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TV ShowReturning5CrimeDocumentary

Inside the World's Toughest Prisons

2016 – 2023 · 45m per ep · TV-MA · English · United Kingdom

Crime journalist Raphael Rowe goes behind the bars of some of the world’s most notorious and toughest prisons. Immersing himself in maximum security facilities around the world to live as a prisoner, he encounters the inmates locked up for their crimes and meets the men and women on the right side of law tasked with keeping the criminals behind bars.

7.0(54 reviews)

3.5896% popularity

At a glance

Details

First air date: Apr 20, 2016
Last air date: Sep 15, 2023
Status: Returning
Seasons: 7
Episodes: 27
Episode runtime: 45m
Original language: English
Country: United Kingdom
Network / platform: 5
Creator / showrunner: —
Certification: TV-MA
Production companies: Emporium Productions

Where to watch

Streaming availability has not been added yet.

Seasons & episodes

Season 1

2016 · 4 episodes

Paul Connolly journeys inside deplorable prisons in Poland, Mexico, Honduras and the Philippines to experience their barbaric conditions first hand.

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S01E01

Episode 1

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Episode 2

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S01E03

Episode 3

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S01E04

Episode 4

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Cast

Raphael Rowe

Himself

Media

Reviews & ratings

7.0

54 community reviews

AR
Alex Rivera6/103/18/2026
Binge-worthy
Every episode leaves you wanting more. The character arcs are exceptional.
52 found helpful
JK
Jordan Kim7/103/14/2026
Peak television
One of the best shows in its genre — tightly written and beautifully acted.
44 found helpful
SP
Sam Patel8/103/10/2026
Must-watch series
The season finales alone are worth the watch.
36 found helpful
ML
Morgan Lee6/103/6/2026
Brilliant writing
Gripping from the first scene. Already recommending to everyone.
28 found helpful
CW
Casey Wong7/103/2/2026
Slow burn payoff
Takes a few episodes to hit stride, then it's unstoppable.
20 found helpful