8.5/1010 votes#1 - Is It Worth It?
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 8/6/2015
Even the best training can't prepare a rookie Corrections Officer for the physical demands and emotional rollercoaster of their first year on the job. At the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM) a group of rookie COs embark on their new career. Zach experiences his first use of force, 19-year-old Tyler makes a frightening discovery, an unruly inmate tests Carlos and Ariel is out to prove everyone wrong.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 6.9/1010 votes
#2 - Respect
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 8/13/2015
The hardest lesson for a rookie CO to learn is the difference between forcing respect and earning it. New CO Andrew's aggressive approach rubs inmates the wrong way while Keith tries to get ahead of a potentially volatile situation. Francisco confronts a lying inmate and Ariel faces her first day on the line. And for one Rookie, the job proves to be too much.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 7.0/1010 votes
#3 - Gangland
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 8/20/2015
Gangs are the number one threat to maintaining order at PNM. Members are organized, loyal and often violent. Francisco responds to a fight while Tyler crosses the line with a gang leader. Keith assists PNM's elite gang unit and new CO Cohen Mangin aims to prove he has what it takes to follow in his family's footsteps.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 7.0/1010 votes
#4 - The Con Game
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 8/27/2015
Inmates are called convicts for good reason. Once inside, they have nothing but time to conjure up ingenious ways to hide contraband and manipulate COs. Mangin gets conned by a career criminal and Andrew helps STIU bust a drug dealing gang member. Ariel deals with the challenges of being a female CO.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 6.9/109 votes
#5 - The Riot
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 9/3/2015
Violence is a way of life in prison and the threat of it keeps both COs and inmates on constant alert. Zach investigates a fight while Keith deals with unstable and violent inmates. Ariel is a "rover" wrestling with the uncertainty that comes with the job. And PNM's tragic past, which includes the bloodiest prison riot in American history, acts as both a haunting reminder and a catalyst for change.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 7.1/1010 votes
#6 - The Drug Trade
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 9/10/2015
Most of PNM's inmates are serving long-term sentences for violent crimes, and for many it's drugs that help them get through the time. Despite efforts to keep the prison clean, narcotics always find their way into this otherwise closed world. Francisco suspects an inmate is high while Andrew takes inmates on a high-risk work detail outside of the prison. And new CO Bruce struggles under the weight of high expectations.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.0/108 votes
#7 - Sink or Swim
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 9/17/2015
With a few months on the line under their belts, the rookies are beginning to understand the harsh realities of their new careers. Keith is at a crossroads while Andrew tries to find the balance needed to be an effective officer. The training wheels come off as Ariel is tested during an emergency.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.0/109 votes
#8 - Breaking Point
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 9/24/2015
An inmate walks off a work detail; Ariel is assigned to PNM's worst inmates; Keith decides it's time for a change; Andrew and Mangin form a partnership; a former CO tries to get his job back.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Behind Bars: Rookie Year Season 1
Every episode of Behind Bars: Rookie Year Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Behind Bars: Rookie Year Season 1!
An original docuseries following novice correctional officers as they begin their careers inside the walks of one of the most perilous prisons in America, the...
Genre:Reality
Network:A&E
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Is It Worth It?" is the best rated episode of "Behind Bars: Rookie Year" season 1. It scored 8.5/10 based on 10 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 8/6/2015. This episode is rated 1.6 points higher than the second-best, "Respect".