Beyond Scared Straight

About Beyond Scared Straight

"Beyond Scared Straight" is an American reality television series that first premiered on A&E on January 13, 2011. The show, which is produced by Arnold Shapiro, follows teenage lawbreakers who participate in dramatic prison tours with the hope that they will be deterred from a life of crime. The show is inspired by the 1978 documentary "Scared Straight!" that revolved around the same concept.

Making/ Production

Supported by Arnold Shapiro Productions, "Beyond Scared Straight" was a part of A&E Network's reality television lineup. Despite facing criticism for its approach and effectiveness, the show was praised for its gritty and compelling content. Each episode was an hour-long and involved a different group of at-risk teenagers.

Actors

• Lieutenant Andrew Hale: He was one of the leading officers appearing on the program. Hale's stern demeanor and no-nonsense approach to dealing with the unruly teens stood out in the series.
• Officer Cecelia Johnson-Powell: Officer Johnson-Powell was another recurring figure in the series, known for her firm but compassionate demeanor with the troubled juveniles.
• Colonel Mark Adger: Adger played an integral role in the "Fulton County" episodes, representing law enforcement's stern and unforgiving stance towards crime.

Trivia/ Interesting Facts

• The series was inspired by "Scared Straight!," a 1978 documentary that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
• While the series has long been controversial, it received renewed criticism in 2014 when a study found that this kind of intervention could be more harmful than beneficial.
• Despite the criticism, the show ran for nine seasons, ending in 2015.

Quotes

• "One day in jail could keep you out forever. So let's go."
• "This is the real deal, it’s scary in here."
• "I hope you brought your toothbrush, 'cause this is your new home."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for the show was composed by David Vanacore, featuring a gritty and dramatic tone to match the show's content.