Watch Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons

Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons is a documentary series that follows the lives of prisoners across different countries and prisons. This show provides an in-depth view of the conditions, cultures, and dangers of some of the world's most notorious jails. With each episode focusing on a different prison, viewers are taken on a journey through fascinating and sometimes horrifying stories of survival within prison walls.

From the notorious San Pedro prison in Bolivia to the Piotrków Trybunalski prison in Poland, the show takes a look at how these inmates are living their lives behind bars. With some prisons being home to drug kingpins, rapists, and murders, it becomes apparent very quickly that life behind bars can be anything but easy.

Each episode dives into the culture of the individual prisons, showcasing their unique customs and traditions. Viewers are shown how these inmate-led societies function, and the culture of inmates working together to make prison life manageable. The series also highlights the varying dangers that any prisoner can face on a daily basis.

Contrary to what some might believe, not all prisoners are the most dangerous criminals. Some are there for petty crimes like theft or white-collar crimes like fraud. However, life in prison can still be brutal, and the show uncovers that in great detail. It also sheds light on how the legal system of different countries works and how it can influence the outcome of a prisoner's stay in jail.

The in-depth interviews with prisoners provide insight into their lives before prison, as well as their experiences while incarcerated. They talk about the struggles of their daily lives behind bars, the stress they encounter, and the impact on their mental health. These interviews give viewers a glimpse of the psychological effects prison life can have on people.

Besides the everyday struggles, there are also stories of creative ways inmates have found to cope with their confinement. Examples of such activities include creating art with limited materials, setting up makeshift gyms, and forming musical bands.

The show also highlights the difficulty of the prison staff due not only to the inherent dangers of their jobs but also the stress they face in maintaining order. It is evident how hard these staff members work to keep the prisoners under control while also recognizing their humanity.

Overall, Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons is a fascinating and enlightening series that provides an ever-foreboding look at the lives of those incarcerated in some of the most dangerous and unforgiving prisons around the world. By delving into the culture, the struggles, the dangers, and the coping mechanisms of these inmates, it presents us with a more insightful and nuanced view of prison life - one that we might otherwise never know. This series is a gripping watch for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the psychology and sociology behind imprisonment.

Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons is a series that ran for 2 seasons (13 episodes) between October 2, 2016 and on XiveTV; Xive TV