Some things look great from a distance; as you go near, they start to terrify you. Prison is one of those things. We enjoy shows that focus on the lives of inmates as well as documentaries about them. But we would never choose to participate in such a terrible environment. The Shawshank Redemption and Prison Break are two of the best films and television shows ever made, and the prison setting gives these works a lot of depth. It’s always intriguing to see a brave, innocent person land in jail just because they were in the wrong location at the wrong time. The character, however, manages to survive the stresses of prison life and ultimately shows everyone that it will take more than metal bars, concrete walls, and bullies (not all) to break him/her.
Even if prisons may not exactly look like they do in these films or TV series, people nevertheless enjoy viewing them. So that you can watch, we’ve gathered some of the best prison-related TV shows. Here is a list of the best Netflix prison series that are currently streaming. You may satisfy your craving for exciting prison shows and movies with the assistance of the comedy-drama series, real-life documentaries about the most hazardous jails, and also about women in prison that are all included on the list.
60 Days In (2016 – 2023)
Have you ever actually seen what happens inside a prison? Through the perspective of 7 regular volunteers who were misidentified as convicts, “60 Days In” gives us a detailed look of the inside of jails around the nation. They are expected to stay there for 60 days with the intention of gathering proof of dubious actions that might otherwise go unnoticed by the authorities. Although there are concerns about the show’s overall authenticity and extensive editing, it is nonetheless fascinating to watch because it sheds light on what it’s like to live in a prison.
Brotherhood (2019-2022)
The Brazilian drama’s original title, “Irmandade,” tells the story of lawyer Cristina Ferreira (Naruna Costa), who learns that her estranged brother Edson (Seu Jorge), the head of a criminal faction, is imprisoned in So Paulo. She is compelled by the government to join the faction as an informant once word spreads. Despite how unpleasant it is, she discovers a side of herself that she was unaware of. We’ve all come to realize that serving time in prison forces us to confront our personal qualities, for better or worse. Will Cristina be able to adjust to the new environment without getting involved? Brotherhood possesses the solution.
First and Last (2018)
A Netflix series called “First and Last” tracks people’s lives while they are incarcerated. It begins by filming the recently detained inmates and then follows their trip up to and through their final few days in custody to the very conclusion of their stays at the facility. This program gives a lot more than you may anticipate from a prison docuseries and manages to capture some profound insights into the lives of these inmates.
Girls Incarcerated (2018-2019)
The most important years of our lives, during which we can completely make or break, are those of adolescence. The program depicts the effects of locking up young, adolescent girls in a juvenile institution in Madison on their lives. The confinements of this facility can be very trying at times because the adolescent girls are missing out on important life events involving family and friends.
To minimize more conflict, they nevertheless make an effort to establish positive interpersonal relationships even inside the facility, and they share in little celebrations like birthdays and graduations. This documentary series teaches you that it’s sometimes important to be thankful for the little things you have because there are individuals who live harder lives and don’t have the opportunity to lead regular lives.
Inhuman Resources (2020)
The crime thriller series “Inhuman Resources” starring Eric Cantona, Suzanne Clément, and Alex Lutz is based on Pierre Lemaitre’s book “Cadres Noirs.” The show centers on Alain Delambre, a senior executive who has been looking for work for six years and is now prepared to do anything to get a position and lead a respectable life.
Alain does not hesitate to slap his son-in-law, steal from his daughters, and annoy his devoted wife when a prominent organization offers him the chance he has been waiting for his entire life. Unfortunately, once the corporation challenges him to a role-playing game before hiring him, things don’t turn out the way he had hoped. Without ever recognizing their actual motives, Alain is all than willing to comply with their requests, but his tenacity in seeking employment ultimately brings him to his doom.
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons (2016-)
What is a worse situation than being locked up? being incarcerated in a foreign country’s prison. Paul Connelly, the host of this program, leads us on a tour of these unfriendly foreign prisons and exposes us to their gruesome truths. Trust me, this is worse if what you witnessed in “A Prayer Before Dawn” scared you. You won’t ever view the prison the same way again after seeing this.
Jailbirds (2019-)
The female inmates of the Sacramento County Jail are the focus of the reality television series “Jailbirds,” in which they are forced to compete for love and power in a setting where nothing is ever simple. The jailed women confront numerous obstacles as they go about their daily lives, and since they have limited opportunities to improve their circumstances, they aren’t afraid to use any means required to achieve their goals. In such a hostile atmosphere, when everyone rightly does whatever it takes to improve their own life, confrontations inevitably arise.
Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
The most well-known show on this list is likely “Orange Is the New Black.” It depicts the tale of a young woman who was convicted of drug smuggling in the past and sentenced to prison along with her lesbian partner. Being her first time behind bars, she gradually learns to adapt to her surroundings and forges bonds that might later get her into problems.
You won’t be able to take your eyes off this show throughout the initial seasons because the first few are so interesting and well-written. But eventually it stops being charming and starts to drag. Start watching this show and keep watching till it amuses you, because it will in the beginning, and whether or not you choose to watch the later seasons is entirely up to you.
Prison Playbook (2017-2018)
In the South Korean comedy-drama series “Prison Playbook,” a baseball pitcher who is almost at the pinnacle of his profession finds himself imprisoned for attempting to defend his sister from a sexual assault. A few days before to him playing for the Boston Red Sox, all of this occurs. But now that he’s imprisoned, he must learn to survive and fit in with the other inmates.
With a ton of humor, “Prison Playbook” depicts jail life in a rather innovative way. With this series, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the characters and bond with them through both laughter and tears. After seeing this, you might find it difficult to watch US-based TV shows again since it sets the bar too high.
Time: The Khalief Browder Story (2017)
For certain people, life can be unjust at times, and Kalief Browder was one of them. At the impressionable age of 16, Kalief was accused of a crime he didn’t even commit and spent three terrible years in Rikers Island Prison. He was charged with attempting to steal a rucksack, and because his family was unable to post the $900 bail, he was forced to serve three years in prison. After the charges were ultimately dropped, Browder committed suicide not long after being let out of jail.
Exclusive interviews with those who were involved are featured in the biographical series, which also demonstrates how the system as a whole has some fairly significant flaws where the innocent frequently suffer. He committed suicide two years later, but his narrative has endured and demonstrates that he was an American hero who persevered in the face of overwhelming odds. Jay Z, who wanted the world to know the tale of the defenseless Kalief Browder, produced the program.
Wentworth (2013-2021)
‘Wentworth’ resembles an Australian version of ‘Orange is the New Black’ with a slightly darker undertone. Bea Smith, who is accused of trying to kill her husband, is the show’s main character. She needs to adjust to life in prison and get along with everyone she can in order to live while she waits for more instructions on her trial. The show contains excellent acting and writing, and it has been performed flawlessly. You should watch this one if you like contemporary drama programs with a hint of the 1980s in them.
When They See Us (2019)
When They See Us is a true-crime drama series that was created and co-written by Ava DuVernay. It sheds light on the horrifying 1989 Central Park jogger case, in which five innocent Harlem teenagers were wrongfully convicted of attacking a white woman. The compelling program reveals the pervasive racism of the times and raises various issues that are still pertinent in the present sociopolitical environment.
