Prohibition
“As a battle raged… an era roared”
Series Overview
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 the lives of all citizens by protecting individuals, families and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse; but paradoxically it made millions of people rethink their definition of morality.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 3 Episodes
94–110 min per episode
2011 – 2011
Premiered: Sun, Oct 2, 2011
Ken Burns
Lynn NovickLatest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 3: “A Nation of Hypocrites”
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.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-10-08
Cast & Creators
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Peter Coyote
Self - Narrator (voice)
Daniel Okrent
Self - Author
Pete Hamill
Self - Historian
Noah Feldman
Self - Legal Scholar
Adam Arkin
Reader (voice)
Philip Bosco
Reader (voice)
Patricia Clarkson
Reader / Carrie Nation (voice)
Kevin Conway
Reader (voice)
Blythe Danner
Reader (voice)
Paul Giamatti
Reader / George Remus (voice)
Tom Hanks
Reader / Roy Olmstead (voice)
Jeremy Irons
Reader (voice)
Samuel L. Jackson
Reader (voice)
John Lithgow
Reader / H.L. Mencken (voice)
Josh Lucas
Reader (voice)
Amy Madigan
Reader (voice)
Carolyn McCormick
Reader (voice)
Oliver Platt
Reader / Al Capone (voice)
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ken Burns, Lynn Novick
Wynton Marsalis, Doug Wamble, David Cieri
Buddy Squires
Erik Ewers, Tricia Reidy, Ryan Gifford
Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, Jean Lane, Karen Kenton, Sarah Botstein
Department Leadership Roster
Erik Ewers
Editor
Wynton Marsalis
Original Music Composer
Doug Wamble
Original Music Composer
Ken Burns
Producer
David Cieri
Original Music Composer
Buddy Squires
Director of Photography
Tricia Reidy
Editor
Ryan Gifford
Editor
Lynn Novick
Producer
Jean Lane
Producer
Karen Kenton
Producer
Sarah Botstein
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
TV-14: Parents Strongly Cautioned — Contains material unsuitable for children under 14.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — Contains material unsuitable for children under 14.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Prohibition.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Prohibition
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Prohibition about?
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 the lives of all citizens by protecting individuals, families and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse; but paradoxically it made millions of people rethink their definition of morality.
How many seasons does Prohibition have?
Prohibition comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Prohibition?
Key cast members in Prohibition include Peter Coyote, Daniel Okrent, Pete Hamill, Noah Feldman, Adam Arkin.
Who created or directed Prohibition?
Prohibition was developed and directed by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick.