[08/11/25 - 11:05 AM] A&E's New Non-Fiction Series "Family Lockup" Premieres Thursday, August 21 at 10PM ET/PT The series follows a groundbreaking re-entry program in which estranged family members of inmates attempt to rebuild their broken relationships from within prison walls to help their incarcerated loved ones regain the support that can help them stay out of jail - for good.
[via press release from A&E]
A&E'S NEW NON-FICTION SERIES "FAMILY LOCKUP" FOLLOWS AN UNPRECEDENTED NEW PROGRAM WHERE ESTRANGED RELATIVES JOIN INMATES BEHIND BARS TO REBUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF RECIDIVISM
TEN-EPISODE SERIES FROM PRODUCERS OF "60 DAYS IN" PREMIERES THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 10PM ET/PT
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 11, 2025 - A&E's powerful new docuseries, "Family Lockup", follows a groundbreaking re-entry program in which estranged family members of inmates attempt to rebuild their broken relationships from within prison walls to help their incarcerated loved ones regain the support that can help them stay out of jail - for good.
From "60 Days In" producer Lucky 8 and "Hip Hop Homicides" producer Monami Productions, the series tracks family members who spend two nights behind bars, alongside their inmate-relatives, in the Hampden County Jail in Hampden County, MA, part of an initiative instituted by Sheriff Nick Cocchi that redefines correctional rehabilitation and spotlights the critical role family dynamics play, both in incarceration and in the reintegration of individuals for whom jail can be a revolving door. The series will follow 10 families as they navigate this transformative journey.
The ten-episode series premieres Thursday, August 21 at 10pm ET/PT.
The series also features Psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere, who facilitates intense sessions between inmates and their loved ones to rebuild fractured relationships and foster empathy that can make a crucial difference upon an inmate's release. Confronted with the stark reality of incarceration, family members risk their own safety to resolve issues and mend broken bonds as they attempt to provide a lifeline they hope can turn things around.
With no guarantees, family members must ultimately decide if they can stay in the inmates' lives or will need to cut ties. Will the process help pave the way for healing and reunion for these 10 families or will some inmates find themselves facing reintegration alone?
"So much of a person's ability to succeed after incarceration comes down to whether they have the support of their family and loved ones. The 'Family Lockup' program shines a light on the critical role relationships play in breaking the cycle of recidivism," said Sheriff Nick Cocchi. "When we can help rebuild trust and strengthen these bonds inside the jail, we give people a real chance to stay out for good. This series shows that rehabilitation is not just about the individual - it's about healing families and communities too."
"Family Lockup" is produced by Lucky 8 and Monami Productions for A&E Network. For Lucky 8, Greg Henry, Kim Woodard, Isaac Holub, George Kralovansky and Miranda Johnson-Smith executive produce. Mona Scott-Young, Stephanie R. Gayle and Michael Lang executive produce for Monami Productions. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E. A+E Global Media holds exclusive, worldwide distribution rights to "Family Lockup" in all media.
Series will be available on demand and to stream on the A&E App and aetv.com
ABOUT HAMPDEN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Under Sheriff Nick Cocchi's leadership - and building on the legacy of his predecessor and mentor, retired Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr. - the Hampden County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has become a national model for correctional reform and reentry. With one of the lowest recidivism rates in the United States, HCSO's innovative programs, including the groundbreaking All-Inclusive Support Services (AISS), focus on education, job training, substance use treatment, and family support to help individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen communities. Recognized internationally for its holistic approach, HCSO proves that rehabilitation and strong relationships are key to breaking the cycle of incarceration.
ABOUT A&E
A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, original programming that captivates viewers and brings them to the heart of the stories that matter. Through its distinctive brand of award-winning non-fiction and documentary programming, A&E always makes entertainment an art. For more press information and photography, please visit us at press.aegm.com. A&E is a division of A+E Global Media (aegm.com), a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
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