Episode 1
South Africa: The Number Gangs Prison
52m10.0 / 10
At Brandvlei Correctional Centre in South Africa, nearly all the convicts belong to dangerous gangs known for lethal stabbings.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
TV series
Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
2016TV-MA7 seasons7.1 / 10
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
Where to watch in United States
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.
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Synopsis
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.
Season 5 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Philippines: The War on Drugs Prison
52m10.0 / 10
Once again, Raphael Rowe volunteers to go behind bars, this time in the Philippines at Manila City Jail, one of the world's most overcrowded prisons.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
Episode 3
Greenland: Prison in the Ice
47m10.0 / 10finale
Greenland's Nuuk maximum security prison houses extremely dangerous prisoners, many of whom grew up alongside the guards now watching over them.
Where to watch Inside the World's Toughest PrisonsEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
More about Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
Cast
Paul ConnollyHimself
Raphael RoweHimselfProduction details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 27
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
5United Kingdom
Netflix- Emporium ProductionsUnited Kingdom
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