Investigation Discovery (ID) is an American cable network that launched in 1996. At the time, it was known as the Discovery Civilization Network and focused on world history. It was later relaunched as Discovery Times in 2002, a joint venture with The New York Times Company. The Times divested its stake to Discovery in 2006, and the channel was eventually rebranded as Investigation Discovery in 2008. It has since built its identity entirely around true crime content. 

ID’s programming covers murders, missing persons, cold cases, and criminal investigations. Its lineup has included shows such as Homicide Hunter, Deadly Women, Facing Evil, and Evil Lives Here. Most episodes are driven by first-hand accounts from detectives, survivors, and victims’ families. The storytelling style is personal and documentary-driven. 

On the Case with Paula Zahn is one of ID’s flagship series, airing since October 18, 2009. Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor Paula Zahn hosts the show, traveling the country to interview people directly affected by crime cases. The Curious Case of… is another popular series, guided by legal analyst Beth Karas, which tackles bizarre and stranger-than-fiction true crime stories. 

Homicide Hunter, hosted by retired detective Lt. Joe Kenda, ran for nine seasons and became one of ID’s most beloved shows. People Magazine Investigates is another popular and long-running series on the channel, which digs into high-profile criminal cases. 

Today, Investigation Discovery is one of the top channels for unscripted content, and it continues to attract viewers interested in real-life crime stories. Its documentary-driven approach has made it a leading true crime network in the United States.