Season 1

Hosted by “Dateline‘s” Andrea Canning, “Dateline: The Smoking Gun” is a hunt for clues as detectives relentlessly pursue the critical piece of evidence that ultimately cracks the case. Each investigation is packed with twists – false leads, wrong suspects, dead ends – until police finally uncover the smoking gun and arrive at justice. Stories investigated this season include a disappearance involving a young film director, two prosecutors killed in a small Texas town, and a serial killer who must be stopped before the next victim is murdered.

1. 

   1. In Cold Blood

   2024-10-03 · 86m

   When Kim Dorsey was found murdered in her bedroom, the chaotic crime scene left more questions than answers. A single out-of-place item would be the key to discovering the killer’s identity if investigators could find the evidence.

2. 

   2. Vendetta

   2024-10-10 · 86m

   Three people were shot dead in a small Texas town, including two respected prosecutors. A clue that would connect the dots remained a mystery until an eagle-eyed investigator made a stunning discovery.

3. 

   3. The Unusual Suspect

   2024-10-17 · 43m

   A cold-blooded serial killer was lurking in the woods, stalking his next victim. As Det. Bernie Nelson investigated, puzzling evidence led him to more questions until one clue helped crack the case wide open.

4. 4. Deadly House of Cards

   2024-10-24 · 120m

   Det. Bill Clark was investigating a disappearance when a trail of clues led him to a young film director. Clark worried that the mystery was a hoax staged by a master storyteller. Turns out the script was much darker.

5. 5. The watcher

   2024-10-31

   Days after Lauren Giddings vanished, her body is discovered steps from her apartment.

6. 6. A Dangerous Man

   2024-11-07

   A murder exposes a tangled web extending from the Pacific Northwest to the North Dakota oil patch.

7. 7. The Figure in The Garage

   2024-11-14

   A beloved dad is murdered in his garage; evidence at the crime scene leaves a puzzle for police.

8. 8. 12 Minutes on Elm Street

   2024-11-21