Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery, often called ID, is an American cable television network owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The channel shows many true stories about real crimes. These stories help people understand how police and investigators solve mysteries.

The channel began in 1996 with a different name, focusing on world history. In 2002, it changed its name again and started working with The New York Times Company. Later, it became fully owned by Discovery and changed to its current name in 2008. Today, the channel reaches about 69 million homes in the United States.

History

The channel started in 1996 as the Discovery Civilization Network: The World History and Geography Channel. It was one of four new digital cable channels launched by Discovery Communications at that time.

In 2003, the channel was renamed Discovery Times, focusing more on the culture of the United States. In 2008, it changed its name again to Investigation Discovery (ID), shifting its focus to true crime documentaries. Over the years, ID became very popular, especially among women aged 25–54. In 2020, the channel introduced a new logo to better suit its use across different platforms. In 2022, ID’s team also began managing another channel, HLN, which also started showing more true crime programs.

Programming

Main article: List of programs broadcast by Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery shows many different programs about real-life mysteries and investigations. Some of these shows are made just for the channel, while others are repeats of popular TV programs from networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. One of the channel’s most well-known shows is On the Case with Paula Zahn, which started in 2009. Other favorite shows include Disappeared and Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda.

In 2015, the channel began showing special mini-series about famous cases. These stories focus on how police and investigators solved very difficult mysteries.

International versions

Investigation Discovery has versions in many places around the world. Some of these include Canada, Europe, Latin America, and India. It has also been available in Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, South Africa, and Vietnam.

Some countries no longer have the channel. For example, it closed in Russia on March 9, 2022, and in Canada it changed its name on January 1, 2025.