48 Hours Expands Into Weekly Video Podcasting
CBS’s iconic true crime franchise “48 Hours” is making a significant move into the podcast space with the launch of “48 Hours: Case by Case,” a new weekly video podcast series that premiered on April 17, 2026. The series represents a strategic expansion of the brand’s content offerings as true crime continues to dominate podcast charts.
Meeting the Moment in True Crime Coverage
As shown in the promotional image, “Case by Case” positions itself as a timely response to the growing appetite for real-time true crime coverage. The series is designed to deliver breaking analysis of high-profile criminal cases as they unfold, moving beyond the traditional weekly format to provide more immediate coverage.
The video podcast will be anchored by a rotating team of trusted “48 Hours” correspondents, including Anne-Marie Green, Erin Moriarty, Natalie Morales, and Peter Van Sant. This approach extends the broadcast’s investigative authority into a faster, more reactive format while maintaining the journalistic credibility that defines the brand.
Content Strategy and Distribution
“48 Hours: Case by Case” will spotlight the biggest criminal developments both inside and outside the courtroom. From high-profile trials dominating headlines to unexpected breaks in cold cases, the series aims to provide clarity, context, and credible reporting amid what producers describe as “the noise” of commentary and speculation.
The series will be available on the 48 Hours YouTube channel and all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify. 48 Hours+ subscribers will receive ad-free access to the content.
Expanding Podcast Portfolio Success
The launch comes as the “48 Hours” podcast ecosystem continues to show strong growth, with a 22% increase in average monthly downloads in 2025 year-over-year. The franchise’s podcast portfolio includes several successful limited series:
- “Blood is Thicker: The Farris Wheel” hosted by Peter Van Sant
- “Fifteen: Inside the Daniel Marsh Murders” hosted by Erin Moriarty, which hit top charts on Apple Podcasts
- “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green” which reached top 10 on Apple’s overall podcast charts
- “Candyman: The True Story Behind The Bathroom Mirror Murder Podcast” hosted by Dometi Pongo
Industry Implications
The move into weekly video podcasting reflects broader industry trends as established media brands seek to capture audience attention in an increasingly saturated true crime market. By leveraging one of television’s most durable crime brands, CBS is positioning itself to meet rising demand for journalist-led, credibility-driven coverage.
The series represents a significant investment in the podcast medium, demonstrating how traditional broadcast networks are adapting their content strategies to meet changing audience consumption habits while maintaining their editorial standards and brand integrity.
Source: Podwires Newsletter
