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Parents' Guide to

First Week In

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Lots of swearing and strong themes in jail docuseries.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2012
First Week In Poster Image

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What's the Story?

FIRST WEEK IN is a reality documentary series that profiles individuals who have been arrested for the first time and follows them during the first seven days of their incarceration. Cameras follow specific individuals who have been taken into custody at various county jails and detention centers around the country and charged with crimes ranging from pandering and selling drugs to domestic violence and sexual assault. After being processed, each inmate copes with their circumstances differently, whether it be desperately attempting to bail themselves out, contemplating their lives, or engaging in behaviors that result in disciplinary action. Correctional officers offer some thoughts about the inmates circumstances, as well as some explanations about the day-to-day operations of the institution. At the end of each episode, limited information is given about the fate of each person profiled.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The series offers a voyeuristic look at what happens to individuals who are arrested once they are taken into custody, and the various challenges they may face once they are inside. Because of its focus on people who have never been arrested before, it also highlights some of the specific problems they may have adjusting to the system.

The approach is non-judgmental, but it is often hard to remember that these folks are innocent until proven guilty thanks to some of their own comments and behaviors. Nonetheless, it does a good job showing viewers how unpleasant being incarcerated can be.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the experience of watching people go through a difficult time. What is the appeal of a show like this? Why do people agree to participate in a show like this?

  • Do you think reality TV shows like this one will help prevent people from making poor choices? Does this show glamorize the incarceration process at all?

  • Do you assume the inmates are guilty because they are in jail? Or are you able to maintain the sense that they might be innocent?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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