Brains on Trial with Alan Alda

Brains on Trial with Alan Alda (2013)

EndedDocumentary show

Brains on Trial with Alan Alda takes a fictitious crime-a convenience store robbery that goes horribly wrong - and builds from it a gripping courtroom drama. As the trial unfolds it takes us into the brains of the major participants - defendant, witnesses, jurors, judge - while Alan Alda visits the laboratories of some dozen neuroscientists exploring how brains work when they become entangled with the law. The research he discovers raises the controversial question: How does our rapidly expanding ability to peer into people's minds and decode their thoughts and feelings affect trials like the one we are watching in the future? And should it?

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday at 22:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E02Deciding PunishmentSep 18, 2013
S01E01Determining GuiltSep 11, 2013
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the TV show 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' premiere?

'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' premiered on September 11, 2013.

What is the premise of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

The show explores the intersection of neuroscience and the justice system, examining how brain science can affect the understanding of criminal behavior and its implications in the courtroom.

How many episodes were there in the first season of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

The first season of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' consisted of two episodes.

Who are the experts featured on the show?

The show features a range of experts including neuroscientists, psychologists, legal scholars, and criminal justice professionals.

What are some of the topics covered in 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

The show explores topics such as the influence of brain abnormalities on behavior, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the use of brain scans as evidence in court.

Are there any reenactments or dramatizations in the show?

Yes, 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' includes reenactments and dramatizations to illustrate various scenarios and concepts.

How does the show incorporate scientific research?

The show incorporates scientific research by featuring experiments, case studies, and interviews with leading experts in the field of neuroscience.

Does 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' present any real-life court cases?

Yes, the show presents real-life court cases that involve controversial brain science evidence.

What is the overall tone of the show?

The show takes an objective and informative approach, exploring the complex relationship between neuroscience and the legal system.

Are there any ethical considerations discussed on the show?

Yes, 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' delves into the ethical implications of using brain science in the courtroom, including issues of privacy, discrimination, and fairness.

How does the show engage viewers?

The show engages viewers through thought-provoking discussions, interactive experiments, and compelling storytelling.

Is 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' suitable for a general audience?

Yes, the show is designed to be accessible to a wide range of viewers, regardless of their background in neuroscience or law.

Did 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' receive any critical acclaim?

Yes, the show was praised for its unique approach to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and the justice system, and its ability to present complex concepts in an engaging manner.

Are there any plans for future seasons of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

As of now, there have been no announcements regarding future seasons of the show.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Next Level Chef
Running

Next Level Chef

Chef Gordon Ramsay scours the country for the very best line cooks, home chefs, social media stars, food truck owners and everything in between, all competing against one another with the goal of finding the food world's newest superstar. Joined by two elite names in the food world, chefs Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, Ramsay and his co-mentors leave no stone unturned, as they each recruit a group of talented chefs and take them under their wings. Ramsay and his friends attempt to bring out the very best in their cooks, as they all try to find "the one." Ramsay firmly believes that as long as a chef has the drive, talent and perseverance, he or she can make that climb to the top. Creativity, consistency and cunning are the recipe for success to make it to the next level, as the competitors adapt to the challenges waiting for them. Chefs compete for a life-changing $250,000 grand prize and the title of "Next Level Chef."

GenreFood
Crime Scene Kitchen
Running

Crime Scene Kitchen

Crime Scene Kitchen, an all-new baking competition series is a culinary guessing game in which bakers are tasked with decoding what type of dessert was made, when all that's left are the crumbs, flour trails and a few elusive clues. They must then recreate the recipe for celebrity judges, chef Curtis Stone and cake artist Yolanda Gampp, who will determine how closely their sweet treat matches the missing dessert – and how good it tastes! 

GenreFood
Fear Factor: House of Fear
Running

Fear Factor: House of Fear

Fear Factor: House of Fear is coming back bigger, bolder and more daring. Dropped into an unforgiving, remote location, a group of strangers will live together under one roof, and face mind-blowing stunts, harrowing challenges and a twisted game of social strategy where trust is fleeting - and fear is a weapon.

LEGO Masters
Running

LEGO Masters

Based on the hit British reality-competition series of the same name, LEGO Masters brings imagination, design and creativity to life when teams of LEGO enthusiasts go head-to-head, with infinite possibilities and an unlimited supply of LEGO bricks. Teams of two will compete against each other in ambitious brick-building challenges to be crowned the country's most talented amateur LEGO builders. In each episode, the competing pairs who most impress the judges will progress to the next round, until the finale, during which the top teams will face off for a cash prize, the ultimate LEGO trophy and the grand title of LEGO Masters.

Extracted
Running

Extracted

Extracted features 12 untrained competitors attempting to survive extremely grueling conditions, perilous terrain, and the threat of fearsome predators in the unforgiving Canadian wilderness. Meanwhile, some miles away, their family members are locked down at a secluded headquarters watching them navigate their dangerous surroundings alone via a 24/7 live feed. The fate of each untrained contestant in the wilderness lies in the hands of their family members back in HQ. Each amateur survivalist's family has the power to decide whether their loved one has what it takes to brave the elements and fight to be the last one standing, or whether the family will push the ominous "Extract" button and remove their loved one and their whole family from the competition. Extracted begs the question: how far will their loved ones let them go for a chance for their family to win $250,000?