The First 48 is an American documentary news magazine television series on A&E. It offers an insider's look at the real-life world of homicide investigators. Each episode picks one or more homicides in different cities, covering each alternately, showing how detectives use forensic evidence, look outs, witness interviews, and other advanced investigative techniques to identify suspects. The series was nominated for a Distinguished Documentary Achievement Award in the Continuing Series category by the International Documentary Association.