Prison shows follow prisoners of all walks of life and give audiences an immersive, fascinating look inside prison life. Prison docuseries put a particularly unique spin on the genre by offering viewers first-hand perspectives from the people who live it. Whether you’re looking for a gripping drama or a fascinating glimpse into life behind bars, here are the best prison shows and docuseries to stream right now.
Distinct Styles of Prison Shows
Prison shows come in a variety of styles and formats, each offering a distinct but equally fascinating look at life behind bars. Here’s a look at the different types of prison shows available now:
Dramas: Dramatic prison shows feature fictional characters and stories, making them the most popular type of series. From the golden age classic OZ to the more recent Netflix series Orange is the New Black, these shows offer over-the-top storylines and compelling character studies.
Reality Shows: Reality prison shows follow real inmates as they deal with the realities of prison life. These shows often provide an even more fascinating look at prison life than dramas. Some of the best reality prison shows include A&E’s 60 Days In and MTV’s Jail.
Documentaries: Documentary prison shows are unique in that they focus on a single story or event. These shows often offer a more informative and thought-provoking look at life in prison, with some of the most popular series including National Geographic’s Locked Up and the BBC’s Prison.
The Best Prison Dramas To Stream Right Now
Prison dramas are often the most popular kind of show, and some of these series offer gripping stories and fascinating glimpses into life behind bars. Here are some of the best prison dramas to stream right now:
Orange is the New Black (Netflix): Orange is the New Black is the groundbreaking Netflix series that follows the lives of inmates at a women’s prison. It offers a fresh look at prison life and its complex characters and stories make it one of the best prison dramas to date.
OZ (HBO): OZ is a groundbreaking series set in an experimental prison that follows the lives of inmates and guards. It offers a unique and complex look at prison life and holds up as one of the all-time classics in the genre.
The Best Prison Reality Shows & Docuseries To Stream Right Now
Reality prison shows and docuseries offer a unique and often even more fascinating look at prison life. Here are some of the best prison reality shows and documentaries to stream right now:
60 Days In (A&E): 60 Days In is a gripping reality series that follows nine people as they spend 60 days in an Atlanta jail as undercover inmates. It focuses on the different types of criminals and offers a raw, intimate look at life behind bars.
Locked Up (National Geographic): Locked Up is a six-episode documentary series that delves into the lives of inmates at San Quentin State Prison. It offers a unique look into the lives of people living in one of the world’s most notorious prisons.
The Take (BBC): The Take is a four-part docuseries that follows former prisoners as they try to rebuild their lives and start over. It offers an inspiring look at the power of resilience and the importance of second chances.
Prison shows and docuseries offer a fascinating glimpse into life behind bars and can provide an immersive and thought-provoking viewing experience. Whether you’re looking for a drama, reality series, or documentary, there are plenty of great options available now. From the classic OZ to the inspiring The Take, these shows offer the best in prison-based entertainment.
