History Main / GirlsBehindBars

* Season 5 of ''Series/TheLWord'' sees Helena incarcerated in the La County Jail. The scenes include a strip search and shower, where she's hit on/threatened (however all other naked prisoners are unattractive). Also sex with her cellmate, who is very butch. So it's played absolutely [[JustForPun straight]].

This is also a SuperTrope with the same basic genre elements being transported to a number of different prison-like settings or more specific types of prison, such as [[CatholicSchoolGirlsRule reform schools]] or "jungle prison", even coining unique terms for the sub-genre, like Nunsploitation or [[Nazisploitation]]. Typically this means a change of costume or scenery, but little else.

This is also a SuperTrope with the same basic genre elements being transported to a number of different prison-like settings or more specific types of prison, such as reform schools or "jungle prison", even coining unique terms for the sub-genre, like Nunsploitation or Nazisploitation. Typically this means a change of costume or scenery, but little else.

* ''Film/ChainedHeat'' is the classic series of movies in the late-night genre.

* ''Film/BlackMamaWhiteMama'': When two troublemaking female prisoners (one a revolutionary, the other a former harem-girl) can't seem to get along, [[ChainedHeat they are chained together]] and extradited for safekeeping. The women, still chained together, stumble, stab, and cat-fight their way across the wilderness, igniting a bloody shootout between gangsters and a group of revolutionaries.

* The third season of ''Series/LostGirl'' sees Bo in prison for having gone on a crime spree following the defeat of the Garuda. It's... kinda porn-y, in keeping with the [[FanService tone of the show]].

* In ''Film/{{Hairspray}}'', the song "The Big Dollhouse" is about the women of the cast getting thrown in a holding cell after Tracey, Edna, and the black characters crash Mother-Daughter Day on ''The Corny Collins Show''. Oddly enough, the song was cut from both the film and telecast versions.

* Averted in ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventureStoneOcean'': The story revolves around protagonist Jolyne Kujo being framed for murder and sent to prison, but it's shown as a fairly bleak-as-RealLife women's prison, not romanticized in the slightest and full of things like near-deadly fights, monetary extortion, and solitary confinement as punishment. (Although definitely filled with ArtisticLicense as ''[=JoJo=]'' tends to be with many things.)
* ''Anime/SengokuCollection'' has an episode that is an homage to the famous Japanese women's prison film ''Film/JoshuuSasori'' (Female Prisoner Scorpion).

* ''ComicBook/AdventureComics'' #394 features a [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver Age]] story with Characters/{{Supergirl|TheCharacter}} in an alien women's prison. The story isn't really that good; however, the comic is best remembered for [[http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljhz6xBUsP1qbujox.jpg its cover]] with the laughter inducing tagline "Heartbreak Prison! Where Every Girl's A Lifer!"
* ''{{Comicbook/Catwoman}}'' #80 features said character being thrown into a women's prison. It includes catfights and a shower scene.
* ''ComicBook/GoldDigger'' #82 has Gina Diggers doing time in a women's prison. The comic includes a shower scene and a fight with the head bitch, who happens to be a ShoutOut of a certain female ''Franchise/StarWars'' character.
* The "Lockdown" arc (#76-81) of ''ComicBook/GrimmFairyTales'' features Sela in a women's prison. Plenty of the standard tropes apply, including a ShowerScene, a fight with the ButchLesbian, etc.

* ''ComicBook/AdventureComics'' #394 features a [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver Age]] story with ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} in an alien women's prison. The story isn't really that good; however, the comic is best remembered for [[http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljhz6xBUsP1qbujox.jpg its cover]] with the laughter inducing tagline "Heartbreak Prison! Where Every Girl's A Lifer!"

* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'':

* The ParodyFic ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/25503826 Voyager Chicks Behind Forcefields]]'' is this trope RecycledInSPACE using the intrepid crew of ''Series/StarTrekVoyager''. Warning: NotSafeForWork.

* Creator/PamGrier's first film role was in ''Film/TheBigDollHouse'' which is probably the real TropeMaker for the genre.

* ''Film/{{Caged}},'' a 50's film that is considered a classic example of women in prison. It's something of an UnbuiltTrope, as the story is more of a film noir - showing how the innocent Marie Allen is [[CorruptTheCutie slowly corrupted]] by the system and becomes just as cold and ruthless as her fellow prisoners. It's pretty much a gender flipped version of any male prison story, without the fetish elements of a usual GirlsBehindBars story.

* The Wrestling/WOWWomenOfWrestling TagTeam Wrestling/{{Caged Heat|Wrestling}}, named after the film, Loca and [[PunnyName Delta Lotta Pain]], who were the first and only [[https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2954 WOW World Tag Team Champions]] until they were defeated by The All American Girls one year after the company's revival, and Vendetta, who mostly just hung around and did not return with them. They were billed from [[PartsUnknown the Nevada State Correctional Facility]], wore [[InstitutionalApparel orange jumpsuits]] and their [[SignatureMove signature moves]] had such names as "Hard Time" (BearHug with top rope clothesline) and "Capital Punishment" (better known as Wrestling/TheDudleyBoys' "Dudley Death Drop"/"3D," a combined flapjack and a [[Wrestling/DiamondDallasPage "cutter"]]). Their [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri1aadv70og entrance video]] showed them in prison rapping their [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic theme song]][[note]]Theirs was the only one with lyrics[[/note]]. The absence of logic in the fact that they were supposedly driven to the arena from ''prison'', and then sent back after the match, was not even [[{{Handwave}} Handwaved]] away, as this promotion adhered to an old-school, straight-faced {{Kayfabe}} mentality, which is what would be expected from a promotion started by David [=McLane=], who had previously created Wrestling/{{GLOW}} in TheEighties. In 2000-2001, this was a decided contrast to Wrestling/{{WWE}}'s Wrestling/AttitudeEra, which was taking place at the same time. Despite the implications of their [[TheGimmick gimmick]], they were VERY popular. The revival did come up with a reason for their presence (and absence of Vendetta). A lawyer named Sophia Lopez had been fighting to prove their innocence and finally did in 2012, for ''two'' of them.

* The 1980s InNameOnly remake of ''Film/AndGodCreatedWoman'' features this as its setting.
* ''Film/BareBehindBars'' is an especially brutal example of the genre.

* In one multi-part episode of ''Series/{{Cheers}}'', Sam and the other patrons uncovered Robin's plot to enact a hostile takeover of his company, using Rebecca as a pawn; in one scene, Sam was discussing what to do about it with the others, mentioning that Rebecca wouldn't last long in a women's prison. The conversation quickly turned into a fetish fantasy discussion between them on what she might ''wear'' if incarcerated. (They did this ''a lot'', actually.)

One character unique in this setting is the Prison Matron. Any jail that houses female inmates will have at least one female officer whose job is to see to gender-specific needs, such performing or overseeing strip searches, medical care, and any other situation where an inmate would otherwise be alone with a likely-male staff member. Beyond that, the matron's duties vary based on the time period and jurisdiction, but she's the highest female authority in the prison and either works alongside the warden or ''is'' the warden-equivalent. She will visually resemble the ApronMatron, but if the setting is pornographic, she'll be beautiful (but still middle-aged) and not above engaging in sexual shenanigans with her charges.

In short, women's prisons are [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything hotbeds]] of... uh... intrigue. For instance, if there's a female detective character, she pretty much has to be [[GetIntoJailFree sent to prison undercover]], as is the law in most countries.

Needless to say, the above description is purely fantasy and '''NOT''' TruthInTelevision, except maybe for the shower scenes and the nude searches, which also happen in men's prisons. In RealLife, women's prisons are populated with the same ilk as the men's: criminals who run the full gamut of age, body type, appearance, and potential for violence. Just because they're women doesn't mean they are more peaceful and gentle. The daily fight for dominance also applies there, [[CatFight catfights]] tend to involve the use of [[SinisterShiv shivs]], and the {{Alpha Bitch}}es are just as ruthless and ''physically'' violent as Alpha Dogs in men's prisons, especially to newcomers who happen to be [[DrivenByEnvy prettier than them]]. In an all-female setting, [[SoBeautifulItsACurse beauty is a hindrance]], not an asset. Also, just like in men's prisons, [[PrisonRape sexual violence]]--at the hands of corrections staff as well as fellow prisoners--is a very real and constant threat. And if the rapist is a man, there's the additional risk of an inmate becoming pregnant in the worst possible environment for such.

But, let's face it, it's because many writers assume women's prisons are a [[GirlOnGirlIsHot lesbian porn heaven]]. In sharp contrast to men's prisons, women's prisons are always believed to be a {{fetish}} station where women learn to be intimate with one another (which [[DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnFemale doesn't involve rape at all]], oh no). And of course, female guards partake joyfully in it as well as any male staff lucky enough to work in this palace of pleasure! It also goes without saying that the women are no older than 30 and [[LipstickLesbian beautifully feminine]], except perhaps for a few [[ButchLesbian tough dominant ones]] who [[AlphaBitch run the prison]] and [[NaiveNewcomer initiate newcomers]] into [[SituationalSexuality the lesbian prison environment]]. Depending on how dirty-minded the audience is, and the [[{{Watershed}} time slot]], this may result in a sort of ChekhovsGun scenario as the audience expects... ''[[HotterAndSexier action]]''. In a movie or late-night cable TV show, there will be at least one ShowerScene or strip-search.

One character unique in this setting is the Prison Matron. Any jail that houses female inmates will have at least one female officer whose job is to oversee strip searches, medical care, and any other situation where an inmate would otherwise be alone with a likely-male staff member. Beyond that, the matron's duties vary based on the time period and jurisdiction, but she's the highest female authority in the prison and either works alongside the prison warden or ''is'' the warden-equivalent. She will visually resemble the ApronMatron, but if the setting is pornographic, she'll be beautiful (but still middle-aged) and not above engaging in sexual shenanigans with her charges.

* ''Series/{{Angel}}'' shows [[spoiler: Faith]] in jail a few times. Mostly it's the visitor's room, complete with telephones and a window, but there is a prison fight between two inmates in the yard. There is no fetishizing of the prison; mostly it looks like depictions of male prisons but with the inmates having longer hair.

One character unique in this setting is the Prison Matron. Any jail that houses female inmates will have at least one officer, required to be female, whose job is to oversee strip searches, medical care, and any other situation where a female inmate would otherwise be alone with a likely-male staff member. Beyond that, the matron's duties vary based on the time period and jurisdiction, but she's often the highest female authority in the prison and either works alongside the prison warden or ''is'' the warden-equivalent. She will visually resemble the ApronMatron, but if the setting is pornographic, she'll be beautiful (but still middle-aged) and not above engaging in sexual shenanigans with her charges.

A case of SituationalSexuality to [[PanderingToTheBase pander to the audience]]. Might be used as an ExcusePlot for a SweepsWeekLesbianKiss. May contain offensive tropes like DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnFemale.

But, let's face it, it's because many writers assume women's prisons are a [[GirlOnGirlIsHot lesbian porn heaven]]. No matter what, in sharp contrast to men's prisons, women's prisons are always believed to be a {{fetish}} station where women learn to be bisexuals thanks to this oh-so beautiful and chaste thing called lesbianism (which [[DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnFemale doesn't involve rape at all]], oh no), so they can serve [[GirlOnGirlIsHot lesbian fantasies]] better. And of course, female guardians partake joyfully in it as well as the lucky male staff who live in this palace of pleasure! It also goes without saying that the women are [[LipstickLesbian beautifully feminine]] except perhaps for a few [[ButchLesbian tough dominant ones]] who [[AlphaBitch run the prison]] and [[NaiveNewcomer initiate newcomers]] into [[SituationalSexuality the homosexual prison environment]]. Depending on how dirty-minded the audience is, and the [[{{Watershed}} time slot]], this may result in a sort of ChekhovsGun scenario as the audience expects... ''[[HotterAndSexier action]]''. In a movie or late-night cable TV show, there will be at least one ShowerScene or strip-search.

Needless to say, the above description is purely fantasy and '''NOT''' TruthInTelevision, except maybe for the shower scenes and the nude searches, which also happen in men's prisons. In RealLife, women's prisons are populated with the same ilk as the men's: criminals who run the full gamut of appearance and potential for violence. Just because they're women doesn't mean they are more peaceful and gentle. The daily fight for dominance also applies there, [[CatFight catfights]] tend to involve the use of [[SinisterShiv shivs]], and the {{Alpha Bitch}}es are just as ruthless and ''physically'' violent as Alpha Dogs in men's prisons, especially to newcomers who happen to be [[DrivenByEnvy prettier than them]]. In an all-female setting, [[SoBeautifulItsACurse beauty a hindrance]], not an asset. Also, just like in men's prisons, [[PrisonRape sexual violence]]--at the hands of corrections staff as well as fellow prisoners--is a very real and constant threat. And if the rapist is a man, there's the additional risk of an inmate becoming pregnant in the worst possible environment for such.

* Season 5 of ''Series/TheLWord'' sees Helena incarcerated in the La County Jail. The scenes include a strip search and shower, where she's hit on/threatened (however all other naked prisoners are unnatractive). Also sex with her cellmate, who is very butch. So it's played absolutely [[JustForPun straight]].

* ''Series/BurnNotice'' does a fairly realistic depiction when [[spoiler: Fiona]] goes to prison for awhile. While there, she has to fight the most dominant member of the prison and has to adapt to the harsh conditions. [[ActionGirl Of course, she does pretty well under the circumstances....]]. It should be noted that Fi as always been portrayed as a full fledged action girl, quite self-reliant, self confident, independent, and successful in pretty much every aspect of her life, both before, and after Michael showed up in Miami, yet when he visits her in prison she has an emotional breakdown, and Michael later informs his mother when asked, that she is eating very little, and is ''quite'' scared. this is all shown without a trace of {{chickification}}.

* ''Film/BlackMamaWhiteMama': When two troublemaking female prisoners (one a revolutionary, the other a former harem-girl) can't seem to get along, [[ChainedHeat they are chained together]] and extradited for safekeeping. The women, still chained together, stumble, stab, and cat-fight their way across the wilderness, igniting a bloody shootout between gangsters and a group of revolutionaries.

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* The entire premise of the {{dramedy}} series ''Series/OrangeIsTheNewBlack'', notable for being a weird mix of racial and sexual stereotypes with much more realistic elements about life in prison. But the violence element is notably downplayed, at least until the arrival of a one-woman AppleOfDiscord in the second season. In the audio commentary for the first episode, the director states that they chose to start the series with a shower scene as a homage to the typical porn depiction of women's prisons.

* ''Series/WalkerTexasRanger''. When Alex (a district attorney) is imprisoned, she's inexplicably placed in general population and sure enough, gets attacked by a vengeful inmate.

* * ''Film/GirlsInPrison,'' a 1994 film that is an example of the innocent woman in prison plotline. However, many cliches were also subverted, as it's shown to be a realistically violent, dangerous place (the main character has a hit on her by the real killers), with just one same-sex relationship shown and only a couple nude scenes which are in the prison showers (however even then most prisoners are pretty attractive). It's set in the early 1950's, slightly campy at times, and possibly a send-up of films like this from the period.