TV series
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Inside the World's Toughest Prisons is available to stream on Netflix in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Raphael Rowe spends a week behind bars at Tacumbu prison in Paraguay, where inmates scrounge in the trash in order to pay their own way.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
Episode 2
Schwalmstadt, a 12th-century fortress surrounded by a moat, houses some of Germany's worst offenders, many of whom attend intense therapy sessions.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
Episode 3
The tropical island of Mauritius is home to Melrose maximum security prison, where even the smallest infraction is met with extreme punishment.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
Episode 4
An unnerved Rowe contends with aggressive cellmates at Maseru prison, where a high number of inmates are behind bars for rape.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest PrisonsEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Paul ConnollyHimself
Raphael RoweHimself
5United Kingdom
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