Documentary2011PBS

The Best Episodes of Prohibition

Every episode of Prohibition ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Prohibition!

Best episode
S1E2 A Nation of Scofflaws
8.3213 votes
Worst episode
S1E1 A Nation of Drunkards
8.0248 votes
Top season
Season 1
8.1avg
Binge time
5h 23m
3 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Prohibition Season 1 Episode 2 - A Nation of Scofflaws
    8.3/10(213 votes)

    S1:E2

    The problems that the Volstead Act and Prohibition caused, including a possible increase in alcoholism due to women frequenting the illicit speakeasies that replaced male-only saloons; adulterated liquor that poisons some drinkers; and civil-rights violations by overzealous federal agents anxious to make arrests. Despite the public's growing opposition to the ban, few politicians dare to speak against it due to the political might of the Anti-Saloon League.

    Directors:Lynn Novick, Ken Burns
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  2. Prohibition Season 1 Episode 3 - A Nation of Hypocrites
    8.1/10(194 votes)

    S1:E3

    The factors that led to the end of Prohibition. The criminalizing of alcohol feeds large profits into the coffers of criminal organizations and turns such gangsters as Al Capone into celebrities. Wealthy Pauline Sabin encourages the repeal of the 18th Amendment; and brings together women from all classes who support her position. The 21st Amendment, which repeals the 18th, is adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 election and by late 1933 people can again legally buy drinks.

    Directors:Lynn Novick, Ken Burns
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  3. Prohibition Season 1 Episode 1 - A Nation of Drunkards
    8.0/10(248 votes)

    S1:E1

    The start of the temperance movement in the 19th century under the stewardship of such leaders as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances Willard and Carry Nation; and the Anti-Saloon League, which pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol.

    Directors:Lynn Novick, Ken Burns
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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Best Episodes Summary

"A Nation of Scofflaws" is the best rated episode of Prohibition. It scored 8.3/10 from 213 votes. Directed by Lynn Novick, Ken Burns and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on October 3, 2011. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "A Nation of Hypocrites".

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