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The Worst Episodes of Prohibition

Every episode of Prohibition ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Prohibition!

Binge this in Unknown•Peaking at 8.3/10

The history of the rise, rule and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the entire era it encompassed (1920-33). After nearly a century of activism, Prohibition was intended to improve

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Prohibition Season 1 Episode 1 - A Nation of Drunkards
    8.0/10(243 votes)

    #1 - A Nation of Drunkards

    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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  2. Prohibition Season 1 Episode 3 - A Nation of Hypocrites
    8.1/10(189 votes)

    #2 - A Nation of Hypocrites

    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 2 - A Nation of Scofflaws
    8.3/10(209 votes)

    #3 - A Nation of Scofflaws

    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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Worst Episodes Summary

"A Nation of Drunkards" is the worst rated episode of "Prohibition". It scored 8/10 based on 243 votes. Directed by Lynn Novick, Ken Burns and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 10/2/2011. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "A Nation of Hypocrites".