Lockdown (National Geographic Channel)

Each episode of documentary series LOCKDOWN spotlights a different prison housing hundreds of criminals who are doing time for violent acts like rape, sexual assault, and murder. Viewers get an overview of the facility's layout, security procedures, and disciplinary processes. Cameras follow correctional officers as they perform impromptu cell searches and monitor inmates' movements; when fights break out between residents or among criminals and guards, it's all caught on tape. In one-on-one interviews, the guards often describe the threats they face from predatory inmates whose lengthy sentences mean they have little to lose by causing trouble. The prisoners also get camera time -- their revelations about their criminal history and the harsh reality of their adversarial relationship with the guards ("We stick together -- it's us against them," as one inmate put it) are at times shocking and disturbing.

Sheer curiosity will be a big draw for this well-made series, but Lockdown definitely isn't for younger viewers. Details of criminal histories, shots of violent prison fights, inmates' boisterous defiance of authority, and scenes of prisoners in full restraints -- including shackles, chains, padded helmets to prevent head-butting, and masks to fend off spitting -- are too much for anyone who can't understand the extreme behavior that landed these people behind bars in the first place.

But as shocking as the content is, it could serve as a harsh eye opener for any teens flirting with potentially poor lifestyle decisions. Viewers will also come away with a new appreciation for corrections officers, who put their lives on the line every day.