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America's Dumbest Criminals

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TV Series

The Resume

    (September 21, 1996-May 29, 2000)
    Syndicated
    Hosted by Daniel Butler
    Co-hosted by Beaumont Bacon (1997-1998) and Debbie Alan (1998-2000)
    Producer: Steve Gilreath
    Executive Producer: John Palumbo
    Shows re-enactments and actual footage of foolish criminal behavior, along with testimonials from the involved officers

Why America's Dumbest Criminals might be annoying:

    Gordon Elliott hosted a version highlighting international criminal activity.
    The second season set, where Butler wore nerdy retro glasses, came across like a broadcast news studio.
    Thick-voiced Bacon appeared only in the segment that eventually featured the ‘Vidiot of the Week.’
    It eventually became fodder for the Maury show.
    Gilreath believes ‘there’s no such thing as a smart criminal.’
    The show compensated any officer whose story was broadcast — $100 to $500.

Why America's Dumbest Criminals might not be annoying:

    Butler had a hand in creating the series as a justice lesson for his children.
    Anyone could re-enact the role of the ‘dumb criminal,’ including a deputy or crew member (Lorrie Morgan took on the role of a crook).
    Even the officers themselves did stupid stuff — one bent back his partner’s thumb when he thought he was subduing a problem defendant!
    ‘Dumb Laws’ (such as allowing elephants to drink beer) were highlighted in all seasons but the second.
    Not all crimes resulted in capture; some offenders fled empty-handed while others were simply embarrassed.
    The latter two seasons—the Alan era—were shot before a studio audience.

Credit: Cool It All Right?


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 15 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 18 Votes: 77.78% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 14 Votes: 78.57% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 53 Votes: 66.04% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 22 Votes: 59.09% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 30 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 86 Votes: 75.58% Annoying