’60 Days In’: Every Season, Ranked

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A&E is known for its popular true crime shows, including series like Dog the Bounty Hunter and Court Cam. In 2016, the network launched 60 Days In, a unique reality show where seven people go undercover as inmates in various prisons. The goal of the show is to expose problems within the prison system that guards and staff might not be aware of.

I’m a huge fan of 60 Days In, and what makes it so gripping is how secretive the whole operation is! They tell the inmates and most of the guards it’s just another documentary about prison life, but really, they’re hiding undercover participants. These people go in with fake names and backstories, and they’re specifically trained on how to blend in and interact with everyone. Honestly, with a setup like that, you know there have been some crazy, unpredictable things happen during filming!

Throughout its nine seasons, the show examines problems within the prison system. However, it also walks a fine line between being a reality TV program and exploiting its participants, which some viewers love and others dislike. Despite this, the show has consistently attracted a large audience, and here’s a ranking of all the seasons of 60 Days In.

Season Nine

Utah County Jail, Utah


A&E

Season nine of the show was filmed at the Utah County Jail, a facility known for running smoothly and efficiently. The cast included both returning and new participants, who attempted to use strategies from previous seasons. Unlike earlier seasons, this one provided a closer look at life inside a well-managed prison, focusing on how inmates behaved during the normal daily routines.

Honestly, season nine just didn’t grab me like the others did. It felt…safe. The show always had this edge, this unpredictable element, but this season was so structured and predictable that it really lacked those exciting, memorable moments we’ve come to expect. It seemed like the volunteers had an easier time, and maybe that’s part of why it didn’t really connect with viewers. It’s such a shame it was the last season, because it’s definitely the weakest in my opinion – a lot of fans just found it boring, and I have to agree.

Season Eight

Pitt County Detention Center, North Carolina


A&E

Season eight of the show was filmed at the Pitt County Detention Center in North Carolina, a facility known for its strict rules and firm enforcement. The cast was a diverse group, featuring both law enforcement officers and regular civilians, which created interesting dynamics and some predictable tension throughout the season.

Even after many seasons, this one struggled to find a good rhythm. The editing made things feel disjointed and confusing, and some contestants didn’t quite fit into the show’s environment. Overall, it lacked depth, and much of the drama felt artificial or heavily manipulated. The result highlights how unpredictable the show can be – each season doesn’t always deliver the same experience as those before it.

Season One

Clark County Jail, Indiana


A&E

The first season established the show’s focus: a realistic look inside the daily lives of incarcerated individuals. Filmed at the Clark County Jail in Indiana, the season revealed a challenging environment for both male and female inmates. The men’s living areas, in particular, were severely overcrowded.

The first season of the show featured a diverse group of people, from police officers to a new high school graduate, and even Maryum Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali. While it was an ambitious idea at the time, and had some memorable moments, future seasons shifted towards a more realistic approach and better teamwork among the participants. Critics felt the initial season seemed overly produced through editing, and that not all of the contestants blended well together.

Season Six

Etowah County Detention Center, Alabama


A&E

Okay, so season six was something else. They filmed it inside the Etowah County Detention Center in Alabama, and let me tell you, that place was intense. It was seriously one of the toughest jails they’ve ever used for the show, so they brought in actual law enforcement – guys like Ashley, Tony, and Donovan – to act as undercover participants and try to keep things from completely spiraling out of control. Honestly, it made total sense given how bad the conditions were.

The investigation portrayed the correctional officers in a negative light, with one participant even discovering several hidden weapons during their time there. The season was marked by frequent fights, including one that involved a broom. Several participants had to be removed quickly due to concerns about escalating violence and potential leaks of information. While the season was full of drama – usually a good thing for reality TV – a high number of early departures ultimately diminished its impact.

Season Five

Pinal County Detention Center, Arizona


A&E

Season five of the show was filmed inside a jail in Pinal County, Arizona. The male inmates were sharply divided along racial lines, leading to frequent conflicts. A key figure this season was Abner, a former gang member who took on a leadership role within his housing unit. The correctional officers were particularly forceful in their approach, and viewers often found themselves sympathizing with the inmates.

While the show had well-defined goals, viewers were divided on whether it succeeded. Many felt it focused too much on reality-TV drama and didn’t offer a meaningful exploration of life inside the prison. Ultimately, the season didn’t provide much insight into the prison itself, and it came across as more of a survival game or an acting challenge. This season received mixed reviews – some people enjoyed the new format, while others didn’t.

Season Seven

Henry County Jail, Georgia


A&E

Season seven of the show was unique because it was filmed entirely within the Henry County Jail in Georgia and featured only people with prior convictions. While past seasons had included formerly incarcerated individuals, this was the first time every contestant had served time. The season was also filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant participants were immediately placed in strict quarantine – essentially solitary confinement – upon arrival. This challenging situation led to many contestants withdrawing from the show.

Despite its challenges, the season was compelling in how it showed people coping with being isolated. The added stress of the pandemic caused some participants to fall back on old habits. Season seven stands out because the pandemic created a uniquely intense atmosphere, giving viewers a different look at what life in confinement is like. For many watching during the pandemic, it was surprisingly comforting. However, the limited contact between participants and some early departures prevented the season from fully living up to fans’ expectations.

Season Three

Fulton County Jail, Atlanta, Georgia


A&E

Season three of the show was filmed inside Atlanta’s Fulton County Jail and exposed many of the problems within the prison system. A key focus was how easily inmates fall into gang-related behavior, with even some participants admitting they were influenced by the jail’s culture. The season featured a lot of conflict and also showed viewers what happens during events like a prison-wide evacuation drill.

This season really came alive through genuine, often surprising, connections between the prisoners and those participating in the program. It’s likely the most realistic portrayal of prison life the show has done. However, while the interactions were compelling, the participants themselves weren’t as strongly developed as in previous seasons, and the focus on drama sometimes overshadowed the show’s ability to deeply explore what life is like inside.

Season Two

Clark County Jail, Indiana

Season two of the show was filmed inside the Clark County Jail with Sheriff Jamey Noel’s cooperation. Like the first season, it focused on life inside, but this time included Ashleigh Barker, the wife of a former participant, Zac Baker. This offered a unique perspective on the challenges families face when a parent is incarcerated. The season also featured plenty of drama, particularly among the women in the dorm, and included the return of someone known for reporting others.

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The show benefited from having some established sets and returning participants from the first season, and they were also smoothing out the initial problems. This resulted in a more refined reality TV experience. Season two is particularly engaging because it realistically portrays the social dynamics, hidden truths, and shifting loyalties among the women. However, one season still stands out as the most cohesive and well-executed overall.

Season Four

Fulton County Jail, Atlanta, Georgia


A&E

Many fans consider season four to be the strongest yet, for both the male and female contestants. It was filmed at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, under the supervision of Colonel Mark Adger. This season uniquely showcased the creation of alcohol inside prison, various methods inmates used to get high, and even a developing romance. It also marked a first for the show: U.S. Marine Nate Burrell returned as a volunteer after his successful participation in season three, staying for an additional 60 days at the producers’ request.

Season four is the strongest and most well-rounded of the series. It expertly weaves together compelling storylines, like the return of a familiar face, and a realistic look at prison life. It delivers everything fans love about the show – a captivating cast, genuine emotional moments, and plenty of suspense. While each season has its strengths and weaknesses, season four is consistently excellent and stands out as the best of 60 Days In.

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2026-02-12 23:08