Dateline: The Smoking Gun

A hunt for clues as detectives relentlessly pursue critical evidence that 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.

Production

Logo for NBC News

Seasons

8 Episodes • Premiered 2024

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.

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 1: In Cold Blood

1. In Cold Blood

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.

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 2: Vendetta

2. Vendetta

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.

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 3: The Unusual Suspect

3. The Unusual Suspect

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.

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 4: Deadly House of Cards

4. Deadly House of Cards

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.

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 5: The watcher

5. The watcher

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

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 6: A Dangerous Man

6. A Dangerous Man

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

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 7: The Figure in The Garage

7. The Figure in The Garage

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

Still image for Dateline: The Smoking Gun season 1 episode 8: 12 Minutes on Elm Street

8. 12 Minutes on Elm Street

Cast

Photo of Josh Mankiewicz

Josh Mankiewicz

Investigative reporter

Reviews

No reviews available yet.