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First Look: Crime and Punishment in America | Directed by Lynn Novick

Crime and Punishment in America, a new 4-part film directed by Lynn Novick, is the first documentary series to tell the story of criminal justice in America from the colonial era to today, and explores how for more than 250 years, Americans have wrestled with the problem of crime, the purpose of punishment and the meaning of justice. Executive produced by Ken Burns and Sam Pollard.
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Preview Length 02:10 Premiere: 11/16/26

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Clips & Previews

Season Episodes

“Tough on Crime” (1970 - Onward)
S1 E4 Length 1:47:53 Premiere Date 11/16/26

“Public Enemies” (1929 - 1969)
S1 E3 Length 1:51:21 Premiere Date 11/16/26

“The Criminal Type” (1880 - 1929)
S1 E2 Length 1:57:22 Premiere Date 11/16/26

“A House of Repentance” (Beginnings - 1880)
S1 E1 Length 1:38:00 Premiere Date 11/16/26

First Look: Crime and Punishment in America | Directed by Lynn Novick
Preview Length 02:10 Premiere Date 11/16/26

Extended Trailer
Preview Length 02:31 Premiere Date 11/16/26

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A House of Repentance (Beginnings to 1880) - S1 E1

Europeans bring their harsh laws to America, but some colonists, inspired by the Enlightenment, argue that brutal public punishments make "bad men worse" and look to a new way to mete out justice - the penitentiary.

  • Monday November 16, 2026 8:00 pm ET on KET
  • Monday November 16, 2026 7:00 pm CT on KET
  • Monday November 16, 2026 10:00 pm ET on KET
  • Monday November 16, 2026 9:00 pm CT on KET
  • Wednesday November 18, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET
  • Wednesday November 18, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET

The Criminal Type (1880-1929) - S1 E2

A new generation of Progressives exposes the cruelty, corruption and prejudice in the criminal justice system and sets about trying to improve prisons, reform police and make the nation fairer and more just.

  • Tuesday November 17, 2026 8:00 pm ET on KET
  • Tuesday November 17, 2026 7:00 pm CT on KET
  • Tuesday November 17, 2026 10:00 pm ET on KET
  • Tuesday November 17, 2026 9:00 pm CT on KET
  • Thursday November 19, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET
  • Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET

Public Enemies (1929-1969) - S1 E3

The exploits of gangsters like Al Capone and outlaws like John Dillinger fill the headlines, which makes them folk heroes in their own time and the FBI launches a public relations push to build support for its "war on crime."

  • Wednesday November 18, 2026 8:00 pm ET on KET
  • Wednesday November 18, 2026 7:00 pm CT on KET
  • Wednesday November 18, 2026 10:00 pm ET on KET
  • Wednesday November 18, 2026 9:00 pm CT on KET
  • Friday November 20, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET
  • Friday November 20, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET

Tough on Crime (1970-Onward) - S1 E4

Cities are struck with poverty, drug addiction and violent crime, and communities rally behind politicians who promote harsher laws and punishments. But as these policies play out, some Americans will question the true cost of the system.

  • Thursday November 19, 2026 8:00 pm ET on KET
  • Thursday November 19, 2026 7:00 pm CT on KET
  • Thursday November 19, 2026 10:00 pm ET on KET
  • Thursday November 19, 2026 9:00 pm CT on KET
  • Saturday November 21, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET
  • Saturday November 21, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET

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