When it comes to cracking homicide cases, investigators everywhere will tell you that the first two days after a crime is committed are the most crucial. The devil is always in the details, and in most cases, the details are incredibly time-sensitive in The First 48.
Since 2004, this A&E series dives deep into real-life homicide cases in one or more cities covering the ins and outs of the crime. Each episode showcases not only the investigators and criminals but eyewitness and advanced investigative techniques used to identify suspects and solve cold cases. It’s one of cable’s most addictive true crime shows and has been going strong since it premiered in 2004.
Here’s everything you need to know to stream The First 48.
What is The First 48?
The series offers viewers an inside look into the world of homicide investigation. The name comes “the first 48 hours” which investigators say is the most crucial time period in crime-solving. However, it’s not uncommon for cases to go unsolved for weeks, months, years, and even decades.
- Launched: August 2004
- Airtimes:
- Channel: A&E
- Genre: True crime documentary
- Seasons: 19
The First 48 Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes score: N/A
- Metacritic score: N/A
What the critics are saying
The First 48 hasn’t been reviewed by any major media outlets.
Where to stream The First 48
A&E is available on a few of the major live TV streaming services. When trying to decide which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming.
The First 48 on Philo
Philo is a budget-minded streaming service, and depending on what channels you want, it might be right for you. The 59 Philo channels lean decidedly toward entertainment; the Philo channel list includes AMC, Discovery, IFC, Lifetime, and the Paramount Network, all for $20 a month. If you’re a fan of A&E, you’re in luck: You can find it on Philo so you can stream The First 48. Philo also comes with free cloud DVR, but shows recorded are deleted after 30 days, so binge responsibly.
| Monthly | $25 |
The First 48 on Hulu with Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a great way to stream live TV, as it comes with access to Hulu’s massive library of on-demand content. You’ll be able to choose from movies, shows, and Hulu’s original programming, and keep up with what’s new each month. Hulu plans even include a bundle option where you can access Disney+ and ESPN+ along with Hulu.
Hulu Live TV sets you up with local channels and has a broad spectrum of entertainment and sports channels to review, including the full suite of ESPN channels, Cartoon Network, FX, HGTV, and even deep cuts like National Geographic and Syfy, and of course, A&E where you can stream hits like The First 48.
| Hulu Live TV | $69.99 |
| Hulu Live TV (no ads on Hulu content) | $75.99 |
The First 48 on Sling TV
If you’re looking for a streamlined, cost-effective streaming package, check out Sling TV. It offers two basic cable packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each of which costs $30 per month. There’s also the third option of getting Sling Orange + Blue for just $45 per month. You’ll get more Sling TV channels by choosing Sling Blue, with its 40 channels including sports favorites like FS1 and NBCSN and cable mainstays like Food Network and Discovery Channel. But Sling Orange brings must-haves Disney Channel and ESPN as part of its package. To gain access to A&E to stream The First 48, you’ll either need Sling Orange, Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue. Sling also has a number of add-ons, including robust international packages organized by languages all over the globe.
| Orange | $35 |
| Blue | $35 |
| Orange + Blue | $50 |
The First 48 on FuboTV
FuboTV started as a streaming service geared toward sports fans, but it’s evolved into a broadly-appealing option with entertainment and news options alongside its robust sports choices. Depending on the package, you can access as many as 181 FuboTV channels. If you’re looking to be entertained, Bravo, IFC, MTV, and VH1 are options even at Fubo’s most basic tier. The Fubo channel list still includes plenty of sports, including the Fubo Sports Network, which has original programming mixing sports and humor. The FuboTV cost starts at $54.99 a month, and with Disney Media favorites like ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel coming on board in 2020, some who were on the fence about Fubo are giving it another look.
To watch The First 48 you’ll want to dock in at the Family level, though all tiers carry the channel.
| Pro | $69.99 |
| Elite | $79.99 |
| Ultimate | $99.99 |
The First 48 on AT&T TV Now
If you’re already looking to AT&T for your wireless needs, you might consider AT&T TV Now to cover streaming for you. AT&T TV Now channels start with Plus and Max, which even include HBO. Then, AT&T plans expand from there, approaching cable selection and pricing with AT&T TV Now’s biggest packages. AT&T streaming also comes with Cloud DVR, letting you record up to 20 hours of TV per month. If you’re looking for The First 48, get in at the Entertainment tier or higher.
