Banged Up Abroad

This television series is about people that have traveled to foreign countries for various reasons, and have ended up in prison. Each episode generally starts off with an individual explaining how, and why they ended up going abroad. It has real people explaining real stories. The series has reenactments as the person is talking about the events. The way this series is put together really makes you feel like you were there. National Geographic does an amazing job of adding a human element to these narrative stories. It touches on subjects like drug smuggling, kidnapping, gun running, and even journalists at the wrong place at the wrong time. It gives insight to different countries, laws, or lack of laws, and paints a picture of both human endurance and suffering. Absolutely engaging.

My favorite show on National Geographic Channel! It's nice to hear the stories about many interesting lives, you can always learn a new life lesson. Altough I like the show very much, I would definitely want to hear the pure truth, not the variation of the story with some changes.

I just want to say that I love love love this show. One reviewer writes how the show has shifted from representing "unfair tourists" to "glorifying drug-runners". I believe there is still a good mix of episodes in which tourists are unfairly locked up and also in which undoubtedly, poor decision makers are also punished (though NOT fairly). Personally, I like these episodes that divulge the insides of the "poor decision-makers''' experiences. That's the lure of the program. If someone is not looking for this type of entertainment, fair enough. But I find it incredibly fascinating and have also been introduced to new books (from Chris Chance) and new research opportunities from these individuals. To each his own. I love the show and find it compelling, exciting and well, ....addicting!

Early seasons were edge of the seat, dramatic climax every time. Seems now that it's simply words at the bottom "so and so was freed. Now back home." Ok... It's not a difficult part to make exciting. Add some dramatic music and have the prisoner say they got a visit...didn't know what was gonna happen...

Still a solid show though.

One of the best shows on TV. The way in which the former jailbird (more often than not) ends up being a drug runner (more often than not) is gripping. The producer does a great job as from the start to the finish its normally one person talking without interruption. That could get boring in certain situations but for some reason never does. The show is so good we normally know the outcome- person ends up in jail for drugs but even so always has twists and turns. There are shows which are not about drugs but lets face it the drug busts are the best ones and you are hooked- waiting for the time they get caught. Then there is the aftermath in jail and what its like to be there. It's better than a Hollywood movie as its dramatic without extra drama being written into like a 'true story' film. The only reason why it's not 10 out of 10 is because of the 'coming up' bit at the start. Would be better if the viewer was unaware of what was to come all the way through.