The First 48 is an intense television show for fans of true crime. It still stands the test of time, even after so many seasons. The show chronicles the first 48 hours after a major crime.
The name was derived from the 48 hours of investigation that occur after such a crime has been committed. It’s a show that airs on A&E and has been extremely popular with audiences for quite some time. Here are ten things about it.
1. It’s Been on for Decades Now
It’s hard for most shows to make it past three or four seasons because people have a way of losing interest after a while. It hasn’t been so in this case. In fact, it’s still going strong after so many decades and so many seasons, and there’s no sign that its popularity is waning in any manner.
2. Many People Identify With the Show Because They’re Already Familiar With These Cases
These are the same cases that you hear about on the news. And in some cases, they’re the things that happen in the very city in which you live. That’s one reason that so many people have an interest in the cases discussed in the show.
3. The Show Is Heavily Edited, but There Is Nothing on It That Is Scripted in Any Manner
One of the other things that makes it appealing is that there is no script. That makes it a reality show in the truest sense of the word, not like so many of these other so-called reality shows that are on. That being said, The First 48 is heavily edited. It has to be, or they would never be able to tell the story during the allotted amount of time they have.
4. It Created at Least Five Spin-Offs
So far, it’s been responsible for many spin-offs. For instance, there are The First 48: Missing Persons, The Killer Speaks, Marcia Clark Investigates: The First 48, After the First 48, and a special SWAT series that’s connected to the original show. This proves how successful the original show is.
5. It’s Far More Popular in the Southeastern Parts of the United States
The First 48 is popular all across the world. But over the years, studies have consistently shown that this show is extremely popular in southeastern parts of the United States. It it’s often three or four times as popular as it is in other areas.
6. The Show Has Not Been Without Controversy
You can’t really have a show of this type without controversy, and it’s had its fair share. There have even been a few cases where the actions of some officers who were being recorded have been brought into question in the courtroom. By the same token, the show has been used to convict a number of people that might not have otherwise seen any jail time.
7. Many Witnesses Are Reluctant to Be Interviewed for the Show
A lot of times, witnesses don’t like to be interviewed for the show for obvious reasons. In many instances, these cases are still ongoing, or there is a fear of retaliation from someone associated with the person that ended up behind bars. As such, they frequently obscure their face and change the sound of their voice in an attempt to conceal their true identity.
8. Sometimes, It Creates Strife Between Police Departments and City Leaders
Another thing you probably didn’t know about The First 48 is that it oftentimes creates strife between police departments and city leaders. In at least one case, the show proved to be a source of contention between the police department and city leaders. When this happened, they were essentially removed from the show as a form of retaliation for speaking out against upper brass within the department.
9. Detectives Aren’t Always Fond of the Idea, Either
Many times, detectives aren’t exactly so thrilled about being followed around by camera crews and having their every move recorded for posterity, either. Imagine what it would be like to try and do your job when you’re constantly being followed around by someone that wants to record everything you do and say. That would be enough to derail the efforts of almost anybody, not to mention when you’re working on a serious investigation.
10. Evidence From the Show Is Sometimes Used in Investigations
It may not surprise you all that much to learn that evidence from the show is sometimes used in investigations. A lot of things end up being said on the show that allows investigators to go back later on and build a new case or strengthen the one they already have. In fact, The First 48 itself is considered evidence in the purest sense of the word.
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