This was very innovative when it first debuted all those years ago during the Reagan-Bush years, when each episode covered an important issue over the course of 48 hours. It was gripping, tight and you were left wondering what would happen at the end of the 48 hours.But something changed, and the stories cover more than 48 hours and the style no longer resembles the 48 hour timeline. More like 48 days or something like that. That's not to say the quality has necessarily declined, but it's ironic that in this current age of instant 24/7 news, a show like 48 hours can no longer be 48 hours or less. Hopefully things will change for the better.

48 hours like Dateline makes exposes of criminal cases mostly to use violence to titillate for entertainment. The dark side of viewers are fascinated by murder and violence. The same viewers as programs like Criminal Minds and Reaper. Just because it's made by so called journalists doesn't give it any class. Secondly the program tries to shape false public perceptions such as violence is mostly a problem of upper class whites. The viewers can feel superior to the evil rich guy who murdered his family. So it's propaganda promoted by the far left like most TV today. The program kills about a dozen leftist birds with one stone. Rich bad, white bad, male bad, minorities don't do that, criminal system good, women victims, lawyers good, journalists good, CBS classy.

This documentary series badly needs to be renamed.Nova, Horizon and Panorama could all show almost any of these episodes - although this show does focus almost exclusively on murder cases that were unclear, at least initially, as to the culprit and/or have questionable witness, police or prosecutors.I find many of these cases to be frustrating, at best. Innocent people are harmed and never get justice, and least not swiftly and, to my way of thinking, that isn't actually just.Sadly, most of these cases highlight the ignorance, stupidity, biases and incompetence surrounding all aspects of those participating in the legal system. It boggles the mind how often those in charge make life-altering decisions on cases on a whim, or from bias, incompetence or laziness, and then stand behind those bad choices come hell or high water. Often committing crimes beyond perjury to cover up their errors, often aiding criminals and often causing great harm to innocents.All in all its a dose of reality for those who see the world through rose coloured glasses.

IN 1988,CBS had created "48 Hours",a daring news-magazine show meant to cover one topic(examples: Immigration,police stakeouts,on duty with soldiers in Kuwait,Prom nights,etc.)over the course of(wait for it)forty-eight hours! This ran for a while,but something changed and the producers at CBS News decided to retool this show. It would no longer truly hinge on the time dynamic of covering a story,but would take on a much more methodical,studied examination of a story or event. For probably the better part of a decade now,it's mostly centered around a murder case,usually ones that have murky results or contentious verdicts.Perfectly fine filler entertainment for those who don't like sports,are shut-in on Saturday nights or have an interest in cases like the ones they showcase,this show has had a flux of correspondents,but some such as Erin MOriarty,HArold Dow and Susan Spenser,have been staples of the show's run,through the format changes.Probably a bit pulpy to be considered serious journalism anymore,more of a counterbalance to stuff like "DAteline" and "DAteline:To CAtch a Predator". NArrative and somewhat reminiscent of documentaries on A&E. A show one usually doesn't seek out,yet will most likely be drawn in once they give a show a look.