Netflix fans are left stunned by the streaming site’s “most unhinged show” yet.
The TV show Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, which debuted on the streaming platform on Wednesday, follows a social experiment that takes place at the Pulaski County Detention Facility in Arkansas.
During the six-week program, inmates try out an open prison concept, in which the ‘radical ideal’ of no locks and no officers is central.
The unique docuseries, which has a 7.3 out of 10 rating on Netflix so far, has captured the attention of viewers who are labeling the series as “wild.” ‘crazy.’
The new TV show Unlocked: A Jail Experiment debuted on the streaming platform on Wednesday
It follows a social experiment that takes place in the Pulaski County Detention Facility in Arkansas
In the official trailer, set against a series of clips depicting violent prison outbursts, tThe voiceover artist announces: ‘Prisons in America are violent and understaffed, meaning prisoners are locked up for up to 23 hours a day.
“That’s why this sheriff is willing to risk everything for a new radical idea. No locks and no cops.”
It then cuts to show Sheriff Eric Higgins shared with inmates: “We’re going to let it go you are all a community.”
Many prisoners laughed in apparent disbelief at the new idea.
Eric continued: ‘The detainees are given six weeks to prove that they can behave more like people and not like criminals.
“It could end in helping someone be free and stay free.”
But one questionable inmate seemed unconvinced as he shared, “Man, come on. It’s a group full of criminals.’
The trailer shows the ominous moment when all the prison cell doors are opened – and it looks like prisoners are all joining the experiment with different goals.
During the six-week program, inmates try out an open prison concept that revolves around the ‘radical ideal’ of no locks and no cops
Sheriff Eric Higgins (pictured) told his inmates: ‘We’re going to let you all be a community… It could end in helping someone be free and stay free’
But one questionable inmate seemed unconvinced as he shared, “Man, come on. It’s a group full of criminals’
Some describe it as a “great opportunity” while playing basketball help each other shave their beards, but others proclaim that they want to “get lit in this motherfucker” while apparently trying to make alcohol and drugs in the facility.
Former inmate Leifel Jackson shared with KARK: ‘I spent almost twelve months in Lewisburg prison in the United States. There’s nothing like those doors and keys, it’s just traumatizing.
“I think it’s part of an experiment that could have a major impact on our state years from now.
“When you take the doors out, it gives you the hope of knowing, ‘Hey, if they take the locks off these doors, anything could happen.’
‘I would like to see the outcome of [the series].
“If it weren’t for some of the deployments I had to go through while I was in prison, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
The trailer shows the ominous moment when all the prison cell doors are opened – and it looks like prisoners are all joining the experiment with different goals
Eric continues: ‘The detainees are given six weeks to prove that they can behave more like people and not like criminals’
Some described it as a ‘great opportunity’ while playing basketball and helping each other shave their beards – but others had a very different opinion
Sheriff Eric also told the outlet, “This series explores the challenges jails face, such as low staffing, overcrowding and the negative stigma.
“Despite these difficulties, my team and I are working on new ways to improve our facility to create a safer environment for our employees and help those in our care, through responsibility and accountability.
‘Have we encountered any obstacles? YES! However, I believe this journey will not only change the lives of the individuals involved, but also challenge society’s views on incarceration and rehabilitation.”
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their mixed thoughts on the newly released series.
One person wrote: ‘Okay, I just started watching Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix. I sit in the same spot all day long when I see this. I feel it.’
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their mixed thoughts on the newly released series
A second person commented: ‘This Jail Experiment show is about to get wild #Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix is crazy!!’
Another said: ‘This new series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix is so good.’
Someone else wrote: ‘He made me watch Unlocked on Netflix and why did I love that Jail Experiment show so much!’
‘Sobbing. Just Unlocked: Completed a Prison Experiment. Inmates are not animals and need human connection.
“There is more to be said about the urgent need for prison reform, but for now: [I’m] grateful for the spike in this experience and support for the guys at H-Unit and Sheriff Pulaski,” someone added.
Another person stood on the fence and wrote, “Unlocked: A prison experiment is unknown. I mean different types of programs or something to actually help them REHABILITATE would have been a more effective use of extra time out of their cells. Just my opinion.’
Although the Netflix show serves as a social experiment, countries like Finland have successfully created open prisons, which focus on rehabilitation and allow prisoners to go to school and get jobs, according to Chicago Sun Times.