Watch The FBI Files

The FBI Files, a true-crime documentary series, aired on the Discovery Channel from 1998 to 2009. The show gave viewers an inside look into the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by featuring high-profile cases that were solved by the agency. The show's host, James Kallstrom, was a former FBI assistant director who provided commentary and insight throughout each episode.

The show was unique in its format, as it combined interviews with FBI agents, crime scene footage, and dramatic reenactments to bring each case to life. Each episode typically focused on a single case, which ranged from kidnappings and bank robberies to homicides and terrorist attacks. The cases were chosen for their national significance and the impact they had on American culture and society.

The episodes started by introducing viewers to the crime and the victims. The show then delved into the investigation phase, where FBI agents would recount how they pieced together the facts of the case, tracked down witnesses or suspects, and eventually made an arrest. The episodes also featured forensic experts who explained the science behind evidence collection and analysis, such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and ballistics testing.

In addition to the crime-solving aspect of the show, The FBI Files also highlighted the personal toll that working for the FBI took on its agents. Many episodes included interviews with the agents who worked on the case, who would describe the stress, danger, and long hours that came with their job. These interviews gave viewers a deeper understanding of what it meant to work for the FBI and the sacrifices that its agents made in the name of justice.

One of the most notable cases featured on the show was the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. In this episode, viewers got an in-depth look at the investigation that followed the bombing, and how the FBI was able to track down and arrest the mastermind behind the attack, Ramzi Yousef. The episode included interviews with the agents who worked on the case, as well as survivors of the bombing, who told their stories of bravery and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Another notable case was the Unabomber, also known as Ted Kaczynski. The FBI spent over 20 years trying to catch the Unabomber, who had mailed 16 bombs to targets across the country, killing three people and injuring 23 others. The show's episode on the Unabomber case detailed the FBI's long and arduous investigation, which finally led to Kaczynski's arrest in 1996.

Throughout its 11-season run, The FBI Files showcased some of the most high-profile and intriguing cases in recent American history. The show was praised for its accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its ability to present complex investigations in a way that was accessible to viewers. The show's host, James Kallstrom, brought a level of authority and credibility to each episode, thanks to his extensive experience in law enforcement.

While The FBI Files is no longer airing new episodes, it remains a popular program among true-crime enthusiasts, and its legacy lives on in other shows and documentaries that follow in its footsteps. The show demonstrated the importance of law enforcement agencies like the FBI, and how their hard work and dedication can make a difference in the lives of everyday Americans.

The FBI Files is a series that ran for 8 seasons (121 episodes) between October 20, 1998 and on Discovery Channel