Netflix Sets ‘New Stanford Prison Experiment’ Reality Series for Release in October (Exclusive)
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Variety
Home | TV | News | Sep 15, 2026, 10:30am PT
Netflix Sets ‘New Stanford Prison Experiment’ Unscripted Series for October Release (EXCLUSIVE)
By Joe Otterson, TV Reporter
Netflix has commissioned an unscripted series based on the notorious Stanford Prison Experiment, Variety has learned exclusively.
The Series
- Title: The New Stanford Prison Experiment
- Release Date: October 21
- Format: Six 45-minute episodes
Official Synopsis:
“Thirty willing participants enter a real prison and are randomly assigned as guards or prisoners. Thrust into a system of power, hierarchy, and control, they’ll discover whether ordinary people inevitably conform to the roles they’re given—or whether empathy, morality, and individuality can withstand the forces pushing them in the opposite direction. As the pressure builds and the balance of power begins to shift, the central question feels more urgent than ever: Does power corrupt?”
Production Details
- Production Company: Alfred Street Industries
- Executive Producers: Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Jeff Grogan, Mike Odair
Quote from Jane Lipsitz:
“The Stanford Prison Experiment has always fascinated me. Despite its serious ethical flaws, it asked a fundamental question that feels even more relevant today: how does power affect ethical choices? Getting the opportunity to reimagine this social experiment was one of the most intense, exhilarating—and definitely nail-biting—experiences we’ve ever had. Netflix has always been an incredible supporter of ambitious projects that take risks, push boundaries, and tell challenging stories, so we were incredibly grateful to have them as our partners on this one.”
About the Original Experiment
The Stanford Prison Experiment was conducted in 1971 by psychology professor Philip Zimbardo. What began as a two-week study ended after less than a week due to unethical behavior from guards toward prisoners and other concerns. This event led to stricter rules for protecting human participants in future experiments.
Related Adaptations:
There have been numerous books, documentaries, docuseries, and scripted features based on the original experiment.
