TV Viewing in Prisons: Can Inmates Watch Prison Break?

TV shows are an important form of entertainment for inmates in prisons. Some institutions provide various types of TV programming, allowing inmates to catch up on their favorite series or discover new favorites. One popular show among inmates, especially when it is available for free, is Prison Break. This article explores the accessibility of Prison Break to inmates in prisons, shedding light on the general TV viewing situations in prisons, inmate preferences, and the limitations often imposed on what inmates can watch.

Is Prison Break Viewed by Inmates in Prisons?

Whether or not inmates can watch Prison Break largely depends on the facilities they are in. Not all prisons have cable or satellite TV services, which means that inmate access to shows like Prison Break is limited. However, when TV is available, inmates tend to watch a wide range of shows, including cop shows, reality TV, and action series. Let's delve deeper into this topic.

The Availability and Popularity of TV Shows in Prisons

For those inmates fortunate enough to have access to TV, the most popular shows often revolve around themes of true crime, law enforcement, and prison life. For instance, Jerry, an inmate, shared his experience: 'Anything related to jail/prison life whether a TV show or movie was pretty popular. We watched all the good ones, particularly the live action shows.' Jerry specifically mentioned enjoying cop shows, with 'Cops' being 'the hottest show.' Other popular shows included '60 Days In,' and 'Rookies,' which were often watched by those who had access to cable services.

One inmate discussed the status of Prison Break in his prison, stating, 'I’ve never heard of this show in or out of prison, so obviously I’ve never watched it. I can’t say for sure because that show wasn’t on when I was doing time. However, I don’t see why inmates wouldn’t be allowed to watch it. It’s no different than any other movie or show like it.' He further added that they were allowed to watch shows with mild nudity, but not those with excessive nudity. Regular cable, which was available to some inmates, meant that there were many shows they could watch, with Prison Break being one of them.

The Controversy and Limitations

Despite the popularity of Prison Break, it is not without controversy. In fact, there has been discussion about not allowing inmates to watch the show. The primary concern was that the show might incite prison break attempts. However, as another inmate noted, 'It is not clear whether inmates in prison watch the show. It is possible that some inmates watch the show, but it is not certain.' This highlights the complex relationship between entertainment and safety in prison environments.

At one point, federal prisoners in the United States, at least at one time, could watch the show Prison Break. Yet, this decision was not without rationale. One inmate explained, 'It made little sense to me why someone in prison would want to watch a show about prison.' This reflects the broader debate about the appropriateness of certain types of content for inmates, balancing the need for entertainment with safety concerns.

In conclusion, the availability and viewing of Prison Break in prison largely depends on the specific prison and its policies regarding TV viewing. While it is a popular show, there are limitations and disputes surrounding its suitability for inmates. Understanding these dynamics provides a more nuanced view of the role of TV and entertainment in prison environments.