Forensic Files

This was at one point probably my single most watched show.. The important difference between this show and most other forensic-y shows out there is that this one is based completely on actual cases. In the same vein as A&E's "American Justice" or Discovery's "Cold Case Files", but the running time of just 30 minutes (as opposed to an hour) makes this the perfect single serving show. The shows premise is true murder cases which were solved thru forensics, but I'm not a big forensics nerd so that part of the show, while interesting, doesn't necessarily intrigue me. What I do find fascinating is the little slice of life (death?) that is each episode. It chronicles what surely is the biggest event in most of the involved peoples lives. All of episodes (with very few exceptions) took place in America within the last decade or two, so for most of us these are events which may have occurred around us, relatively recently. As others have mentioned the pacing, narration, actual footage, photos, and interviews with those involved are well done and relevant. Each case is like a little mystery, and whats great is that of course you always find out who actually perpetrated the crime. My main critique is that occasionally certain facets or details of a case which I would like a little more clarification on are overlooked.

Episode after episode, year after year, this program has been entertaining. It almost never fails. There is a reason it has been on the air for 15 years.

After watching a few episodes, I became hooked....and, yes, this is an addicting show. I found myself watching over a hundred shows (my DVR had a workout) in two months. I'm sure many others have found themselves doing the same.

Why is this show good? First, it is true crime, not some fictional story; second, it runs only a half hour. Crime shows that are an hour long often repeat stuff over and over. A half hour is perfect. Third, the cases are always interesting. They leave you shaking your head in disbelief that people actually do some of these things reported in here. Fourth, Peter Thomas is excellent as the narrator. His is a voice which never offends, or gets old.

Currently, it can be seen regularly on the HNN cable network.

Forensic Files is a fascinating show and the jewel in the Court TV networks crown. It is like a real life version of Quincy. It is hard hitting and realistic and above all educational. We are so lucky today to have such amazing advances like DNA analysis and criminal profiling that would help capture criminals who not so long ago would have escaped justice for their crimes. Watching one episode is like eating one delicious potato chip, you just cannot stop. It is fascinating! Why just the other night they talked about the Malvo-Muhammad sniper case and the John List mystery. John List had murdered his family and escaped justice for almost twenty years and they made a bust of his face and showed what he would look like twenty years later. Thanks to Forensics and the power of America's Most Wanted he was finally captured and brought to justice fo9r the murder of his wife, mother and three children. The thing that makes Forensic Files for me is Peter Thomas the narrator. Simply put, he makes the show what it is. He makes it just like Leonard Nimoy made In Search Of... or Robert Stack made Unsolved Mysteries. He has got one of the best storyteller voices that I have ever heard. There is something else that you need to know, Peter Thomas is a true American hero. He served with the First Infantry Division in World War II and won the Silver Star and The Purple Heart. I write to celebrities as a hobby and recently wrote to Mister Thomas. He sent me one of the nicest replies that I have ever gotten. He even sent me a poem that he wrote about his experiences and the horrors of war that he saw.

This is undeniably one of the best crime shows on TV. It's approach on suspense is top-notch and the wonderful narration is haunting. These are real life cases, with some reenactments, and it shows you how the crimes get solved with reliable forensics.

It's structure is simple. We open up to a place where it gives us back-story on the victim. Then, there's a killer on the loose and the police turn to science for help. Usually, it ends on a good note, it's predictable yet hypnotic. Justice is served, so it ends with closure for the family & friends of the victim(s) and satisfaction for law enforcement. An excellent message to its target audience!

UPDATE: the show is not on YouTube, watch it when you get a chance! I recommend viewing it at night time in the dark, it makes the show so interesting.

This is my favorite true crime show. It doesnt go overboard with the reenactments, and I always learn something new each time. After a few episodes you get to know the formula, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. This is probably my favorite way to relax after a long day, which sounds strange, but the narrator's calming/ slightly cheesy voice and the super 90s background music help me tune out the world and relax. There are like 400 episodes, but I will keep rewatching them forever because no other true crime show gets me like this one.