10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to 48 Hours (1988)

Description: While '20/20' is a news magazine show, it shares similarities with '48 Hours' in its investigative approach to real-life crime stories. Both shows delve into the details of criminal cases, often featuring interviews with law enforcement and victims' families, much like the procedural elements in '48 Hours'.

Fact: '20/20' was created by ABC News and has been hosted by notable journalists like Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs. The show often features in-depth reports on high-profile crimes, similar to the documentary style of '48 Hours'. Over the years, '20/20' has won numerous awards for its journalism, including several Emmy Awards.

Description: 'Frontline' is a documentary series that, like '48 Hours', investigates real-life events and crimes. Both shows use a narrative style to present their stories, often uncovering new details and perspectives on well-known cases. The focus on truth and justice aligns with the themes explored in '48 Hours'.

Fact: 'Frontline' is produced by PBS and is one of the longest-running investigative documentary series on American television. The show has covered a wide range of topics, from political scandals to criminal investigations, much like the varied cases in '48 Hours'. 'Frontline' has won numerous awards, including Peabody Awards and Emmy Awards, for its in-depth reporting.

Description: 'The FBI Files' is a documentary series that, like '48 Hours', provides an inside look at the work of federal law enforcement in solving crimes. Both shows feature detailed accounts of investigations, often including interviews with agents and reenactments of key events.

Fact: 'The FBI Files' was produced with the cooperation of the FBI, offering viewers unprecedented access to case files and evidence. The show covered a wide range of cases, from terrorism to organized crime, showcasing the breadth of the FBI's work. 'The FBI Files' was praised for its accuracy and attention to detail, making it a valuable resource for true crime enthusiasts.

Description: 'Cold Case Files' focuses on the re-examination of unsolved crimes, much like the investigative nature of '48 Hours'. Both shows highlight the persistence of law enforcement and the advancements in technology that can bring closure to long-standing cases.

Fact: 'Cold Case Files' is narrated by Bill Kurtis, whose distinctive voice adds to the show's dramatic tone. The series has been instrumental in solving several cold cases, thanks to its detailed coverage and public exposure. 'Cold Case Files' was revived in 2017, showcasing the enduring interest in unresolved criminal investigations.

Description: '60 Minutes' is a pioneering news magazine show that, like '48 Hours', features investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on crime and justice. Both shows use a similar format of interviews, reenactments, and expert analysis to tell their stories, making them compelling viewing for fans of true crime.

Fact: '60 Minutes' is the longest-running primetime television news magazine in the United States. The show has featured iconic correspondents like Mike Wallace and Morley Safer, who have become synonymous with investigative journalism. '60 Minutes' has won over 100 Emmy Awards, highlighting its impact and quality in the field of journalism.

Description: 'Forensic Files' is a true crime documentary series that, like '48 Hours', delves into the details of criminal investigations. Both shows emphasize the role of forensic science in solving crimes, often featuring expert testimony and reenactments to illustrate the investigative process.

Fact: 'Forensic Files' originally aired as 'Medical Detectives' before being rebranded. The show has covered over 500 cases, many of which have become famous in the annals of forensic science. 'Forensic Files' has been credited with raising public awareness about the importance of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.

Description: 'The New Detectives' is a true crime series that, like '48 Hours', focuses on the work of forensic scientists and detectives in solving crimes. Both shows use reenactments and expert interviews to illustrate the investigative process, making them engaging for fans of crime documentaries.

Fact: 'The New Detectives' originally aired on the Discovery Channel and was known for its detailed case studies. The show often featured cutting-edge forensic techniques, highlighting the evolution of crime-solving technology. 'The New Detectives' was praised for its educational value, offering viewers insights into the science behind criminal investigations.

Description: 'City Confidential' is a true crime series that, like '48 Hours', explores crimes within the context of their communities. Both shows delve into the social and cultural factors that influence criminal behavior, offering a deeper understanding of the cases they cover.

Fact: 'City Confidential' was narrated by Paul Winfield, whose storytelling added a dramatic flair to the series. The show often focused on small-town crimes, providing a unique perspective on how such events impact close-knit communities. 'City Confidential' was known for its atmospheric cinematography, which helped to set the tone for each episode.

Description: 'The First 48' is a documentary series that focuses on the critical first 48 hours of a homicide investigation, similar to the time-sensitive nature of '48 Hours'. Both shows highlight the work of law enforcement in solving crimes, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the investigative process.

Fact: 'The First 48' follows real detectives as they work to solve murders, often within the crucial first two days. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and has led to the resolution of some cold cases. 'The First 48' has spawned several spin-offs, including 'The First 48: Missing Persons' and 'The First 48: Critical Minutes'.

Description: 'American Justice' is a documentary series that explores high-profile criminal cases, similar to the storytelling approach of '48 Hours'. Both shows provide a comprehensive look at the legal and investigative processes, often featuring interviews with key figures involved in the cases.

Fact: 'American Justice' was hosted by Bill Kurtis, who also narrated 'Cold Case Files'. The show covered a wide range of cases, from serial killers to wrongful convictions, offering a broad perspective on the American justice system. 'American Justice' was known for its meticulous research and balanced reporting, earning it critical acclaim.