Back to TV Shows Login to Watch
Beyond Scared Straight
2011 - 2015 7.7 (15 votes) 9 Seasons
Official Website
Genres
Reality Documentary Crime
Networks
A&E

Beyond Scared Straight

In prison for a day to stay out for life.

Overview

Observing programs for troubled teens in which inmates reveal the realities of prison life in the hope of deterring them from a life of crime.

Seasons

Season 1 (2011)

No overview available.

7 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Chowchilla
2011-01-13

Inmates at the Valley State Prison for Women use a combination of confrontation, information, and communication to try to keep five young girls from becoming convicts.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Jessup
2011-01-20

Five teens learn the harsh realities of prison life at the Maryland Correctional Institution at Jessup, where dozens of menacing inmates, including convicted murderers, surround the kids and taunt them. The teens include Steve, 17, who likes the "outlaw" life; Brandon, 17, who's been arrested five times; Dion, who admits to selling drugs; and Sahn, 13, who steals polo shirts because he's got a "passion for fashion.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: Corcoran
2011-01-27

Hardened criminals at the California prison that is home to Charles Manson give teens a taste of life on the yard, where any prisoner can approach the kids and give them a feel for the dangers of prison life. The teens include Stephen, 16, a violent youth who threatens his teachers; Josh and Armando, 16, twin brothers and gang members; Elijha, 15, a car thief; and Abraham, 16, who thinks that going to jail is no big deal.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: Lieber
2011-02-03

Six at-risk teens experience Lieber Correctional Facility in Ridgeville, SC, to get a first-hand look and feel at life on the inside. The inmate-run "Operation Behind Bars" program locks up the teens in tiny cells, gives them a taste prison food and offers a glimpse into "Lock-Up," a prison within the prison for the worst of the inmate population. Shaming the teens with a stern tone, the program coordinator, civilian Nell Westbury, adds a unique voice to the inmate's onslaught.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: San Quentin
2011-02-10

Four at-risk teens are brought to one of the nation's most infamous prisons to participate in the S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. program? the oldest inmate-run youth diversion program in the nation. The program, short for San Quentin's Utilization of Inmate Resources, Experiences & Studies, shows these kids the realities of prison life. They see the state's only male Death Row, are paraded past the heckles of the prisoners in the overcrowded cells and discuss how the constant fear of violence and physical harm is around every corner.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: Hagerstown
2011-02-24

Maryland inmates give a group of five at-risk teens a taste of prison when they are forced to eat "Lock-up Loaf," a brick of baked mush served to unruly prisoners. The teens include, Shane, 17, a redneck who is surprised he hasn't killed anyone, Garrett, 13, who HAS been kicked out of eight schools already, Brandy, 16, who skips school to smoke pot, her brother Shawn, 15, who protects Brandy at any cost and Richard, 18, a towering jock who drinks, blacks out and awakens bloodied from brawling.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: Jessup Women's Prison
2011-03-03

Five at-risk girls are subjected to a terrifying simulation of the degrading process of entering a female prison. Four friends, busted together for shoplifting, have a unique opportunity to jointly discover the horror of prison life. The prison tour reaches its greatest emotional impact when teens open up to the inmates, causing one girl to reveal a tragic secret.

Runtime: 60 min
Season 2 (2011)

No overview available.

12 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Mecklenburg County, NC
2011-08-18

In Charlotte, NC, teen troublemaker Jose goes head-to-head with terrifying inmates and Sgt. Garrett, one of the toughest female jail deputies Beyond Scared Straight has come across. When Jose refuses to follow an order, Sgt. Garrett makes it her mission to break him down.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Oakland County, MI
2011-08-25

Oakland County, Michigan is a stone's throw from Detroit's infamous 8-Mile and the streets here are just as tough - but the deputies and inmates who run Oakland County Jail's "Turn-Around" program are even tougher.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: Portsmouth County, VA
2011-09-01

An at-risk teen, with dreams of a rap career, gets a wake-up call win he sees where his love of drugs and gang activity will lead, during a visit to the Portsmouth County Jail in Virginia.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: Oklahoma County, OK
2011-09-08

Oklahoma County is in the midst of an epidemic of gangs and street crime. Angry, impressionable teens are being pulled into the gangster lifestyle. For two pairs of at-risk girls, jail seems to be no scarier than the streets. They defy deputies and threaten inmates. When one girl is finally pushed to the breaking point, she lashes out, physically assaulting a deputy and finding out what it really means to be arrested.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: San Bernadino County, CA - Boys
2011-09-15

In the second-season finale, San Bernardino County Jail in California is visited by four teens who are also taken to the morgue to witness the consequences of gang violence.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: Richland County, SC
2011-12-08

At the Richland County Jail in South Carolina, troubled teens learn firsthand what jail is like when they are locked in cells for a terrifying all-night stay. Sleep is the last thing they will find though, as deputies and inmates rouse them repeatedly from their bunks during the physically grueling sleepover.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: St. Clair County, IL
2011-12-15

A prison in St. Clair, Ill., is visited by teens who are threatened by screaming inmates

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 8: San Bernardino County, CA - Girls
2011-12-22

Teen girls visit a prison in San Bernardino County, Cal., where one of the teens gets into a confrontation that turns physical.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 9: Western Tidewater Regional Jail, VA
2011-12-29

Siblings visit the Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Virginia.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 10: Queen Anne's County, MD
2012-01-05

At the Queen Anne's County Jail "Reset" program in Maryland, six at-risk teens endure a four-day intervention program depicting the terrors of jail, a drunk driving fatality in a hospital trauma center and a glimpse of their own funeral. Eighteen year-old partiers Daria and Christopher, who are girlfriend and boyfriend, will find their relationship tested when they are forced to testify against each other in court.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 11: Oakland County, MI - Girls
2012-01-12

Outside Detroit, a teen trio of female troublemakers who call themselves The Three Musketeers, discover their bond is not tight enough to survive even a day in the Oakland County women's lockup. Courtney, Tia and Renee love to party, but when they are forced by inmates and deputies to scrub a jail cellblock and bathroom, the party is over. Meanwhile Taylor, a 16-year old thief, is swarmed by screaming female inmates who learn that she stole $2,000 from her grandparents, and one teen makes an unexpected friend behind bars.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 12: Hampton Roads Regional Jail
2012-01-19

In the third-season finale, a teenage pyromaniac visits Virginia's Hampton Roads Regional Jail, where his mom works as a deputy.

Runtime: 60 min
Season 3 (2012)

No overview available.

17 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Boston, MA - Girls
2012-08-20

In a city where your neighborhood defines your gang, four at-risk teen girls endure a day in a female jail and learn where their lives are headed. Though they walk into the jail together, the teens will turn on one of their own. Thalia, 15, is a frightening street brawler (she s even hit her own grandmother) who takes her fight to the inmates and deputies. When she refuses to taste jail food, the other teens force her. Jahmiya, 15, incurs the wrath of female inmates with thick Boston accents, when she uses a derogatory hand gesture. But it is Jahmiya, the scrappy thief, who leads the other female delinquents to gang up on Thalia, forcing her to take in parts of jail life no one should have to stomach. Pot-smoking Tina, 16, is shocked when deputies chain all the teens together.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Jacksonville, FL - Boys
2012-08-27

In Jacksonville, Florida, four at-risk teens attend a three-part "scared straight" tour. Towering over nearly everyone, KeShawn, 15, is intimidated by no one. But when KeShawn witnesses his pint-sized little brother, Kevon, suffering the terrifying consequences of trying to imitate his big bro, KeShawn breaks down, and gets a glimpse of what the future holds for both of them. Also, Johnny, a white, self-proclaimed racist, endures the wrath of the black inmate population.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: St. Clair County Jail, IL - The Return of Ice Mike
2012-10-04

The Return of "Ice Mike" Troubled teens that attend the St. Clair County Jail diversion program take a lie detector test that reveals some shocking secrets. Inmates "Ice Mike" and "Hustle Man" return (from last season) to confront a BMX-riding stoner, a fearless gangster, a terrorizing bully, and Summer--a promiscuous under age girl who just doesn t say no to older boys--and her paralyzed mom can't stop her. Summer experiences the humiliation of jailhouse make-up and the surprising reaction Ice Mike has to her shameful behavior. Summer freaks out when she sees an inmate strapped into a restraint chair, and going wild. Pot-smoking Austin, 15, discovers an inmate who dipped his hands into boiling oil while high on drugs. Jeremy, 17, is tormented by inmates when they learn he assaulted his grandmother. An entire cell block descends on the four teens--and they have nowhere to hide.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: Hudson County Correctional Center, NJ
2012-10-11

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: Oklahoma County Jail, OK - The Return of Tiny
2012-10-18

The Return of "Tiny"

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: San Bernardino County Jail, CA - Parents and Sons
2012-10-26

Authorities hope a tour of prison will knock some much-needed sense into some troublesome teens from Southern California's San Bernardino County.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: Lake County Detention Center, FL
2012-11-01

Swampland troublemakers who receive an attitude adjustment include a 17-year-old who uses her looks to her advantage and a young thug who meets a family member behind bars.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 8: Fulton County Jail, GA
2012-11-08

A young drug dealer, a child model and twin bullies enter a Georgia jail for a personal experience of the criminal-justice system.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 9: Hampton County Regional Jail, VA - Teen Takedown
2012-11-15

A visiting teenage drug dealer fearlessly takes on the taunting residents of a Virginia jail; inmate Nasty Nard greets the newcomers with aggression.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 10: Richland County, SC - Girls
2012-12-20

A Texas mother sends her three troublesome daughters to an overnight jail program in Richland County, South Carolina.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 11: Oneida County, NY
2012-12-27

A teen visitor to the Oneida County Correctional Facility in central New York takes a seat in a restraint chair, while another young hoodlum gets handcuffed before he even enters the joint.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 12: Oklahoma County, OK - Drama Queen
2013-01-03

Hardened criminals in the Oklahoma County Detention Center teach a spoiled drama queen a valuable lesson.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 13: Floyd County Jail, GA
2013-01-10

A man suffering from cancer hopes that a stint in Georgia's Floyd County Jail will teach his angry teenage son an important lesson.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 14: Portsmouth County, VA
2013-01-17

Inmates at the Portsmouth County Jail lay some hard truths on a would-be rap star; pugnacious siblings are confronted with difficult choices; officers threaten to extend a disrespectful teen's visit.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 15: Western Tidewater Regional Jail, VA
2013-01-24

A promiscuous teenage troublemaker shares a cell with a relative in Virginia's Western Tidewater Regional Jail, only to learn that family bonds aren't strengthened behind bars.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 16: Suffolk County, MA - Boys
2013-01-31

New visitors to the clink include a light-fingered football prodigy, a pot-smoking teen from the suburbs, and an aspiring rap star who thinks that hard time will improve his rhymes.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 17: Follow-Up Special
2013-02-07

Teens featured in earlier episodes of the series are revisited to see if their jailhouse experiences had any meaningful impact on their lives.

Runtime: 60 min
Season 4 (2013)

No overview available.

9 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Oneida, NY
2013-05-30

Four troubled girls get a true taste of prison life during a stay at the Oneida County Correctional Facility.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Floyd County Jail, Ga: Deputy Lyle Returns
2013-06-06

A colorful deputy attempts to change the lives of four teenage troublemakers spending time at his Georgia jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: Western Tidewater Regional Jail, Va: Big and Bad
2013-06-13

A 14-year-old street brawler's defiant attitude surprises the deputies at a Virginia jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: Lake County, FLA
2013-06-27

A 12-year-old girl is reduced to tears during a frightening stay in Florida's Lake County Detention Center.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: Oakland County, Mich
2013-06-27

A large 14-year-old who attacks his adoptive parents meets the hardened inmates and officers of a Michigan jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: St. Clair County, Ill.
2013-07-11

Ferocious killer Hustle Man attacks an at-risk teen who refuses to comb another prison inmate's chest hair.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: Douglas County, Ga.
2013-07-18

Two defiant teenage sisters foolishly believe they can survive in jail; a car-stealing bully discovers jail is full of bigger, tougher individuals than himself.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 8: Hampton Roads, Va.: Girls Fight Back
2013-07-25

Four troubled youngsters with bad attitudes take a trip to jail, only to learn their street reputations make them targets on the inside.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 9: Richland County, SC: Truth or Consequences
2013-08-01

During a physically exhausting all-night jail stay in Richland County, SC, Aaron, 12, a habitual liar, confounds deputies by excelling at every exercise--despite having a broken arm.

Runtime: 60 min
Season 5 (2013)

No overview available.

8 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Albuquerque, N.M.: Dance, Bieber, Dance
2013-10-03

A stoner gets violent when inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, N.M., sully his girlfriend's honor; a 14-year-old "chick magnet" draws unwanted comparisons to a teen idol.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Floyd County, Ga.: Snitches Get Stitches
2013-10-10

A once-violent, now submissive inmate hopes to make a difference in the lives of the new young offenders in his facility.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: Oklahoma County, Okla.: Insane and Chaos
2013-10-17

A young Oklahoma offender tries to escape during a jail visit; preteen toughs are forced to display their loyalty to their respective rival gangs; a teen arsonist gets burned by his actions.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: Queen Anne's County: Outside and Inside
2013-10-24

A jail inmate tosses chairs at a young troublemaker; a 16-year-old boozer has a sobering experience at a funeral home; a surprise witness in the courtroom threatens a teen's freedom.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: Fulton County, Ga.
2013-10-31

Small crimes threaten the light bond between two brothers; the teens visit an "alternative lifestyle" ward.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: Charlotte County, Fla.
2013-11-07

A teenage football star's drug use and violent ways threaten his dreams of a career in law enforcement; a police officer's son believes that he is above the law; a hulking teen troublemaker meets his match.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: St. Clair, Ill.
2013-11-14

Young brothers are separated soon after entering the St. Clair County Jail in Illinois; a stoner learns the pursuit of weed could land him among hardened criminals; a tough teen meets a meaner gang member behind bars.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 8: Dougherty County, Ga.
2013-11-21

A cocky thief, a pint-sized stoner, a violent ne'er-do-well and a serial shoplifter are placed in Georgia's Dougherty County Jail to experience the reality of life behind bars.

Runtime: 60 min
Season 6 (2014)

No overview available.

8 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Western Tidewater, VA: Family Ties
2014-02-28

In Virginia, chaos takes over and officers spring into action when aggressive sisters Quaja and Quona and their cousin Tay-Tay are told they will be staying in jail overnight.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Douglas County, GA: A Family's Loss
2014-03-07

Following the jail tour, the streets sadly takes the life of of a teen trying to head down a better path.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: Chester County, SC: Roundtree Circle
2014-03-14

A 15-year-old's world shatters when he sees his tough older brother wearing prison garb; a stoner takes a second tour of jail; deputies put the pressure on a baby-faced bully and a 19-year-old thief.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: St. Clair County, IL: Precious Time
2014-03-27

A 19-year-old high-school sophomore breaks into home and hustles on the street; two teenage drug users join the residents of the St. Clair County Jail in Illinois.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: Portsmouth County, VA: Without My Daddy
2014-04-03

A 14-year-old girl and her younger half-sister act out violently in the slammer; two teenage brothers make different choices during their stint in a Virginia jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: Oklahoma City, OK: Teen Father?
2014-04-10

Two brothers and a sister on a rampage of crime and violence are separated after being admitted to an Oklahoma jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: Dougherty County, GA: Song for Sandals
2014-04-17

A 12-year-old genius learns he isn't as smart as he imagines after he enters Georgia's Dougherty County Jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 8: Fulton County, Ga.: My Father the Inmate
2014-04-24

A remorseless 17-year-old car thief finds his world crashing down when he learns his stepfather is in a Georgia jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Season 9 (2015)

No overview available.

12 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Fulton County, Ga.: Wasted Time
2015-06-25

A woman is forced to use pepper spray and a stun device on her aggressive 15-year-old son, who then gets an up-close look at life in Georgia's Fulton County Jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 2: Floyd, GA: Dep. Lyle Lays Down the Law
2015-07-02

An unpredictable deputy at the Floyd County Sheriff's Office in Georgia bullies, coaxes and comforts to help create new futures for a carjacker, a shoplifting party girl, a violent fighter and a granny-robbing thief.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 3: Portsmouth, VA - Jail House Cookies
2015-07-09

Portsmouth, Va.: Jail House Cookies

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 4: Chester, S.C.: Cornflake, Sandbag & Frozen
2015-07-16

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 5: Dougherty County, Ga.: Weekend Worriers
2015-07-23

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 6: Douglas, Ga.: Concrete & Steel
2015-07-30

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 7: Richland County SC Final Jeopardy
2015-08-06

A 14-year-old bully who was caught on camera violently attacking his mother gets a taste of his own medicine during a long overnight stay in South Carolina's Richland Jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 8: Oklahoma City, OK: Uncle Inmate
2015-08-13

Angry sisters Precious, 14, and Keying, 17, think they're tough enough for jail, until they are startled to discover a family member serving time at the Oklahoma County jail.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 9: St. Clair, Ill.: Lexi's Lockup Lash-Out
2015-08-20

When a spoiled, 15-year-old gang member is confronted by a swarm of angry inmates in jail, she fights back physically.

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 10: Lights Out!
2015-08-27

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 11: Lights Out!
2015-08-28

Runtime: 60 min
Episode 14: Lights Out!
2015-09-03

Runtime: 60 min

Recommended TV Shows