Watch Living in Sin: Inside a Religious Reform School

Living in Sin: Inside a Religious Reform School is a documentary television series from A&E that takes a deep dive into the often-controversial world of religious reform schools. Through interviews with former students, staff members, and experts, the show explores the history, mission, and impact of these institutions on the lives of the young people who attend them.

The series begins by introducing viewers to New Beginnings, a fundamentalist Christian reform school located in Louisiana. The school, which has been operating for over 40 years, takes in troubled young women - many of whom have been involved in drugs, crime, or prostitution - and promises to help them turn their lives around through a strict regimen of Bible study, hard work, and discipline.

As the series unfolds, viewers get an inside look at what life is really like at New Beginnings. Through candid interviews with former students, we learn about the harsh living conditions, the grueling daily routine, and the strict rules and punishments that govern every aspect of life at the school. We also hear from former staff members, who often offer a more sympathetic perspective on the challenges of running a reform school.

In addition to exploring the day-to-day workings of New Beginnings, Living in Sin also delves into some of the larger issues surrounding religious reform schools. For example, the show examines the tension between the schools' religious mission and their obligation to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for their students. It also looks at questions of accountability and oversight, and examines the sometimes blurred lines between religious organizations, non-profits, and for-profit corporations.

Throughout the series, Living in Sin offers a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of a complex and often-misunderstood aspect of American society. By giving voice to the people who have experienced these institutions firsthand, the show shines a light on the many ways in which religious reform schools can both help and harm the young people who attend them.

Overall, Living in Sin: Inside a Religious Reform School is a powerful and important work of documentary filmmaking, one that expands our understanding of an often-overlooked aspect of American life. Whether you are a student of religious history, a social justice advocate, or simply someone who is interested in learning more about the lives of people who have been impacted by America's complex social systems, this series is well worth your time.

Living in Sin: Inside a Religious Reform School is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between July 28, 2020 and on A&E