Forensic investigations take center stage in murder and other cases
About Forensic Files
A classic in the true crime genre, Forensic Files focuses on forensic investigations in crimes like homicide, sexual assault, bombings, and non-criminal deaths and medical mysteries. The show premiered in 1996, during a time when various forensic techniques emerged, particularly the explosion of DNA testing. The show is so classic that it was brought back as Forensic Files II in 2020.
Featuring shorter episodes (about 22 minutes each), Forensic Files describes specific cases using techniques like fingerprinting, DNA testing, bite mark analysis, soil testing, forensic botany, forensic acoustics, handwriting analysis, facial reconstruction, and many more. One of the show’s strengths is how it brings on forensic specialists who explain these techniques and the processes involved. They are joined by detectives investigating the crimes, and victim’s loved ones.
One notable episode (Season 11, Episode 22) features the murder of Kathleen Peterson (before the documentary The Staircase) and includes an interview with since-disgraced blood stain analyst Duane Deaver.
Warning: Crime scene photos in the show are sometimes graphic and unblurred.
The Show Elements
Seasons: 14 (1996-2011)
Where to stream: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Peacock, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
More shows like Forensic Files: Forensic Files II, The New Detectives, Exhibit A: Secrets of Forensic Science, Forensic Investigators, Forensic Justice, Forensics, Forensics NZ, Solved: Extreme Forensics
See also this list of true crime shows
✓ Police interviews
✘ Trial clips
✓ Narration
✓ Re-creations
✘ Experts
✓ Victims’ families and friends
True Crime Docket 