A&E Network has picked up a third season of the acclaimed real-life series “Beyond Scared Straight,” following prison and jail deterrence programs aimed at helping at-risk teens, it was announced today by David McKillop, Executive Vice President, Programming, A&E Network. “Beyond Scared Straight” is inspired by “Scared Straight!,” the Academy Award and multiple Emmy-winning documentary film by Arnold Shapiro.
“Beyond Scared Straight” is currently cable’s #1 non-fiction crime/justice show. In season two the series averaged 1.5 million adults 18-49, 1.4 million adults 25-54 and 2.6 million total viewers. The series premiere of “Beyond Scared Straight” was A&E’s most-watched original series launch of all-time.
“‘Beyond Scared Straight’ is raw, honest storytelling that commands your attention,” said McKillop. “It’s completely unique in the television landscape while at the same time being utterly relevant and important to the times.”
“We are excited to profile new jail-based deterrence programs as well as return to some of the most powerful programs from previous seasons,” said Shapiro. “Seeing young people ‘go straight’ is rewarding to all of us who produce this series, and we are grateful to A&E for providing this opportunity to change lives.”
Season three of “Beyond Scared Straight” will begin production in late 2011 on thirteen new one-hour episodes slated to premiere in 3rd Qtr of 2012. New episodes from season 2 will return in December 2011.
“Beyond Scared Straight” is produced by Arnold Shapiro Productions for A&E Network. Executive Producer is Arnold Shapiro. Co-Executive Producer is Paul J. Coyne. A&E Executive Producers are David McKillop and Laura Fleury.
