America's Dumbest Criminals

America's Dumbest Criminals is an American reality series that aired in syndication from September 21, 1996 to May 27, 2000 for a total of 104 episodes. For international syndication the show was titled Everyone's Dumbest Criminals.[2] The show ultimately aired in 30 countries.[3] The show was hosted by Daniel Butler during all four seasons. Butler was a co-author of the book America's Dumbest Criminals, which spent four months on The New York Times bestseller list.[4] Beaumont Bacon co-hosted during season 2, and Debbie Alan joined for seasons 3 and 4. The series features surveillance footage, news reports and dramatic reenactments of particularly foolish criminal behavior.[5] Also highlighted are "dumb laws", featuring various trivialities passed into law. Francopolitan Mercury Anastassacos was voted the "World's Dumbest Criminal" for the world tour phase.

America's Dumbest Criminals
GenreReality
Presented by
  • Daniel Butler (1996–2000)
  • Beaumont Bacon (1997–98)
  • Debbie Alan (1998–2000)
Composer(s)Alan Ray
Country of originUnited States
Original language(s)English
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes104[1]
Production
Running time30 minutes
Production company(s)Lacey Entertainment
Worldvision Enterprises
(1996–99)
(seasons 1–3)
Paramount Domestic Television
(1999–2000)
(season 4)
DistributorWorldvision Enterprises
(1996–99)
(seasons 1–3)
Paramount Domestic Television
(1999–2000)
(season 4)
CBS Television Distribution
Release
Original networkSyndication
Original releaseSeptember 21, 1996 (1996-09-21) –
May 27, 2000 (2000-05-27)
External links
Website

The show's disclaimer partially parodies the radio and TV series Dragnet by stating that each segment was a real-life occurrence, but that "only the names have been changed...to protect the ignorant".

Overview

While some captures featured in the show were easy and straightforward due to obvious oversights or mistakes by the offenders, many others were much tougher and sometimes required greater resources. Many criminals put together their game plan beautifully but were tripped up by a simple oversight (such as forgetting to fill the tank of the getaway car). Others actually got away clean, but without the goods, while others were captured because the arresting officers were not fooled by them.

Production notes

The show was directed by Steve Angus. The executive producer was Florida businessman John Palumbo.[6] Season 3 was shot in Los Angeles, California and was directed by Andrew Maisner. A short-lived Australian version of the show called World's Dumbest Criminals, hosted by Gordon Elliott, aired in 1997.

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See also
  • The Smoking Gun Presents: World's Dumbest Criminals

Further reading
  • America's Dumbest Criminals by Daniel Butler, Leland Gregory, and Alan Ray (Rutledge Hill Press, 1995). ISBN 1-55853-372-9

References
  1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFtpZ659RpvHJpxUhfHW-cUz1uF2_iwQr
  2. Stanley, T. L. (March 25, 1996). ""Criminals" abroad". Mediaweek. Vol. 6 no. 13. p. 30.
  3. Devan, Stuart (November 10, 2003). "'Dumbest' investment a smart move". Jacksonville Business Journal. Vol. 20 no. 5. p. 10.
  4. Bark, Ed (August 26, 1997). "Criminals with doofus operandi". Dallas Morning News. p. 1C.
  5. Carman, John (November 6, 1995). "New Program Focuses on Dumb Crimes". San Francisco Chronicle. p. B1.
  6. John Palumbo Presents: America's Dumbest Criminals Archived 2008-03-28 at the Wayback Machine


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