..You'll find it with Lt. Joe Kenda. He recounts the investigations while deadpanning it to the camera. His voice does not become overtly emotive to make the story more than it is. He simply in an almost monotone (not negatively) voice explains how he and his team methodically worked each case. Like with any vocation taken seriously, he proves his years of deduction, singling things out which obviously during his career he developed an inane ability to profile a killers motive and if they're a one off or will be a repeat offender. I find it difficult not to like this man; I doubt he changes for anyone. After a couple episodes you can tell that steely detective heart really cared about his victims and how he loathed those responsible. With Kenda you could be president or pauper; a life has been taken and he would be your voice as he has been for approximately 400 murder cases.
79 Reviews
GREAT show!
mydoglovesme412 May 2013
I've been waiting for new episodes featuring Joe Kenda, so hope there are more being filmed. This is one of my favorite shows. I particularly like the real Lieutenant Kenda's matter of fact style, and find myself quoting his "Well, my, my, my" observation quite frequently. As noted in a previous review, Kenda gives an excellent view into real police procedures, observations, and attitudes.
Every episode gives the viewer an accurate picture of how police act when a crime has been committed, from the hours of actual leg-work, to the questioning of witnesses and suspects. Lt Kenda's supreme goal is for justice, and his sympathy for the victims and family of victims is welcome. Too often shows depict police as hardened officers instead of human beings. This show provides views of the police as officers who care about the victims even when forced to cajole suspects into telling the truth.
Please, give us more episodes!
Every episode gives the viewer an accurate picture of how police act when a crime has been committed, from the hours of actual leg-work, to the questioning of witnesses and suspects. Lt Kenda's supreme goal is for justice, and his sympathy for the victims and family of victims is welcome. Too often shows depict police as hardened officers instead of human beings. This show provides views of the police as officers who care about the victims even when forced to cajole suspects into telling the truth.
Please, give us more episodes!
Joe Friday lives and his name is Joe Kenda
allworkpeace24 December 2012
Yes, I'm old enough to have watched the original "Dragnet" series, starring the late Jack Webb, with great interest and understanding. That's why I only needed to watch a couple of episodes of "Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda" to become a dedicated fan. Much like the deadpan Friday of "Just the facts, ma'am," real-life Colorado Springs, CO, detective Kenda approaches the worst murder cases with a keen eye for detail and a steadfast dedication to speak for the victim.
Since "Homicide Hunter" is produced for Investigation Discovery, one of the Discovery cable networks, Kenda has the freedom to share most of the gruesome clues with which modern mystery afficionados are passionately familiar. Even better, Kenda reveals great insight into the twisted psyches of the most vicious killers as he leads them into interrogation traps that force them to confess to their crimes.
I confess, I hope to continue watching "Homicide Hunter" for years to come. Since he's solved over 400 murders since the 1980s, Lt. Joe Kenda has a lot of 'war stories' to share with dedicated--and addicted!--fans like me.
Since "Homicide Hunter" is produced for Investigation Discovery, one of the Discovery cable networks, Kenda has the freedom to share most of the gruesome clues with which modern mystery afficionados are passionately familiar. Even better, Kenda reveals great insight into the twisted psyches of the most vicious killers as he leads them into interrogation traps that force them to confess to their crimes.
I confess, I hope to continue watching "Homicide Hunter" for years to come. Since he's solved over 400 murders since the 1980s, Lt. Joe Kenda has a lot of 'war stories' to share with dedicated--and addicted!--fans like me.
One of the Better Shows
LadyIlea9 October 2012
I actually like this show and I end up leaving the television on more for noise than anything else, but I happened to see this show one time and liked it.
I like the narrative and no-nonsense cop attitude. It isn't the usual cop fare that television writers feed us. This is much better and this cop is very realistic based upon the cops that I've met.
I hope others watch and enjoy it too. The shows seems to be more realistic than most other cop shows and Kenda doesn't seem like the crap cops that we get from most television shows. I hesitate to call this "based upon a true story" or a "reality" show, but only because the "reality" in reality shows is so scripted by some very poor writing. This show is much different. Enjoy.
I like the narrative and no-nonsense cop attitude. It isn't the usual cop fare that television writers feed us. This is much better and this cop is very realistic based upon the cops that I've met.
I hope others watch and enjoy it too. The shows seems to be more realistic than most other cop shows and Kenda doesn't seem like the crap cops that we get from most television shows. I hesitate to call this "based upon a true story" or a "reality" show, but only because the "reality" in reality shows is so scripted by some very poor writing. This show is much different. Enjoy.
Damn fine cuppa Joe
jbirks10628 May 2018
Evil lurks within the sordid underbelly of an outwardly bucolic burg in the West. But this isn't Twin Peaks, this is Colorado Springs. And this isn't FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, this is Lt. Joe Kenda. And the stories are real.
Kenda claims to have solved over 400 homicides over the course of his career, which means the show could go on almost indefinitely. We see him in two guises: one is the young homicide investigator, played by Carl Marino, the other is Kenda himself, who appears frequently with commentary on the case as it proceeds. The younger Kenda does resemble Kyle MacLaughlin's Dale Cooper, with a healthy dose of Jack Webb's Joe Friday. We occasionally see Kenda in repose, enjoying a rare moment relaxing with his wife, when the inevitable call comes. Another homicide. And Kenda is off.
It's the present-day Kenda, however, who makes the show worth watching. World-weary, laconic, jaded but not quite cynical, Kenda renders lacerating insights into human nature and the criminal mind. More often than not, alas, these are mindless, unnecessary murders, and we can only nod in agreement as Kenda bemoans the pointlessness of all the lives lost.
If you kill, Kenda will not only find you, he will mock you, and we will love every minute of it.
Kenda claims to have solved over 400 homicides over the course of his career, which means the show could go on almost indefinitely. We see him in two guises: one is the young homicide investigator, played by Carl Marino, the other is Kenda himself, who appears frequently with commentary on the case as it proceeds. The younger Kenda does resemble Kyle MacLaughlin's Dale Cooper, with a healthy dose of Jack Webb's Joe Friday. We occasionally see Kenda in repose, enjoying a rare moment relaxing with his wife, when the inevitable call comes. Another homicide. And Kenda is off.
It's the present-day Kenda, however, who makes the show worth watching. World-weary, laconic, jaded but not quite cynical, Kenda renders lacerating insights into human nature and the criminal mind. More often than not, alas, these are mindless, unnecessary murders, and we can only nod in agreement as Kenda bemoans the pointlessness of all the lives lost.
If you kill, Kenda will not only find you, he will mock you, and we will love every minute of it.
Totally Love this Show
mauvemoonlight10 September 2013
I'm a bit of a true crime fan anyway and Lt. Joe Kenda is absolutely my cuppa tea.
I love the droll manner in which he comments on the crime or more often the criminal(s). Lt. Kenda is who makes this show what it is - it would just be another whodunnit without him. He has such an entertaining personality - absolutely riveting.
I always make a point of watching whenever I see this show listed on the ID Channel.
For those who have not seen this show, I highly recommend it. Lt. Kenda is an older gentleman who does the commenting and narrative bits while a younger actor portrays him in the scenes.
While the crime is shown, it is not generally overly graphic.
Lt. Kenda has investigated over 400 homicides during his career and he knows how criminals' minds work. He knows all the "tells" when they're lying and exactly how to draw them out and get the truth of what really happened.
10 stars for Lt. Kenda Homicide Hunter!
I love the droll manner in which he comments on the crime or more often the criminal(s). Lt. Kenda is who makes this show what it is - it would just be another whodunnit without him. He has such an entertaining personality - absolutely riveting.
I always make a point of watching whenever I see this show listed on the ID Channel.
For those who have not seen this show, I highly recommend it. Lt. Kenda is an older gentleman who does the commenting and narrative bits while a younger actor portrays him in the scenes.
While the crime is shown, it is not generally overly graphic.
Lt. Kenda has investigated over 400 homicides during his career and he knows how criminals' minds work. He knows all the "tells" when they're lying and exactly how to draw them out and get the truth of what really happened.
10 stars for Lt. Kenda Homicide Hunter!
Joe Kenda rocks!
kathytexan-1258530 January 2020
I've been watching this series since the beginning. I was enthralled by the concept...a homicide police detective who tells how he closed 96% of his cases. The first time he said to the camera, "My, my my..." I was hooked. I'm so glad he agreed to do the series...it was a win-win for everyone. Telling his stories helped Kenda with his PTSD, the producer had a hit program and viewers like me got to meet a great detective and a terrific human being. Well done!
The World is a Safer Place Because of Kenda
dghmom_72121 June 2013
Kenda is the best detective ever. NY could actually use him and it was because of him I am addicted to the ID channel. All the HH shows featuring Kenda are great. The narrations are wonderful and I love watching him as he remembers things from the cases her solved. I remember one line from one show "people say they have no enemies but she had one" referring to the mother on the floor dead. Before I saw all of them because there were not too many (WISH THEY WOULD MAKE MORE) Kenda is brilliant and acts so calm and he always got the guy or woman. In the case of the guy murdered in his apt by what turned out to be a serial killer had me on the edge of the seat. I would love to meet him and better yet would love to see them make more shows which are better than some of the dumb shows they have now on the TV. Go Kenda.
Wit & Humor Added To Serious Business!
lesliejphillips26 May 2021
If you like true crime shows, you'll love "Homide Hunter:Lt. Joe Kenda". Even if you don't like these shows, you should give this one a chance.
The show follows cases worked by Joe in all stages of his career, from patrolman to detective. It often highlights the difficulty of "catching cases" at all hours of the day and night as is typical with law enforcement officers (LEOs). Joe will work the case with little or no sleep for days on end to follow all pertinent leads while the case is fresh & before the suspect(s) can slip away. Again, typical LEO work, especially for detectives.
But what is different is Joe's narration of the aspects of the case. His dry wit as he runs across certain behaviors of suspects or clues in the case is quite entertaining, while at the same time being informative.
Joe explains what steps are/aren't legal to take as he goes along, no matter how convinced he may be of the suspect's guilt.
Another interesting aspect of the show is that Joe is a 40+ year LEO veteran, so many of his cases have to be solved without the aid of DNA evidence.
Joe uses his collective experience, thorough investigative and deduction skills, and a great deal of patience to solve his cases.
Give this show a try. I think you'll like it!
The show follows cases worked by Joe in all stages of his career, from patrolman to detective. It often highlights the difficulty of "catching cases" at all hours of the day and night as is typical with law enforcement officers (LEOs). Joe will work the case with little or no sleep for days on end to follow all pertinent leads while the case is fresh & before the suspect(s) can slip away. Again, typical LEO work, especially for detectives.
But what is different is Joe's narration of the aspects of the case. His dry wit as he runs across certain behaviors of suspects or clues in the case is quite entertaining, while at the same time being informative.
Joe explains what steps are/aren't legal to take as he goes along, no matter how convinced he may be of the suspect's guilt.
Another interesting aspect of the show is that Joe is a 40+ year LEO veteran, so many of his cases have to be solved without the aid of DNA evidence.
Joe uses his collective experience, thorough investigative and deduction skills, and a great deal of patience to solve his cases.
Give this show a try. I think you'll like it!
Should be called Kenda Vision
quockquock26 October 2021
Every episode when Joe Kenda ponders about what happened during the crime, Joe's "Kenda Vision" kicks in. I love it! Great show. Hard to believe he was involved in that many homicides in Colorado Springs, but I guess crime is rampant everywhere.
Real life noir
reeseslightning10 June 2019
Joe Kenda is an amazing narrator. Very well done series in general as the re-enactments really place you in the moment. It has a modern feel with a twinge of nostalgia while Kenda provides a presence similar to what Humphrey Bogart is in Maltese Falcon or even Nick Charles from The Thin Man. I know the 9th season is its last but I hope one day Kenda will reconsider. Even if they are "simple" cases, it is not the content that intrigues, it is the man himself. That is a rare feat in today's surge of true-crime series popping up.
One of my very favorite shows.
dieseldog33330 April 2020
Great show but could be better
kwildgen-15 November 2015
I adore this show. But the new season episode seems - and I'll have to watch a rerun to be sure - to have constant, raucous and thoroughly annoying background music that's so intrusive, it drowns out the dialogue at times. Please, please either get rid of the music or tone it down. Otherwise it's absolutely great. I love the way it switches back and forth between the present and the past. And the "real" Lt Kenda has a wonderful wry wit and way of presenting the facts. Carl Marino is superb as the young Kenda and the present day faces and voices of Kenda's colleagues are wonderful and give a great atmosphere of realism to the show. I caught on to this show recently and can't get enough but am still disappointed at the "new" addition of such constant and loud background music.
Background music?
tdh572 January 2018
I used to love this show due to its fresh approach to solving crime and the very likable host, Joe Kenda. But I'll never understand why networks feel the overwhelming necessity of lamely attempting to fix something that isn't broken. What they consider dramatic music is nothing but loud, overbearing noise that completely kills the effect they're trying to accomplish. Many similar opinions can be found on the Homicide Hunter Facebook page, but the producers apparently couldn't care less.
What years ago I would've rated a 10 is now merely a 2 and that's only because the host is so likable.
My View
mmyersjean14 November 2017
I love Joe Kenda, in a way, although I'm British he reminds me of my father, also Joe. He was a police inspector & his steely professional gaze, like that of Kenda belied a very kind hearted generous man.
I enjoy the intercourse between the real Joe and actor Joe. Mr Kenda's knowledge of guns, velocity are carefully explained, as are blood splatter, knife wounds etc.
Really great character & great show. Long may it run
I enjoy the intercourse between the real Joe and actor Joe. Mr Kenda's knowledge of guns, velocity are carefully explained, as are blood splatter, knife wounds etc.
Really great character & great show. Long may it run
EVERYTHING I love about True Crime!
jogerig1 July 2020
I am a connoisseur of True Crime shows. I have seen (and mentally judged) them all. For a good true crime show you need a good narrator, intelligent commentary from the real investigators and witnesses, and a fairly realistic (but always slightly cheesy) reenactment. This show has ALL of these things! I could listen to Joe Kenda tell me stories all day long. I can 100% tell why he was such a good investigator. He is really what makes this show stand out. I looooove the reenactments too - the guy who plays Kenda in them is fabulous. If you like True Crime, this is a must see!
My, my, my
rvogel-0147830 January 2020
I am so flippin happy right now I was so sad to know this was the last episode as I've watched them all over & over. Now we got a hint that our favorite guy is coming back for more! Don't stay away too long Joe! Hoping you'll find a place for Carlos as well. He plays you to a tee and you both go together! We all know IF YOU KILL, JOE WILL FIND YOU! Can't wait to see you again SOON! P.S. Loved seeing your whole family tonight. That was super cool! Thanks for urging him on Kathy. You have an amazing guy there!
The Kind of Guy You Want to Be Sat Next to At Dinner
sagans_moon30 June 2015
With a lifetime of experience, an eye for detail and a dry delivery, Joe Kenda is good company indeed. There's no nonsense with Joe - there's been a crime and that offends him. Things must be made right.
This is a great show and I hope the producers have sense not to muck about with the formula for the new season. The simplicity of the show is what really sells it. A straight-forward narrative with its re- enactments make for a great yarn, and it's perfect as it is. Joe walks us through an investigation and pieces the puzzle together for us, showing us what he sees. Well, my my my. And so another villain is caught.
This is a great show and I hope the producers have sense not to muck about with the formula for the new season. The simplicity of the show is what really sells it. A straight-forward narrative with its re- enactments make for a great yarn, and it's perfect as it is. Joe walks us through an investigation and pieces the puzzle together for us, showing us what he sees. Well, my my my. And so another villain is caught.
Want a show that'll keep you on the edge of your seats? THIS IS IT!
anglpets17 March 2016
I came across this show completely by mistake one night, and I'll admit I'm kind of hooked on crime shows. I want to start off to say that I've NEVER wrote a review for any TV show and given it a 10/10 before. I'm writing this review so I can encourage others to watch, and to make sure this show doesn't get cancelled! HAHA! I'll do a quick summary for you of the show without any spoilers of course, although it would be extremely hard for me to give you any spoilers since every episode is different. You're following Lt Joe Kenda who's worked as a homicide detective for over 20+ years and has solved over 400 (approx) cases. What I love about this show is Lt Joe Kenda will tell you exactly what happened and you follow along almost on the edge of your seats along with him as he tries to solve the murder of the person(s). Lt Joe Kenda is a very forward straightlaced older gentleman who tells it like it is! He doesn't cry, get angry, yell or anything like that, he stays VERY monotone throughout each and every episode with the occasional witty remark/joke. This definitely ISN'T like any other crime show out there... It's WAY better! I can assure you this isn't anything like Dateline or 20/20 where they just tell you the story. Some of the stuff can be "scary" for anyone under the age of 14, so I'd definitely not recommend this for anyone under that age. Because even though some scenes are reenactments, it can definitely scare a youngster. But to just wrap everything up here, if you're looking for a new type of crime show THIS IS IT! Definitely take my word on it and commit to watching at least 1 episode. Because after 1 episode, I have a feeling you'll continue to watch it. I've got a lot of my family and friends hooked on this show! LOL!
Go Joe Coool...ombo
proverbs-512 October 2017
Boy,lieutenant Joe Kenda,is this guy cool or what?! He's like Sherlock Holmes,Joe Colombo,John Shaft and Kojak all rolled into one.I pity whoever had to fill Joe,s place when he retired. Great show love how he reels in his fish then clobbers them over the head,lol.You can really feel the kick he gets fighting the corner of victims and their families regardless of race,religion,creed,colour,gender etc.Maybe law enforcement should consider, as part of police training, a new course called "The Joe Kenda Diplomacy and attitude course". I'm sure it would save us here in the UK having to witness abhorrent videos like the Rodney king video for example.It didn't surprise me to read that Joe refused to have his dialogue scripted stating that he "was a cop not an actor". I should imagine his team of detectives had the utmost respect for him as a leader as he comes across as the epitome of integrity,t tough as old boots with a sense of humour as dry as the Mojave desert. Fan for life .Go Joe coool..ombo!
Love this man, Joe Kenda!
maryan-0700617 October 2019
I call the real Joe Kenda the Jimmy Stewart of the murder shows. He has an easy going to sometimes slightly flat style that is so engaging. He goes through all the twists and turns of each case without the drama you sometimes see on true crime shows. It is interesting to follow along as each case unfolds. I profoundly wish this wasn't the last season.
Joe Kenda is the best!
hannahalyceclarke13 August 2014
I love a lot of crime shows however I REALLY love watching Lt Joe Kenda explain some of the homicide cases he has solved. No matter how horrible or how disgusting you will always get the same reaction out of Kenda. It would be impossible to get an emotion out him, it is hilarious, some of the things he says just makes you laugh. He's a hard arse who just says it as it is but he has loads of experience and raises many good points which shows he knows his stuff. I love him and so does my family, he's a real character. Awesome show, with a variety of interesting homicide cases, very cool seeing how it's solved through the major crimes department.
The Anti M William Phelps
evilpinklolita6 October 2013
True crime shows are my favorite genre. I've watched almost every show on ID. Some are better than others (much better) and Homicide Hunter is one of my favorites. The reason I call Lt. Joe Kenda the anti M. William Phelps is that Kenda is everything Phelps isn't: He is an excellent investigator, he is free of ego, and he doesn't exaggerate the story for dramatic effect (or to sell more books). He discloses the important details without getting bogged down in the trivialities of each case. The only criticism I have of this program is that ID doesn't seem to air many episodes. Maybe it's just my timing, but the network reruns the same three or so episodes repeatedly. I even set my DVR. I will set it again for the upcoming season, and hopefully I can catch more.
Better than most in genre
mww-589-4202095 September 2021
Same Focus
jkthomas-8733611 November 2016
Seems like all of his crime situations revolve around African Americans...and I'm not one to play the race card but what's the deal? Some time ago, I noticed this and stopped watching his shows. Then about a year later, I started recording his shows again because I sort of forgot why I wasn't watching them and lo and behold, here we go again. Maybe its because he lived in a certain area that happened to include an African American population, but upon doing my homework, found out that his crime solving was done in Colorado Springs. The ethnic diversity in that area has an African American population of 5%. Apparently, per Wiki, he hand picked the crimes that he thought would be interesting to air and I have to wonder, what he's trying to accomplish.
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