Seven civilians go undercover as inmates, in an attempt to root out crime and corruption in Indiana's Clark County Jail.

The first volunteers, for the experimental program, begin their time of incarceration at the Clark County Jail. Among them is a Marine, a police officer, a teacher and a stay-at-home mother. They are forced to integrate into prison life.

Maryum, the eldest daughter of boxer Muhammad Ali, joins the program and fits into F-Pod effortlessly. The inmates grow suspicious of Robert, a mistake places Zac in peril, and Barbra questions her commitment to the experiment.

Isaiah and Robert worry that their covers may be blown. Capt Maples follows through with consequences after Robert makes a risky move. Zac hunts for illegal drug use in C-Pod. Tami clashes with another inmate.

An unexpected call to court tests Zac's strength as an inmate. Barbra abandons a friendship with Tami in order to survive, and a series of catastrophic mistakes endanger Jeff.

The midway point of the experiment approaches. Anger rises among the women of F-Pod, and an inmate in C-Pod poses a danger to one of the men.