Watch Philly D.A.

Philly D.A. is a 2021 documentary series that follows the journey of Larry Krasner, a progressive reform-minded lawyer who is elected as the district attorney of Philadelphia. Krasner is an outsider who has never worked as a prosecutor before, and he quickly sets out to fundamentally alter how justice is delivered in the city. The filmmakers follow Krasner over the course of his first term, as he battles entrenched interests and powerful institutions within the justice system to enact sweeping reforms. The series is a gripping and at times tense exploration of the challenges facing criminal justice reformers in America, and the toll that those challenges can take on individuals.

At the heart of the series is the tension between Krasner's progressive vision and the entrenched interests that resist change. Krasner believes that the criminal justice system in Philadelphia is broken, and he sets out to fix it by taking bold steps like ending cash bail, reducing the number of people being incarcerated, and fighting against police brutality.

But Krasner's reforms are met with fierce resistance from many quarters. Police unions and the Fraternal Order of Police ramp up their opposition to Krasner's agenda, while critics on the other side of the political spectrum accuse him of being soft on crime.

Throughout the series, Krasner remains steadfast in his beliefs, and we come to understand the deep convictions that motivate him. The filmmakers explore Krasner's backstory, tracing the roots of his activism to his upbringing in a civil rights household, and showing how his experience as a defense attorney shaped his views on justice.

But Philly D.A. is not just a character study of Krasner. It also gives a voice to those who have long been marginalized by the criminal justice system. One of the most powerful storylines in the series follows the loved ones of Daniel Osorio, a young man who was killed by the police in Philadelphia. Krasner's office takes up their case and pursues charges against the officers who were involved, and the series shows how deeply the case affected the Osorio family and the wider community.

Another key figure in the series is Bob Listenbee, a former public defender who is appointed by Krasner to oversee a newly-created office that is focused on juvenile justice. Listenbee is a fierce advocate for young people, and the series follows him as he works to rehabilitate young offenders and divert them from the prison system. His work shows that there are alternatives to harsh sentencing and carceral punishment.

Finally, the series also delves into the personal toll that public service can take on individuals. We see Krasner grappling with his own health issues and the strain of the job, and we see the toll that the constant public scrutiny takes on his family.

At its core, Philly D.A. is a powerful testament to the importance of criminal justice reform, and to the courage and conviction of those who fight for it. The series shows that change is possible, but that it takes a tremendous amount of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Ultimately, Philly D.A. is a call to action to all of us who believe in building a more just society.