Forensic Files (1996–2011) User Reviews

Thank goodness station HLN is astute enough to provide us with an endless string of reruns of this documentary true crime series

[Ed-Shullivan · 9/10 · 8 January 2019]

I like many other television viewers have grown very tired of the decades old late night choices of TV talk show hosts and/or reality TV series. I am so grateful for HLN to have made the wise decision to run on almost a daily basis several episodes back to back of Forensic Files episodes. Using my PVR I pre-record them and then tend to watch them binging until I have exhausted the pre-recorded episodes.

Each 30 minute episode provides the summary details of an unsolved crime which may be a murder, sexual assault, missing person(s), or blue collar crime. Each crime story line is narrated and we receive background information on the victim(s), and then methodically the investigation process is explained that results in an arrest of the suspect(s), which sometimes follows details of the actaul trial and subsequent conviction, or in some cases a prior convicted felon's crime is exonerated as new forensic science and/or forensic techniques (such as the future use of DNA) comes in to the crime science laboratories.

These are all true crime episodes, and many of the actual crimes are detailed including video images of the real arrests and/or court trials of the perpertrator(s) that provide a conviction and usually a long term or life sentence.

Anyone who is a crime buff will enjoy this documentary series that stayed on the air for so many seasons. I hope they resurrect this excellent true crime series sometime in the near future.

I give this crime/drama/documentary series an excellent 9 out of 10 rating

Four Reasons Why This Show Is A Winner

[ccthemovieman-1 · 10/10 · 14 April 2015]

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.

Used to be "Medical Detectives"

[bflood-3 · 10/10 · 9 August 2006]

I always laugh when I see people say "Forensic Files" is "the latest entry into forensic TV" or "jumping on the forensics bandwagon" or such. The show started on TLC/Discovery Networks as "Medical Detectives" back in 1996. When it switched over to CourtTV, Discovery was still running some episodes so they changed the name. (Now all those episodes are re-labeled "Forensic Files" and are seen on Court TV.) In fact, the show still airs as "Medical Detectives" in many countries overseas. (It is also known, I believe, as "Crime Seen")

The show is in it's eleventh season of production. The show didn't jump on the bandwagon - it got it rolling in the first place!

If you watch "C.S.I.", many of the techniques (such as using alternate video treatments to show recreations, and showing different recreations of how the crime MIGHT have happened as the evidence changes), you can see that they watched "Forensic Files" while developing their show. They also used to get plenty of story ideas from this and other true-crime shows.

Addicting true crime series..

[okcpimpin · 18 September 2005]

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.

Fascinating!

[sethmlanders · 9/10 · 18 April 2014]

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.

My favorite way to unwind!

[jogerig · 9/10 · 22 May 2019]

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.

The absolute best of the best

[cedsidewinder · 10/10 · 9 September 2020]

Forensic Files (the original series narrated by Peter Thomas) is, the best crime documentary shows ever created. I also think that narrator Peter Thomas, who passed away in 2016, had much, if not EVERYTHING to do with it. His voice, his timing was so compelling that it really added to the suspense and dramatic effect of the show.

Show reminds you that there is no perfect crime.

[OllieSuave-007 · 9/10 · 6 November 2016]

This show tells true crime stories of how the use of forensic evidence, from the identification of fingerprints to examining hair, and from tracking barcodes to tracking phone records, can lead to the location and capture of suspects. Each half-hour episodes start off with a mystery of an unsolved crime - intriguing and suspenseful. It then leads to a thrilling hunt of the criminal and the forensic attempts at tying the evidence to a suspect.

Peter Thomas does a great job in narrating each episode, making each story foreboding. It's sad to see the evil acts a person inflicts on another, but with forensic evidence, it comes to show that there is no perfect crime and certainly these criminals can't get away with murder.

Grade A

As good as it gets

[bhowl87 · 10/10 · 7 February 2020]

This show set the bar for investigative forensic tv shows. Each episode is a mini documentary with no fluff, just cases and evidence. This show should have continued FOREVER.

An oldie but a goodie!

[dmbehary · 8/10 · 15 April 2020]

I love Forensic Files! This sounds weird but Peter Thomas' (RIP) voice is so soothing that I fall asleep to this show every night. Great stories and the science is interesting.

Fascinating, addictive watching

[sickofenjoyingmyself · 8/10 · 19 February 2015]

Forensic files is absolutely fascinating. Throw in the fact that each episode is only about 25 mins long and you are onto a binge viewing winner. Every episode is interesting, educational and chilling. There is a bit of cheesiness to the voiceovers - but this adds to the experience and helps you to distance yourself a little from the true horror of the reality of the crime in each episode. Once you've seen one you know what to expect in general layout of each episode - and it's always comforting knowing that you will fine out who did it every time. But despite this fact each episode brings something totally new, and usually shocking. Would recommend if you like crime dramas/movies and are too busy to get into the thick of a new time consuming TV series.

Can't even explain how great this show is

[Faristuta · 10/10 · 19 January 2020]

Forensic Files is a fascinating show. Each episode is 22-minutes long, centers on an actual serious crime, and there's a solution at the end. Law enforcement officials actually watch this show, even in a couple of cases they admitted solving a crime based on information they learned during the show. It can't get any better than that. Occasionally the episode is about a mysterious illness that affected a town, but there's always a resolution at the end. The narrator has this cool voice and he speaks with a well-balanced tone without much dramatization, which makes it more appealing.

interesting insight into the minds of criminals and the investigators who find them

[james-1997 · 7/10 · 26 August 2006]

This show is well put together and on a few occasions as I viewed an episode I could recall reading about the case in the newspaper not long before. This made for an even more interesting watch. Unfortunately every time I view this program I cant help but to think that someone else out there watching is taking notes on what not to do if they are to commit a similar crime and get away with it. In this respect the content of the show is a bit unnerving because it reveals too many of law enforcements methods. I can imagine this program giving someone false hope in thinking that they could outsmart the investigators who would later try to piece together their actions. Even if that person is ultimately proved guilty, they still may have committed a crime that wouldn't have otherwise taken place had they not watched this show. I think on one hand the show is well intentioned and shares some very impressive forensic methods but on the other hand in doing so may be a little too thought provoking.

Turned sexual

[briannaludwig · 3/10 · 16 April 2021]

I used to love watching FF. However, I noticed more and more than when there was a female victim, inappropriate photos would be used to show their life when they were alive. Photos of the victim in a bikini, dressed sexually, etc. Were used to show the victim. To compare, male victims are never seen similarly when shown photos of when they were alive. Additionally, more and more air time was comprised of strip club scenes that are very visual. They used to be brief and the point would be evident-the person used to frequent them, work there, whatever it may be. Now, they're over-used and to the point where it almost specializes the victim and it's unnecessary. They will repeatedly show strip club scenes throughout episodes and it takes away from the storyline. Disappointed with the direction of the show.

Peter Thomas is a true hero!

[dtucker86 · 14 August 2003]

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.

A winning program every time! KUDOS to PETER THOMAS, narrator.

[phartman-830-70790 · 10/10 · 13 September 2020]

Anyone interested in seeing the worst of America brought to justice through top notch detective work and modern forensics as well? This program is for you, a sobering look at real life cases and all wrapped up in a half hour.

Those wanting more details can do internet searching. But the half hour program is fast paced and full of actual/real life facts and pictures, mixed appropriately with dramatized situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The REAL GEM of the show is the voice of PETER THOMAS, truly a genius at vocal delivery, who uses his skills to usher you from start to finish in a professional manner!

Only 51 reviews on one of the most watched shows ever

[OneAnjel · 9/10 · 28 August 2023]

... That's interesting that one of the most watched and re-run shows of all time only has 51 reviews on the biggest movie data base. I admit, I've watched and rewatched this series. The stories are fascinating although the ones involving children are especially hard to watch. The thing that concerns me is that this show also tells criminals how to try to cover their tracks. But perhaps it also tells would-be criminals that they will get caught.

I think part of the popularity compared to the many crime reinactment shows is the voice of the narration being a soothing male voice instead of the typical excited female voice; also the fact that it tells the event, the steps, and the results without inserting reitteration of supposition that true-crime shows typically believe will keep us interested. We're not sitting there rolling our eyes and screaming Get to the frickin point! It takes itself and the victims much more seriously. The narrator, Peter Thomas, is the voice of Forensic Files. The newer format where they have the families and detectives doing most the talking is just not as compelling.

Binge watched the whole series (not sure what that says about me ...)

[tay-sedai · 8/10 · 15 April 2020]

This might sound weird, but my beloved cat died a few years ago unexpectedly, and in my grief I started watching this show, and just couldn't stop. I don't know why I felt the need to continue on at the rate I was going, but the TV show was a good distraction.

I like that this show has victims' family members, or sometimes even survivors of attempted crimes, featured on the show - it gives them the opportunity to speak out, and in the case of family members allows them to give life to those who have been lost, by giving insight into the sort of people they were to those who cared about them.

I think that although each episode is quite short, they pack a lot into that short space of time. It's also interesting seeing how crimes were handled in the early days of forensic science, and as the series goes on from season to season, you see scientific/technological advances being made. Occasionally, cold cases are solved due to those advances as well.

Number one best TV show

[ninasimunovicc · 10/10 · 3 October 2019]

How did they do it? It's flawless, intriguing & memorable. I will watch from ep 1 all the way through and then just start back at the beginning.

Spooked me more than any horror movie

[view_and_review · 9/10 · 3 November 2021]

I was introduced to "Forensic Files" by a coworker while doing shift work. Let me tell you! This show is worse than watching any horror movie while on night shifts. I wasn't afraid for myself, I was afraid for my family at home while I was at work. Yet, I couldn't stop watching. I loved the myriad ways the various police departments were able to catch their perps. For squares like me it made me not even consider trying to get away with a crime.

I go to sleep with the voice of Peter Thomas

[schwa88 · 10/10 · 18 December 2022]

Yes, it is true; I do drift off to sleep with the voice of Peter Thomas playing on my TV in the background; however, sadly, the show plays at 2 am in my area, so it is only on Saturday nights that I am up late enough to tune to Forensic Files and keep it on after I turn off the light and hear narrator Peter Thomas's warm, soothing, seventies-kind of voice that reminds me of the crime drama TV shows of my childhood.

Forensic Files was on in the '90s-2000s, so it is like a neat time warp that he was cast twenty years past his voice.

I don't know if there will ever be a voice again like Peter Thomas. What a treat.

The crime show

[djslump · 10/10 · 13 August 2021]

Just the best crime show ever made. Hundreds of cases, 'Forensic Files' is legendary.

We need new episodes

[rebeccaholt-72387 · 9/10 · 3 May 2019]

I've seen them all! Over and over! We need new episodes.

Stop the Music

[mlhafer-81693 · 7/10 · 22 February 2022]

Turn off the music that has been added to Forensic Files episodes. First of all the music is not fitting. The music drowns out the person speaking. Can't watch without Closed caption. Find that music so annoying. I have been watching FF for many years but now find I am turning it off or turning off the sound.

Not sure why I have to enter a long review to qualify. I thought it best to keep it short so as to get the attention of the producers.

Poor lighting and not that interesting

[fdsci · 3/10 · 18 October 2021]

A little boring, a lot of people talking about nothing, could have told in five minutes. No action as far as I know, a lot of Commercials, I believe this is just produce the field air time on cable channels, I believe some people would find this very interesting, I did not. This is that NCI Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York or Chicago, but you might find it interesting so give it a try if you have nothing else to do and retired.