All rights reserved. © 2026
NPR & PBS for South Texas (361) 855-2213
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Episode 2: Introduction

Season 1 Episode 2 | 5m 37s

In the early 1800s, penitentiaries and uniformed police forces have emerged across the United States to combat crime. But, by the late 19th century it has become clear that they have not eliminated crime entirely, as a wave of mob justice and vigilantism sweep the nation. As millions of immigrants arrive in the United States, the nation must grapple with how to prevent crime and pursue justice.

Major funding for CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN AMERICA was provided by The Atlantic Philanthropies, Emerson Collective, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Park Foundation. Major funding was also provided by the following members of The Better Angels Society: The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; The Just Trust for Education; Allan and Shelley Holt; The Tow Foundation; and the Sozosei Foundation. Additional support was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, Ford Foundation | JustFilms, and by The Better Angels Society members: John and Catherine Debs; Timothy Fazio; Lise Strickler and Mark Gallogly; the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund (Laurie M. Tisch Foundation Inc); Gilchrist and Amy Berg; the Carson Family Charitable Trust; Mauree Jane and Mark W. Perry; the Segal Family Foundation; and Mark A. Tracy.
Extras
Arthur needs help to learn new spells, save his friends, and defeat Moldywart in his tower lair!
Arthur needs help to learn new spells, save his friends, and defeat Moldywart in his tower lair!
Arthur needs help to learn new spells, save his friends, and defeat Moldywart in his tower lair!
Mix and match each character's favorite treats before time runs out.
Explore mazes at nighttime with Buster and D.W.
The Kratt brothers return for a creepy, crawly Halloween special.
Get ready for the all-new season, coming January 17, 2027 at 9/8c.
The cast play a game of "What's in the vet bag?" with sentimental props from the series.
Celebrate the legacy of Gene Wilder, the actor behind Willy Wonka and Young Frankenstein.
Experience an Alpine winter wonderland, from snowy spruce forests to marching reindeer.
Latest Episodes
Progressive reformers try to make the justice system more fair.
Violent crime is on the rise and Americans rally behind politicians promoting harsher punishments.
The exploits of outlaws fill the headlines and the FBI promise to wage a war on crime.
Some colonists argue that public punishments make “bad men worse” and look for an alternative.