Netflix fans were left stunned by the streaming site’s “most unhinged show” yet.
The television 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 Center in Arkansas.
In the six-week program, detainees test out an open prison concept that revolves around the “radical ideal” of having no locks or agents.
The unique docu-series, which has so far received a rating of 7.3 out of 10 on Netflix, has captured the attention of viewers, who call it “wild” and ‘crazy.’
The new TV show Unlocked: A Jail Experiment debuted on the streaming platform on Wednesday
It follows a social experiment taking place at the Pulaski County Detention Center in Arkansas.
In the official trailer, which is contrasted with a series of clips showing violent prison outbreaks, tThe announcer announces: ‘Prisons in the United States are violent and understaffed, meaning inmates are locked up for up to 23 hours a day.
‘That’s why this sheriff is willing to risk everything for a radical new idea. No locks or agents.
Then it cuts to show Sheriff Eric Higgins, who shared with the inmates: ‘We’re going to let You will all be one community.’
Many of the prisoners were seen laughing in apparent disbelief at the new idea.
Eric continued: ‘The detainees will have six weeks to demonstrate that they can act more like people and not criminals.
“I might end up helping someone get free and stay free.”
But one doubtful inmate didn’t seem convinced 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 open, and it appears that all the inmates enter the experiment with different goals.
In the six-week program, detainees test out an open prison concept that revolves around the “radical ideal” of having no locks or agents.
Sheriff Eric Higgins (pictured) told his inmates: “We’re going to let you all be a community… You might end up helping someone get free and stay free.”
But one doubtful inmate didn’t seem convinced when he shared: ‘Man, come on. It’s a pack full of criminals.
Some describe it as a “great opportunity” since they play basketball and They help each other shave their beards, but others proclaim that they want to “get on this motherfucker” while apparently trying to make alcohol and drugs inside the facility.
Former prisoner Leifel Jackson shared with KARK: ‘I remained in the hole for almost 12 months in Lewisburg prison, United States. There’s nothing like those doors and keys, that’s just traumatizing.
‘I think it’s part of an experiment that can have a big impact on our state in a few years.
‘Removing the doors gives you hope of knowing, “Hey, if they take the locks off these doors, anything can happen.”
“I would love to see the result of [the series].
“If it wasn’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 open, and it appears that all the inmates enter the experiment with different goals.
Eric continued: ‘The detainees will have six weeks to demonstrate that they can act more like people and not criminals’
Some describe it as a “great opportunity” as they play basketball and help each other shave their beards, but others have a very different view.
Sheriff Eric also told the outlet: ‘This series explores the challenges facing jails and prisons, such as understaffing, overcrowding, and negative stigma.
‘Despite these difficulties, my team and I are working on new ways to improve our facilities to create a safer environment for our employees and help those in our care, through responsibility and accountability.
‘Are we facing obstacles? YEAH! However, I believe this journey will not only change the lives of those involved, but will also challenge society’s views on incarceration and rehabilitation.’
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their mixed opinions on the newly released series.
One person wrote: ‘Alright, I just started Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix. I’m going to be in the same place all day watching this. I can feel it.’
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their mixed opinions on the newly released series.
A second person commented: ‘This Jail Experiment show is about to go crazy #Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix is ​​crazy!’
Another added: “This new series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix is ​​so good.”
Someone else wrote: ‘He made me watch Unlocked on Netflix and why I was into that show Jail Experiment!’
‘Sobbing. Just finished Unlocked: A Prison Experiment. Detainees are not animals and need a human connection.
“There is more to say about the urgent need for prison reform, but for now, [I’m] “I’m grateful to take advantage of this experience and support the men of H-Unit and Sheriff Pulaski,” one added.
Another person was undecided and wrote: ‘Unlocked: a prison experiment, I don’t know. I mean different types of programs or something that actually helped REHABILITATE them would have been a more effective use of the extra time out of their cell. It is 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 inmates to attend school and get a job, according to Chicago Sun Times.