48 Hours
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Decades of network-television investigative pedigree, now in podcast form."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news
- ✓Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates
- ✓Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode
Pros & cons
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About this podcast
48 Hours uncovers the narrative behind crime and justice cases that have left a lasting mark on society. Award-winning CBS News correspondents thoughtfully examine the complexities of each case, drawing on interviews with detectives, prosecutors, families and witnesses.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
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Frequently Asked Questions about 48 Hours
What is 48 Hours about?
48 Hours uncovers the narrative behind crime and justice cases that have left a lasting mark on society. Award-winning CBS News correspondents thoughtfully examine the complexities of each case, drawing on interviews with detectives, prosecutors, families and witnesses.
Is 48 Hours worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if you want network-television-grade investigative journalism in audio form". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. CBS News's long-running true crime franchise, adapted for podcast — award-winning correspondents examine crime and justice cases with real depth.
Who is 48 Hours for?
48 Hours is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news; Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of 48 Hours to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to 48 Hours?
48 Hours is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, CBS. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to 48 Hours?
If you enjoy 48 Hours, you might also like: Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead, Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast, In the Dark, Serial. See our full "Podcasts Like 48 Hours" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Interview with guests
- Style
- Journalistic, thoughtful, thorough
- Episode length
- 40-60 min
- Episodes
- Ongoing, decades-long archive
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
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