A reality series set at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, which features a working farm and, since 1965, the Angola Prison Rodeo, begins with the warden concerned about rising flood waters from the Mississippi River and the possibility of a mass evacuation of thousands of prisoners.
The first rodeo of the season has the inmates psyching themselves up to ride, but the prison's mood changes after a tragedy in Camp J that presents a supreme test for the staff.
Asst. Warden Cathy Fontenot struggles with being a warden and a mother, while an inmate hopes for a chance to be a father from behind bars. And, when drugs infiltrate the prison, security goes on high alert.
Slater tries to pull off a public horse auction, but must confront his increasingly troubled home life. Inmates try to move up the ladder at Angola, but find this easier said than done. And a hunger striker gives Warden Cain an ultimatum.
Fruge oversees the processing of 23 new inmates as they begin the rest of their lives in prison. A grandfather and grandson meet for the first time, as two Angola lifers. And a convicted felon is laid to rest in Angola's cemetery.
The K9 unit goes on a manhunt in the dead of night. An inmate tries to work his way out of the disciplinary unit. And a prisoner plans a wedding behind bars. But first he's got to get the Warden's approval.
Slater faces the end to his ten-year marriage, and copes with being a single father. An inmate decides to ride in the rodeo for the first time, while a former champion tries to revive his career and risks fatal injury. Warden Cain combats a smear campaign.
As the final rodeo of the season approaches, a rookie takes on the former champ. One inmate learns he will go free after 18 years behind bars.