You're sitting on the couch, the weekend is winding down, and you have that specific craving for a deep-dive investigation. We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a case that’s been cold for decades or a headline-grabbing trial from last month, 48 Hours has this weirdly addictive way of pulling you into the grit of the American justice system. But honestly, figuring out where to watch 48 Hours shouldn't be a mystery itself.
The show has been on the air since 1988. That is a massive mountain of content. Because it’s a CBS staple, the landscape of where it lives online has shifted a lot over the last few years, especially with the rebranding of streaming services and the explosion of "FAST" channels (those free, ad-supported TV streams we all pretend to ignore until we're bored).
If you're looking for the newest episodes from Season 38 or trying to hunt down a classic from the 90s, you have a few specific paths to take. It basically boils down to whether you want to pay for a subscription or if you’re cool with sitting through a few commercials to keep it free.
The Most Direct Path: Paramount+
If you want the "premium" experience—meaning you want the latest episodes the second they drop—Paramount+ is essentially the home base. Since CBS is a cornerstone of the Paramount global empire, this is where the library is most complete.
Currently, Paramount+ hosts a staggering amount of the show's history. You can find Season 38 episodes, like "The Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey" or "Melissa Rocuba’s Final Moments," appearing on the platform almost immediately after they air on the linear CBS network.
🔗 Read more: Bad For Me Lyrics Kevin Gates: The Messy Truth Behind the Song
One thing that kinda trips people up: there are two tiers. If you have the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan, you can actually watch your local CBS station live. This means you can catch 48 Hours at 10/9c on Saturday nights just like you have a cable box. If you're on the "Essential" plan, you usually have to wait until the next day to stream the full episode on demand.
Where to Watch 48 Hours for Free (Legally)
You don’t actually have to open your wallet to watch this show. This is one of the best-kept secrets for true crime junkies. Pluto TV, which is also owned by Paramount, has a dedicated 48 Hours FAST channel.
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a 24/7 stream of nothing but 48 Hours episodes.
You can’t always pick the exact episode you want to watch on the "live" channel, but it’s perfect for background noise or when you just want to jump into a random mystery. Pluto also has an "On Demand" section where they rotate various seasons.
💡 You might also like: Ashley Johnson: The Last of Us Voice Actress Who Changed Everything
Beyond Pluto, you can often find full episodes on the CBS News website or the CBS app. They usually keep the most recent handful of episodes unlocked for a limited time before they slide behind the Paramount+ paywall.
The YouTube Factor
Don’t overlook YouTube. The official 48 Hours channel is surprisingly generous. They frequently upload "mini-marathons" and full-length episodes. Just last month, they dropped a collection called "Lies and Deceit" featuring classics like "The Writing on the Wall." It’s a great way to watch if you’re on a tablet or traveling and don’t want to log into a dedicated streaming app.
Cable Alternatives and Live TV Streamers
Maybe you’re a "cord-cutter" but you still want that live TV feel. If you subscribe to services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, you’re essentially getting a digital version of cable.
- YouTube TV: Includes CBS live. You can set your "DVR" to record every new episode of 48 Hours, and it’ll be waiting for you in the library.
- FuboTV: Similar deal. It’s great for sports fans, but it carries the local CBS affiliates you need for Saturday night viewing.
- Hulu + Live TV: You get the live CBS feed plus Hulu’s own library, though it’s important to note that the standard Hulu subscription (the cheap one) doesn't typically carry the full 48 Hours catalog.
International Viewing: A Bit More Complicated
If you’re reading this from Canada, the UK, or Australia, the "where to watch" question gets a little murkier. In Canada, Global TV is usually your best bet. They have an app that hosts many of the same episodes you’ll see on CBS.
📖 Related: Archie Bunker's Place Season 1: Why the All in the Family Spin-off Was Weirder Than You Remember
For other regions, Paramount+ is rolling out globally, but licensing deals mean the library isn't always identical to the US version. Some fans end up using a VPN to access the US Paramount+ library, though that's a bit of a "pro user" move and depends on your comfort level with tech workarounds.
Why the Search is Worth It
There’s a reason people still hunt for this show after nearly 40 years. It’s the storytelling. The correspondents like Erin Moriarty, Peter Van Sant, and Natalie Morales have been doing this so long they feel like old friends. They don’t just report the facts; they get into the psychology of the "why."
Take a recent episode like "Joe Hunter’s Mission," where a former Survivor contestant fights to prove his sister was murdered. That kind of personal, long-form journalism is hard to find in the 30-second clip culture we live in now.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Binge
If you're ready to dive in, here is the most efficient way to handle it:
- Check Pluto TV first: If you just want to watch something crime-related and don't care about the specific date, it's free and requires no login.
- Use the 24-hour rule: If a new episode aired on Saturday night, check the CBS News app on Sunday morning. It’s usually free for a short window.
- The Podcast Alternative: If you’re stuck in traffic and can’t actually watch, the 48 Hours podcast is essentially the audio from the episodes. It’s available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Set a "Series Record": If you have a live streamer like YouTube TV, search for the show now and hit the "+" button. It'll automatically grab the 2026 episodes as they air so you never have to search for the keyword again.
Start with the Season 38 premiere if you want to see the latest forensic tech in action, or hunt for the "Archive" episodes on Paramount+ if you want to see how much DNA testing has changed the game since the show started.