Forty Eight Hours

This documentary series badly needs to be renamed.

Nova, Horizon and Panorama could all show almost any of these episodes - although this show does focus almost exclusively on murder cases that were unclear, at least initially, as to the culprit and/or have questionable witness, police or prosecutors.

I find many of these cases to be frustrating, at best. Innocent people are harmed and never get justice, and least not swiftly and, to my way of thinking, that isn't actually just.

Sadly, most of these cases highlight the ignorance, stupidity, biases and incompetence surrounding all aspects of those participating in the legal system. It boggles the mind how often those in charge make life-altering decisions on cases on a whim, or from bias, incompetence or laziness, and then stand behind those bad choices come hell or high water. Often committing crimes beyond perjury to cover up their errors, often aiding criminals and often causing great harm to innocents.

All in all its a dose of reality for those who see the world through rose coloured glasses.

My Dad loves this show, and openly, admittedly, it's growing on me a bit. Reason being, for not really partaking in viewing this show, although I've never got up off the couch, a couple of episodes, I've seen with Dad, on the ole sofa, is the cases, are not of infamous serial killers. No, these involve obscure known cases, involving some grisly, heartless murders of killers, who's facades are so normal, their creepy and nightmarish. The show is very well put together, which is what I really like, no reenactment, the guises left open. The stories, really go in the killer's history, and how the murderous events unfolded. I've never seen a crime show, go this much into it. A well utilized show, is a must see, for lives of non fiction crime. Some of them, may give the heebie geebies in the after. I do know too, in future, I won't be making a big effort to get off of that couch.

I was watching 48 Hours on Saturday nights because they focus on murder cases like Katherine Woods case and others on a weekly basis. They go into detail of a case, talk with suspects, witnesses, friends, relatives, and others about the case as well as the prosecutors, policemen, and defense attorneys. They also help us understand the community and environment where these crimes happen. Of course, they talk about injustices, legal talk, and the case at hand. Trials can be both boring and exciting at the same time. The show has changed from being investigative to focusing on one subject to help us understand the story which is always reality. It's always frightening how potent the truth can be. How people who look like you and me could be involved in such horrendous crimes? Especially when the victim is close member of the family, spouse, friend, etc. Recently, they had done the Napa murders and are going to do an hour on the Atlantic City Murders which has not been solved. They also follow up on cases like the Katherine Woods case too.

These are one of those shows that keep you hooked until the end. The suspense is also really well done. The best time to watch this is at night, it's really a great experience. You sometimes don't know whether the cases get resolved at the conclusion.

It is a intriguing show that is edited in such a sure-handed way. You hear different sides to the story, from the authorities to lawyers and from criminals to the friends & family of the victim(s). There's a lot that goes on within that hour!

48 Hours Mystery and 48 Hours on ID are the ones I like the most but the original 48 Hours is just as great as its successors. The genres are mixed so well, like drama and sometimes horror, and I'm glad there are so many to watch. If you don't have/use DVR for your cable, you can easily find full episodes on YouTube and the CBS News website. Give it a watch and you'll want to know more about the story in each episode from beginning to end.

For years being a viewer of "CBS" this award winning real life investigative news program "48 Hours" has always been a must view as the reporting and interviews and cases examined are cutting edge and often open for challenge with both sides of the legal system often making challenges and fighting for answers. Each case featured does involve crime mostly murder and the cases are real life many are cold cases unsolved one's from many years ago it's like a search and find mission a detective show at it's best! It's really interesting and in depth many stories and cases featured are high profile and in depth that involve cases of serial killers. The interviews given with family members, police, and suspects are revealing and eye opening. Plus the reporting is from top notch "CBS" reporters! Overall award winning must see investigative show from "CBS" one of it's real life best!