The fascinating jail experiment series is now available to stream on Netflix, with fans wanting to know what happened to the cast
12:14, 12 Jan 2026
Enthusiasts of true crime documentaries are being encouraged to tune into the second series of a gripping Netflix show, filmed within American prisons. The first series of Unlocked: A Jail Experiment documented a sheriff's audacious initiative to give prisoners greater autonomy.
The newly released second series on Netflix continues examining incarcerated men at various points in their sentences as they're afforded an unusual opportunity to self-govern. The experiment aimed to observe the outcomes when inmates were granted this unprecedented taste of independence. Whilst the latest series reveals certain obstacles emerged, including contraband issues, disputes over authority and tensions around race, the programme suggests numerous inmates demonstrated they possessed bright prospects for their futures.
The reality programme is steadily rising through Netflix's rankings, with viewers flocking to IMDb to express their opinions. RiaViewre commented: "I too just binge-watched this series overnight.The sheriff of this prison wanted to make a change and he and all related staff spent months preparing to create a situation where inmates could actually benefit and improve themselves vs staying in a cell for 23/24 hours a day.
"This hopefully improved quality of life for both staff and inmates, they needed 'a better way' to run the prison and that included hopefully making more productive future citizens once the incarcerated folks leave the prison. I highly commend the sheriff and staff's efforts." Here's everything you need to know about what became of the main cast from season two.
Ross Teeple
Ross, hailing from Arizona, launched his career in the Navy before receiving an honourable discharge and settling down with his wife, discovering his true vocation in law enforcement. He built a reputation as a highly respected official, which led to his election as the 25th Sheriff of Pinal County in early 2025.
He remains dedicated to serving the community "while maintaining his vision of faith, family, and freedom above all else", according to The Cinemaholic. He was convinced the experiment had proved successful, as it provided inmates with incentives that allowed them to secure support from family and friends, which subsequently led to significant improvements in their behaviour.
Ross still oversees the experiment today. Beyond the experiment and the television series, he's passionate about animals and enjoys travelling.
Ronald 'AO' Dunmire
Ronald acknowledged he didn't have the easiest upbringing, but he eventually found love and welcomed four children with his former wife. However, his life took a difficult turn when his 12-year relationship ended and he confessed he struggled with anger issues as a consequence.
Today, he is held at the mixed-security Arizona State Prison Complex - Yuma in San Luis, serving his sentence with an anticipated release date of April 11, 2030. He works as a prison groundskeeper and is said to be following a rigorous workout routine to help control his anger.
The Netflix documentary reveals how AO went back to prison for the remaining five years of his sentence and signed up for various work and self-improvement programmes. He confessed: "I just want to go home, I just want to get out and be with my kids and just start building relationships with people."
Elwood “Woody” Murphy Jr
Woody was previously a family man with a wife and three children, but his life spiralled after becoming involved with drugs. Now 40 years old, he is detained at the minimum to maximum-security Lewis Corrections Department in Buckeye, Arizona.
He is due to remain there until July 30, 2032, and has since managed to rebuild connections with his family and stay clean. Woody has also taken on several prison roles to keep a structured routine.
The Netflix documentary reveals how he was moved to prison to complete his nine-year sentence, and confirmed he has stayed sober and maintains contact with his daughters. He was heard expressing that he was prepared to "experience life".
Ronald “Irish” Stricklett
Ronald managed to establish a life for himself on Somerset Drive near Falcon Lane in Maricopa, Arizona, but he has continued to encounter legal difficulties throughout the years. Now, in his 60s, he is serving time at the minimum to maximum-security Lewis Corrections Department in Buckeye, Arizona.
He is due to remain there until November 18, 2026. Nevertheless, he is determined to transform his life and is now clean and has participated in various prison work schemes, including the New Beginnings Through Peers programme.
The Netflix documentary stated he was "continuing to embrace his new attitude", and he was heard saying: "I want to be a different animal when I get out of here. I'm still going to be an animal, but instead of being a Grizzly, I'm going to be a Panda bear."
Shane “Hondo” Tipton
Shane confessed to getting involved with drugs at just 11 years old, but he became sober whilst detained at the Pinal County Detention Center and began to turn his life around. He found out about the John Volken Academy and its two-year residential programme, which helps men acquire crucial life skills whilst staying clean.
The programme supports them to re-enter society as self-sufficient individuals. Shane understood it would mean being away from his family, but he recognised he needed to make the sacrifice to transform his life.
He was able to put forward his case before a judge, who approved his transfer to the programme, and he remains on the programme today.
KJ
KJ was handed a nine-year prison sentence and is committed to fostering a community.
He expressed that he was "holding himself accountable" alongside everyone else in his newfound "family".
Unlocked: A Jail Experiment is available on Netflix.
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