Behind Bars

Watch Behind Bars

  • 2011
  • 4 Seasons
  • 5.8  (19)

Behind Bars is a documentary TV series that premiered on Discovery Channel in 2010 with a focus on the state of correctional facilities across America. The show provides an in-depth look at what goes on behind the closed doors of prisons and jails across the nation, giving viewers an inside glimpse into the daily routines, struggles, and challenges faced by both inmates and correctional officers.

The show examines various aspects of prison life, such as solitary confinement, gang violence, mental health, and addiction treatment, among others. The series also explores the societal and economic factors that have contributed to the rising prison population and the impact of mass incarceration on communities of color. Behind Bars aims to bring awareness to the issues faced by incarcerated individuals, as well as to shed light on the challenges faced by the criminal justice system.

The series is hosted by Robb Webb, a former corrections officer with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. Webb brings his unique perspective and knowledge to the show, providing viewers with an expert analysis of the issues facing the correctional system.

Each episode of the show is focused on a different prison or jail, with an in-depth look at the facility's history, operations, and staff. The show features interviews with both inmates and correctional officers, providing insight into their daily lives and experiences. Through these interviews, viewers get a sense of what it's like to live behind bars, as well as the difficulties faced by those tasked with running the facilities.

The show also features footage of various programs and services offered within the correctional system, such as counseling, education, and vocational training. Behind Bars highlights the important role these programs play in rehabilitating offenders and preparing them for life after prison. The series emphasizes the need to provide inmates with tangible skills and resources to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

Despite its focus on serious issues, Behind Bars is not all doom and gloom. The show also features moments of humor and humanity, highlighting the relationships and bonds that can form between inmates and officers. These moments provide a counterbalance to the often-grim reality of prison life and demonstrate the potential for positive change within the system.

Overall, Behind Bars is a thought-provoking and informative series that provides a comprehensive look at the complexities of the American correctional system. The show tackles difficult topics in a sensitive and nuanced way, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by both inmates and those tasked with their care. Whether you're a criminal justice professional or simply interested in the topic, Behind Bars is a must-watch series that offers valuable insights into one of America's most pressing societal issues.

Behind Bars is a series that ran for 4 seasons (26 episodes) between February 1, 2011 and on Discovery Channel

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Seasons
St Louis
6. St Louis
December 13, 2024
The Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green Missouri houses the criminals of St Louis Surrounded by an electric fence the states conservative prison laws put men away for decades if not for life More than 1550 prisoners are incarcerated here but for some the outlook looks more positive than for more recalcitrant inmates
Picalena
5. Picalena
December 13, 2024
Picalena Prison in Colombia is a highsecurity facility housing over 5000 inmates Among them are some of the countrys most dangerous criminals including members of drug cartels and those convicted of heinous crimes No prisoner has yet managed to escape from here because of its stringent security measures which include constant surveillance reinforced barriers and heavily armed guards
Rahova
4. Rahova
December 13, 2024
In Bucharest Romanias Rahova neighborhood surrounded by two high walls murderers rapists and human traffickers are serving their sentences Escaping from here is nearly impossible Each cell wing is monitored separately Cameras record all movements in its corridors Prisoners are in their cells 24 hours a day They can only leave under the strictest security measures
Taichung
3. Taichung
December 13, 2024
The Taichung Mens Prison is Taiwans biggest and toughest highsecurity prison It houses 4500 inmates some of them the most dangerous criminals in the country More than 100 are serving life sentences and well over 1000 prisoners are serving sentences of 20 years or more Overcrowding has been an ongoing issue exacerbating conditions relating to cleanliness Maintaining order is difficult
Lepoglava
2. Lepoglava
December 13, 2024
The prison in Lepoglava is the oldest and the most harshly supervised in Croatia It holds the 500 most dangerous criminals in the country and the average sentence is 20 years Only a few more than 200 police officers work in the entire prison and they are outnumbered every day To keep all manner of situations under control the officers count each inmate five times per day
New Bilibid
1. New Bilibid
December 13, 2024
Located in Manila the Philippines New Bilibid is one of the toughest prisons in the world Designed to hold 1500 offenders there are currently more than 8000 incarcerated That means up to 90 hardened criminals are crammed into 25squaremeter 270squarefoot cells half of them sleeping on the bare ground Hygienic conditions are hideous verging on catastrophic
Description
Where to Watch Behind Bars
Behind Bars is available for streaming on the Discovery Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Behind Bars on demand at Prime Video, Amazon, Fandango at Home and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    February 1, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    5.8  (19)