48 Hours is a long-standing true crime and investigative journalism production from CBS News. Originally established as a television documentary program, the podcast adaptation provides detailed coverage of criminal justice cases, legal controversies, and significant social issues. The show utilizes a documentary-style format to explore various aspects of the legal system, including homicide investigations, cold case reviews, and the examination of potential wrongful convictions.
The reporting is conducted by a team of CBS News correspondents who utilize archival footage, trial recordings, and original interviews to reconstruct events. These contributors speak with a range of figures involved in the cases, such as investigators, legal counsel, witnesses, and the families of victims. The narrative typically adheres to a chronological investigation, presenting the facts and evidence as they were discovered by law enforcement and the reporting team.
The podcast’s release schedule is organized into several segments throughout the week. Primary episodes are released on Mondays, offering a full narrative of a specific case. On Tuesdays, the "Post Mortem" series, hosted by Anne-Marie Green, features discussions between producers and correspondents. These segments provide additional context regarding the reporting process, obstacles encountered during filming, and specific details about evidence. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the program releases archived episodes that highlight significant past cases from its decades-long history.
While the production originates from the United States and focuses largely on American jurisprudence, its reach is international, catering to a global audience interested in forensic science and criminal law. The series is recognized for its role in bringing public attention to legal cases that have subsequently been reopened or resolved due to new information uncovered during the investigative process. The podcast is accessible through standard audio platforms and offers an ad-free subscription service, known as 48 Hours+, for listeners seeking uninterrupted content.