Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars docuseries for W
January 26, 2023
UKTV’s free-to-air entertainment channel W has commissioned new UKTV original series, Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars (5 x 60’). Broadcaster, author and philanthropist,
Katie Piper immerses herself in the US judicial system to follow the delivery and often complicated processing of babies and children in some of the most talked about prisons in the US. Produced by Flicker Productions, Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars will air on W and UKTV Play later in 2023.
Piper commented: “I am thrilled to be working with the W Channel in 2023. I have always had a strong interest in real-life documentary formats and Piper Behind Bars is already proving to be a fascinating project. As a long-standing volunteer in UK women’s prisons, I’m intrigued by the varying treatment within the US system. I have no idea what to expect when I’m across the Atlantic, but that’s the magic of a documentary. I can’t wait to see how this project unfolds.”
Over five episodes Piper will join female prisoners who are not only negotiating a prison term but who are also parents and coming to terms with what that means for their children’s future. Each prison has a different approach to women managing pregnancy and parenthood. Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars explores the different ways women and their children are treated and how they cope with the heartbreaking prospect of having to give up their babies while they serve their time.
Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars has been commissioned by Helen Nightingale, Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment and ordered for W by Adam Collings, channel director and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. Executive producer for Flicker is Colleen Flynn with Kate South as series producer and Rosie Wilcox as director.
Collings said: “With subject matter seldom seen it feels like a real moment for the channel. Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars is a captivating format and we’re excited to give W viewers the chance to see mother and baby care through a completely new lens. Katie is the perfect fit for the channel and we’re delighted to welcome her to W.”
Nightingale commented: “I am delighted to be commissioning this exciting new series Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars for W and to welcome Katie into our roster of brilliant talent on the channel. I can’t think of anyone better than Katie, with her unique take on the subject matter, to take us into the world of the women and children living within the US justice system. It’s going to be a fascinating and emotional watch.
Flynn added: “We are thrilled to be working with W and Katie on such an important series. The complexities of women within the criminal justice system is a subject that desperately needs to be explored further and with Katie at the helm we hope to ask a pivotal question about whether anyone should ever have to give birth behind bars”