Watch American Justice

American Justice, which premiered on A&E in 1992, was a true crime documentary series hosted by veteran journalist Bill Kurtis. The show offered viewers an in-depth look at some of the most notorious criminal cases in American history, featuring everything from high-profile murder trials to landmark legal battles.

Each episode of American Justice typically focused on a single case, tracing its origins and examining the various twists and turns that led up to the trial or legal decision at the center of the episode. The cases covered on the show ran the gamut from notorious serial killers like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy to headline-grabbing court battles like the O.J. Simpson trial.

One of the things that set American Justice apart from other true crime shows was its rigorous attention to detail. Kurtis and his team of producers went to great lengths to research each case, conducting countless interviews with key players and experts and poring over mountains of court transcripts, police reports, and other official documents.

The show's visual style also created a sense of immersion and intensity that drew viewers in. Scenic shots of the crime scenes, courtrooms, and other key locations helped to give viewers a sense of the time and place of each case, while interviews with witnesses, investigators, and others involved in the cases offered a raw, unfiltered perspective on the events.

One of the key strengths of American Justice was its ability to tackle complicated legal and criminal issues in a way that was accessible to general audiences. Whether explaining the intricacies of forensic evidence or delving into the finer points of constitutional law, the show's writers and producers had a knack for breaking down complex topics into something the average viewer could understand.

Throughout its run, American Justice covered some of the most shocking and controversial criminal cases in American history. One notable episode focused on the events leading up to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, while another examined the tragic story of Jeffrey Dahmer, a serial killer who terrorized gay men in Milwaukee in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In addition to its focus on individual cases, American Justice also explored larger trends and issues within the American criminal justice system. For example, one episode looked at the growing problem of prison overcrowding and the impact this was having on inmates and society at large.

After a successful run of nearly 20 years, American Justice was eventually cancelled in 2005, although it continued to air in reruns for several years thereafter. Despite its eventual cancellation, the show remains a landmark achievement in the true crime genre, and its influence can be seen in countless other documentaries and shows that have followed in its wake.

American Justice is a series that is currently running and has 2022 seasons (416 episodes). The series first aired on October 20, 2017.

Where to Watch American Justice