"The Purge" is a media franchise that includes a series of dystopian action horror films, a television series, and other media. The premise of "The Purge" is that once a year, for a period of 12 hours, any and all crime, including murder, is legal in America. The films and television series explore the consequences of this annual event on society, including the impact on crime rates, the economy, and the population. The Purge is presented as a method of artificial population control, with the unemployed poor in slum neighborhoods and some working-class people being the main targets. The franchise has been criticized for its premise, with some pointing out flaws and holes in the idea. Overall, "The Purge" is a fictional concept that explores the consequences of a society where all crime is legal for a limited period of time.