Watch American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals

American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals is a true-crime series that airs on CNBC, narrated by Stacy Keach. The show, which ran from 2007 to 2023, is all about exposing the greed and corruption of some of the most notorious white-collar criminals in America.

Each episode takes a deep dive into a particular case, exploring the actions of people who are willing to do whatever it takes to get rich quick, even if it means breaking the law. The show covers a wide variety of scams, from Ponzi schemes and insider trading to identity theft and money laundering.

Keach's narration adds a sense of gravity and seriousness to each episode, helping viewers to understand the severity of the crimes being committed. His voice is smooth and authoritative, drawing the audience in and guiding them through each story.

What makes American Greed unique is its focus on the psychology behind these crimes. The show doesn't just detail what happened and who did it; it also delves into the motivations behind each criminal's actions. Viewers learn about the greed and desperation that drove these people to commit such heinous acts, often at the expense of innocent victims.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is how it highlights the ensuing fallout. American Greed shows the devastating effects that these scams and scandals can have on people's lives. Families lose their homes, retirement savings, and even their life savings. Individuals are left destitute and struggling to make ends meet. The show doesn't shy away from the emotional impact of these crimes, and viewers are left feeling outraged on behalf of the victims.

Another interesting feature of American Greed is how it showcases the investigative process. Many of the crimes discussed on the show took years to unravel, and the network often interviews law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other professionals involved in the cases. Viewers get an inside look at how these crimes were discovered, how the culprits were caught, and what ultimately led to their downfall.

The production value of American Greed is also impressive. The show is well-researched and features high-quality reenactments of the crimes being committed. Viewers see the crimes being executed in detail, which can be both captivating and unsettling. However, the show balances these reenactments with interviews with the victims and experts, as well as footage of the criminals themselves.

One potential criticism of American Greed is that it can feel formulaic at times. The structure of each episode is roughly the same: a crime is introduced, the perpetrator is revealed, the fallout is explored, and justice is served. However, the show's strength lies in its ability to keep viewers engaged, even when they know the basic framework of the story. The sheer audacity and scope of some of the scams keeps things fresh, and viewers are always left wondering how someone could be so brazen as to pull off such a thing.

In the end, American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals is a compelling true-crime series that is both entertaining and educational. Stacy Keach's narration, combined with the show's high production value and focus on the psychology of crime, makes for an engrossing viewing experience. The show is a sobering reminder that greed can drive people to do terrible things, but also a testament to the dedication of the law enforcement officers and other professionals who work tirelessly to bring these criminals to justice.

American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals is a series that is currently running and has 15 seasons (205 episodes). The series first aired on June 21, 2007.