I dunno man. Seems interesting, but way too sensationalized. How were the cameras and the new inmates showing up right around the same time explained? Obviously they weren't hidden cameras, and people on camera usually act differently than they would otherwise.

This really just seems like more "reality" TV that ain't real.

On the other hand, it's not like any of this is news. It's common knowledge that jails and inmate culture are terrible. I didn't read anything that seemed implausible. Sure, it's not a scientific study and it's had media all over it, but I don't think that means it's fundamentally untrue.

I don't disagree, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out things were scripted, manufactured or otherwise influenced in the name of "gripping" TV.

I see what you did there.

Because new inmates show up all the time? And security cameras generally are either not actually on, or no one watches the footage anyway?

I call bs. Been in a few jails on the west coast. Friends of mine have been through east coast ones, maybe Rikers is as bad as the article makes out.

Step 1. Put people in jail for drugs.
Step 2. Have corrupt guards sell drugs to inmates.
Step 3. Profit - Guards, Police, Attorneys, Prisons, Guards
Step 4. Create reality show
Step 5. More Profit

Looks as legit as "The Devils Ride" was. Yeah - yeah, they're real inmates...just disregard the camera crew and the entourage in the suits following them.

Although this one did crack me up - "The fight had an obvious cause and effect," a participant and former Marine, Zac, said on camera. "Ricky was supposed to give his hash browns to Cody. He didn't give his hash browns to Cody. He got beat up for it."

I call totally stolen idea on that -