A&E’s new docuseries Family Lockup takes the estranged family members of inmates where they’ve never gone before: jail. 

The new show will follow along as individuals who are estranged from an incarcerated family member attempt to repair their broken relationships from within prison walls. 

As part of this “groundbreaking re-entry program,” these individuals won’t only be working to repair their relationships while behind bars, they’ll also be helping their incarcerated loved ones regain support that can help them stay out of jail.

“Inmates without any family support are more likely to return to jail,” the trailer states. “This is where the work has to be done.” 

In the first look at the new series, incarcerated individuals come face-to-face with their temporarily jailed family members for emotional– and in some cases, heated– conversations. 

“This is my last chance with you,” an incarcerated woman tells her mother in the trailer, with another person being asked if they plan to “be there” when their incarcerated family member is released from jail. 

According to the network, participating individuals will spend two nights behind bars alongside their inmate family member in the Hampden County Jail in Hampden County, Massachusetts, as part of an initiative instituted by Sheriff Nick Cocchi. The initiative is reportedly designed to redefine correctional rehabilitation while spotlighting the critical role that family dynamics play in both incarceration and reintegration. 

Helping in this initiative is psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere, who will facilitate the sessions between inmates and their loved ones in an attempt to rebuild relationships and “foster empathy that can make a crucial difference upon an inmate’s release.” 

At the end of the 48-hour “lock up” period, the individuals will decide if they can remain in their incarcerated love ones’ lives or if it’s necessary to cut ties, resulting in some inmates facing reintegration alone upon their release. 

‘Family Lockup’ is produced by Lucky 8– the same company behind A&E’s 60 Days In– and Monami Productions– the producer of Hip Hop Homicides. 

‘Family Lockup’ premieres Thursday, August 21 on A&E. Watch the first trailer below. 

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(Photos: A&E; YouTube)