Riverbend Maximum Security Prison inmates tell their stories.

Inmates of California's Valley State Prison for Women try rehabilitation.

See how the once-infamous Rikers Island jail has reinvented itself.

Inside the largest maximum security facility in Salt Lake City. A "jail within a prison" protects some inmates from others.

Revealing of how these women deal with relationships and struggles.

Behind the walls of Kentucky's only maximum security prison.

Inside the maximum security facility in Eastern Iowa.

One of the most violent and volatile penitentiaries in the nation.

The Corcoran State Prison, located in an isolated valley, is one of California's largest maximum-security institutions.

California's Kern Valley State Prison opens its doors in 2005.

Miami's prison system.

Oklahoma inmates tell their own remarkable stories.

Half of Chicago's Stateville Correctional Center's inmates are imprisoned for murder.

LA County Jail is a system that is overcrowded, tough on gangs, and struggling with an increase in racial violence.

Inside the maximum security prison inmates call 'the end of the world.'

A profile of San Quentin State Prison in California; one of the most famous, most notorious penitentiaries in the world.

California's Kern Valley State Prison opens its doors in 2005.

Alabama's Holman maximum security prison.

The violent history of San Quentin State Prison in California.

Inmates at San Quentin State Prison find ways to fight boredom.

Inmates receive visitors during their prison stays.

A dangerous combination of gangs, drugs and boredom encourages inmates to commit violent offenses in prison.

A 20-year-old inmate speaks about how he grew up on the streets and what motivates him to turn his life around.

The prison's annual poetry slam.

Grantt Culliver controls the disruptive inmates of Holman Correctional Facility.

Relationships both inside and outside the prison walls.

Dangerous inmates are segregated from the rest of the prison population.

Correctional officers search prisoners for weapons.

Serving life sentences or death sentences in prison.

Unexcused absences create staff shortages at Alabama's Holman Correctional Facility.

Nine of the most violent criminals from the 'Lockup' series give chilling accounts of their crimes.

Inmates must develop methods to cope with the pressures and fear that come with incarceration.

Inmate violence including riots, shanks and attacks on officers.

Inmates' unwritten rules known as the Convict Code.

On a regular basis camera crew explore where even the most heinous violations are an every day activity.

Intimacy in prison.

The daily grind of prison life has been known to push some inmates to the brink.

Idle time leads to mischief in prison.

Known gang members are sent to security housing units to control their activity.

Corcoran officers put their lives on the line to prevent inmate attacks.

Inmates find various ways to smuggle in contraband.

Survival is the number one priority for inmates and officers alike inside Corcoran.

Inmates must choose between doing their time or following a more self-destructive path.

There is never a dull moment in prison.

Three of America's busiest and largest jails.

Inmates with nothing left to lose.

In prison, knowing the right answers could mean the difference between life and death.

Prisoners take hostages in the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

Inmates land longer sentences due to bad behavior.

The dangerous inmates of Level Six in the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

Inmates who become disruptive or violent are transferred to the lock-up units in levels five and six.

Prison officials initiate a shakedown after gang members in Level 6 overpower an officer in the recreation area, take her keys and stab a rival gang member.

Some inmates leave prison by 'paroling legit' or in a body bag and others earn time for early parole, but a few will attempt escape.

The experience of interviewing violent offenders in prison.

An inmate feels his survival depends on staying in prison; prison food.

Joining a gang while in prison.

How inmates spend their time in jail.

A stabbing puts the prison on high alert; a brash new inmate gets taken down a notch.

An anonymous tip puts Internal Affairs on high alert.

The many meanings of 'cutting' at Indiana State Prison.

Contraband finds its way to the inmates.

The Residential Treatment Unit.

Some prisoners resort to violence while others become victims.

While visiting Limon Correctional, the Lockup crew is greeted by angry inmates and the cell extraction team is called in to help.

Behind the walls of six maximum-security prison in Serbia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Life inside prisons throughout Scotland and Belgium.

Extractions at Colorado State Penitentiary.

Violence at the Limon Correctional Facility in Colorado.

Tennessee Prison for Women along the banks of the Cumberland River is home to more than 700 inmates.

Five notorious inmates reveal insights into their predatory behavior.

Long periods of monotony are broken up by brief moments of terror.

Adapting to life in American prisons.

In a life full of restrictions, we've seen inmates take control of whatever they can, despite the consequences. We've seen frustrated inmates reach their breaking point. And in the battle of wills, some will take actions that can never be reversed.

Every murder has a motive and often the murder is committed by the least likely person.

Three inmates prepare to cross the threshold to freedom.

The most extreme Lockup stories ever. These are the prison stories best described by one word. And the word is... HARDCORE.

In prison, as on the outside, a single decision can change a persons life forever. And we've seen inmates make all kinds of fateful choices. But behind bars, there is no escaping the consequences of one's actions.

A female housing unit inmates call a party house will turn a new inmates life upside down.

Located on the top floor of Maricopa County's Fourth Avenue Jail Facility, are the highest-security male housing units. These inmates have either committed violent acts in the jail or have been identified as gang members. And like all inmates at Maricopa, some are awaiting trial while others have been convicted and are appealing their verdicts or sentences. They are isolated in very stark cells 23 hours a day and get one hour of rec time in an empty concrete room with a skylight located right next door to their cells. Without the distraction of television, radio or a cellmate, even the most hardened criminals can break under the pressure. One gang member makes a desperate cry for help by putting a noose around his neck, then says, "I just need somebody to talk to." And on the other side of the jail, completely isolated from other inmates, Maricopa's four most dangerous women form a notorious sisterhood

Behind the bars of Maricopa County Jail in Phoenix, run by controversial figure in the immigration battle.

In one of Maricopa's primary men's facilities, the Fourth Avenue Jail, when inmates are not in their small, two-person cells, they can work out in an indoor rec room, or in the common area between their cells. But every afternoon, many of the inmates shift focus from their bodies to their bank accounts. Since inmates are not allowed access to cash, they have another way to pay gambling debts. The losers must purchase snacks or other items from the jail canteen for the winners. They pay for canteen through debit accounts that friends or relatives on the outside deposit money into. But a losing hand can bring serious consequences.

No matter the circumstances that brought them there, Maricopa County Jail in Phoenix, Arizona, will have a profound effect on who the inmates will become. And for some, their time in jail will reveal their true nature.

A world where tensions run high especially for a mother and son who were accused of a heinous murder.

Producers take the time to get to know dozens of inmates, following the action and watching the story unfold in from of their eyes.

Sometimes life has other plans, like when the ex leader of a gang faces a whole new reality he discovers the price for coming clean.

No escaping the consequences of one's actions behind bars.

Sometimes life has other plans, like when the ex-leader of a white supremacist gang faces a whole new reality, and discovers the price for coming clean.

Relationships on the inside can be more complicated than on the outside.

In prison time can be an inmates worst enemy.

America's Toughest Jail where we find stories that ranged from the unexpected to horrifying.

For some prison might be hell and it can be even worse for the sex offenders.

Inside Orange County Jail confinement takes a dark turn for a light-hearted teenager, but provides a new beginning for an old bank robber, and a mother who has put drugs before her son gets another chance.

Follow the lives of inmates after they have left prison who have been previously featured on the show.

Over the past ten years, the structure of local gangs has changed and that's had a serious impact on the Suffolk County jail. In this hour: an inmate takes his fights from the street to the halls of the jail, and his boyhood friend follows his example; two brothers turn to crime to support their habits, and now one faces the prospect of hitting the streets again.

Boston, Massachusetts is by any standard a world-class city. But ever since its colonial days, some have called it a fighting town. And located in the heart of the city is a place for anyone who does their fighting outside a ring. More than 12,000 people a year pass through the doors of Boston's Suffolk County Jail. And with an average daily population of 2,700 male and female inmates, someone reaches their boiling point virtually every day of the week. For those inmates all too willing to throw a punch... the jail has a special place: The Box. As one inmate says, "Separated from everything so you learn to deal with it. It's called 'The Box Life'."

Many inmates use their time in jail to get clean off drugs and get their lives on the right path. Others, however, simply can’t wait return to the dangerous lifestyle of the streets.

While Boston, Massachusetts maintains its colonial past, it's ranked as one of the world's leading metropolitan areas for education and innovation. In the heart of downtown, however, is a reminder that not everyone is on the right track. In this hour: an old school bank robber maintains his swagger; an inmate with an imaginary friend proves to be a challenge for the jail, and a shocking act lands his sister behind bars, as well.

An inmate attempts to change his reputation. Another inmate, desperate for a transfer, acts out with his urine and feces. A man awaiting trial for possession of child pornography receives a visit from his daughter.

Inmates at the Suffolk County Jail look forward to mealtimes, often for reasons that have nothing to do with the food. Watch how jail dining hours erupt into chaos on this episode.

In prison for the murder of a lottery winner, Dee Dee Moore discusses her hopes for the future - including a Disney-style fairytale wedding.

While facing the consequences of dealing drugs, Michael Garcia re-evaluates his outlook on life, developing a connection with God and strengthening his relationship with his family.

Jason Flores was the victim of a horrible crime as a child. Now an adult, serving time himself, he is surprised to meet up behind bars with the man who raped him as a child. He tells us what happened....

Ex-couple Rosanna DiMauro and Kasey Ackerman plead not guilty to a violent crime in which a man was burned alive. Watch as they explain their sides of the story.

In this hour, an inmate with a long record runs an extortion scheme, while drugs inside the jail pose a lethal threat. And the jail's newest team member makes her presence known.

A look at life in jail, which generally houses inmates who are waiting for their trials or serving relatively short sentences.

Meet Danny Pritchett, who has a history of being a predatory inmate, both inside and outside of prison. He was transferred to Santa Rosa after proving to be too much to handle at other Florida state prisons.

Bobby Ray Gilbert is easily one of the most volatile inmates to ever appear on Lockup. Is it possible that he has discovered true love? David Boltjes ranks as one of the most talked-about inmates featured on Lockup, but now he's out of prison and his tattooed eyeballs continue to ...

A lunchtime dispute turns violent in the first episode of the series about life inside the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Also: One inmate learns hard truths about crime and jail while another prepares to be set free.

An inmate behaves erratically; an accused murderer faces the death penalty while his girlfriend is being held in the women's wing; a new female inmate raises havoc; a raid catches an inmate by surprise.

A repeat offender tries to smuggle contraband into the jail; an inmate is targeted for allegedly killing a local rap star; prescription drug abuse becomes epidemic; an inmate's drug abuse may keep him in jail; officials fret about one inmate's influence.

An inmate's actions lead to an emergency response; a repeat offender accused of assaulting her mother relies on her daughter for support; an inmate focuses on his brain; another inmate is accused of an unthinkable act.

A troubled inmate tries to make an impression; another inmate acts out; a woman who gave birth in the jail watches her baby grow up without her; an inmate faces a 25 years-to-life sentence.

An officer is assaulted; inmates try to escape; a young woman finds a surrogate mother on the inside; an inmate not known for making trouble issues a vile threat. Also: a cautionary tale for fathers and sons

A celebrity rapper enters the Santa Rita jail; brothers deal with gangs, drugs and parenthood; a three-time convicted murderer claims he's killed others as well.

Gang members cause chaos in a housing unit, forcing SERT to step in to restore order and place an inmate in special restraints; a female prisoner threatens the staff; and a gang member accrues more charges while locked up.

A two-on-one assault leaves an inmate bloodied; a self-avowed Satanist runs a variety of inmate hustles.

An inmate causes chaos after accusing the staff of abuse; one inmate claims jail saved his life; the inmates of two female housing unites face off.

Former gang members try to put their rivalries behind them, but not all can let go of the past; a contraband raid turns a housing unit upside down.

An inmate's mail has jail officials concerned; an inmate is charged with sexually molesting his brother's daughter

Cases involving a suicide, a stabbing and a man found in a Beverly Hills fountain are investigated by the Los Angeles coroner in the Season 8 premiere.

Five miles from the riverfront hotels and restaurants of Savannah, Georgia, is a more ominous site, a place where an inmate is severely injured and a friendship is torn; two soon to be brothers-in-law are accused of double homicide.

A young couple's plans for a romantic weekend end in a nightmare; segregation awaits two women involved in a fight, driving one of them mad; just another day at the Chatham County Detention Center.

One man prepares for life behind bars after running someone down with his car; another man must be placed in isolation for his own protection, after being accused of knowingly giving women HIV.

The Chatham County Detention Center hosts an inmate who faces a life sentence for murdering his spouse; another inmate's illegal business stands in the way of him graduating from the jail's strict substance abuse program.

An inmate is tested when he returns to general population after spending months in the segregation unit; an inmate charged with violent crime outside of jail turns violent inside; another inmate vows to do damage because he feels like an outcast.