Watch Lockdown

Lockdown is a TV series produced by National Geographic that takes a raw and realistic look at what life is like for inmates and correctional officers in some of the most dangerous prisons in America. The series follows several correctional officers and inmates as they navigate through their daily routines, including prison gang activity, drug trafficking, and other dangerous and violent situations.

The series is shot inside several maximum security facilities, including prisons in California, New Mexico, and Ohio. Each episode typically focuses on one facility, with the camera crew following a handful of officers and inmates throughout the day. The show is shot in documentary-style, with no dramatization or scripting, and it gives viewers a raw look at what the daily lives of these individuals are like inside and outside of the prison walls.

One of the staples of Lockdown is its authenticity. The show's producers worked closely with the correctional institutions to ensure they were accurately depicting life inside the facilities. To this end, they were able to secure the cooperation of the prisons' staff and inmates, who were happy to participate in the series in order to help shed light on the realities of life behind bars.

The show also features interviews with various experts and professionals in the criminal justice system, such as psychologists, social workers, and former inmates. Through these interviews, viewers gain insight into the rehabilitation process, the reform of the current prison system, and the impact of imprisonment on those individuals who are incarcerated.

One of the most interesting aspects of Lockdown is its examination of the social dynamics within a prison. The show explores how inmates form their own communities within the walls of the prison, including the formation of prison gangs. It also showcases how these groups often dominate the prison culture and serve as challenges to the safety and welfare of the inmates and the staff.

The show also explores the human side of the prison system, including the stories of inmates who have turned their lives around and are working towards rehabilitation. Many of these individuals have backgrounds in drug addiction and gang activity and are often seen as unlikely candidates for change. However, through their own hard work and the help of the specific programs that the prisons offer, these people are able to transform their lives and become successful citizens outside of the prison system.

Overall, Lockdown is an intense and engaging show that explores the complex mechanics of America's prison system. Through its dynamic storytelling and candid depiction of life behind bars, the show helps to shed light on the realities of incarceration and how it affects both the inmates and the individuals tasked with keeping them in line. The show is a powerful reminder of the need to continually work towards reform in order to help those impacted by the system successfully transition back into society.

Lockdown is a series that ran for 5 seasons (51 episodes) between May 7, 2006 and on National Geographic