize they may not be investigating the loss of two lives but rather helping to return them to their families. Behind a barbershop a young man has been gunned down in cold blood. As the detectives investigate they quickly realized not everything is as it appears.
The episode was rated 7.42 from 69 votes.
The murder of an unidentified young woman sends detectives on two hunts: to identify the victim and to hunt a killer. The leads are few, but detectives hope the cell phone and her clothes will point them in the right direction.
The episode was rated 7.46 from 39 votes.
A man is stabbed to death in his car, investigators learn that he is an executive with an airline. Two suspects emerge, victim and suspects both had promising futures..but not any more.
The episode was rated 7.53 from 32 votes.
A sixty-one year old man becomes an unlikely suspect when a double shooting takes place. Investigators try to wrap their brains around the tragic murders and the unlikely suspect. A murder victim is found dumped in a park their body full of bullets. As detectives dig deeper into the life of the victim they start to unravel man secrets.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 54 votes.
Two dead and four more with gunshot wounds, surveillance cameras cannot identify the shooter. Detectives must look to witnesses for the information they need to solve this case. A man found dead in his pickup clutching money and drugs, stumps detectives. Lucky for them forensics turns up several good prints, will the point to a killer?
The episode was rated 7.76 from 37 votes.
In the episode "To Die For/Highway Revenge" of The First 48, Detectives have a difficult time remaining unaffected by the case of an elderly man who was shot dead. The detectives must find the killer and track down the gang responsible for the man's death.
Interstate 96 is where the tragedy occurred, when one motorist met his end. Found in his car along the highway, the detectives must work tirelessly to uncover the truth. This episode of The First 48 follows the detectives as they struggle to find the killer and bring justice to the victim.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 33 votes.
