Watch Behind Bars: Rookie Year

Behind Bars: Rookie Year is a reality TV show that follows a group of rookie correctional officers (COs) during their first year on the job at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, a maximum-security prison. The show was first aired on A&E in August 2015 and consisted of ten one-hour episodes.

The show provides an in-depth look at the challenges, risks, and rewards of working in the prison system. The rookie COs face intense and dangerous situations, including inmate outbursts, gang violence, and drug smuggling, just to name a few. They also have to navigate the complex dynamics of the prison environment, establish trust with their fellow officers, and learn to effectively communicate with inmates.

The show is filmed in a documentary style, using handheld cameras and interviews with the COs to provide insight into their experiences. The cameras capture the daily routines of the prison, such as cell checks, pat-downs, and count, as well as the more extreme situations, such as riots and lockdowns.

Throughout the series, viewers get to know the rookie COs on a personal level. Each of them comes from a different background and has their own motivations for entering the correctional field. Some are former military members looking for a new career, while others simply want to help people and make a difference. One CO is even a former inmate himself, who has turned his life around and wants to help others do the same.

The show also delves into the personal lives of the COs, exploring how their job affects their relationships outside of work. For example, one CO struggles with the strain that his job puts on his marriage, while another has to balance the demands of the job with caring for her children.

Overall, Behind Bars: Rookie Year offers a fascinating and eye-opening glimpse into the world of prison security. The show highlights the bravery and dedication of the COs who put their lives on the line every day to keep others safe. It also showcases the importance of empathy and communication in an environment that can easily become hostile and dangerous.

While the show is certainly not for the faint of heart, it is a gripping and compelling look at a profession that is often overlooked and underappreciated. The COs on the show are not only brave and admirable, but also relatable and human. They face the same struggles and challenges that many of us do, but they do so while serving a greater purpose and putting their lives on the line.

In conclusion, Behind Bars: Rookie Year is a must-watch for anyone interested in the criminal justice system, or for those who simply enjoy well-made reality TV. It offers a unique and fascinating look into a world that few of us ever see, and it does so with both heart and grit.

Behind Bars: Rookie Year is a series that ran for 2 seasons (21 episodes) between August 6, 2015 and on A&E