November 15, 2026

The Financial News

The Financial News

Inside San Quentin, one of America’s most notorious prisons | United Shades of America


W. Kamau Bell goes behind the walls of San Quentin, one of America’s most notorious prisons, to meet the men inside. Hear from people who have spent most of their lives behind bars and see who they’ve become.

In W. Kamau Bell’s own words: “I had a great time in prison. That’s something I never thought I’d say… Admittedly, I had a great time in prison at San Quentin because every night I was allowed to leave and go home. I didn’t have to live in the cramped cells. I didn’t have to figure out ways to navigate the horrible – and I mean horrible – food. I was able to focus instead on the men who I met there. They were all funny, smart, remorseful, resourceful, skilled and self-reflective in ways that most people that I meet on the outside are not.”

Originally broadcast in April 2016.

0:00 Inside San Quentin
7:07 Meeting an Award-winning writer for the San Quentin News
14:53 Exploring life behind bars and visiting cellblock C
24:53 What is the small management yard complex?
34:32 The case for rehabilitation

Follow comedian and political gadfly W. Kamau Bell as he explores the far corners of our country and its various groups and subcultures. Stream all episodes of United Shades of America on CNN now with an All Access subscription: https://cnn.it/4BJHQIZ
And watch 24/7 live news on CNN whenever you want.

Stream more on CNN with an All Access subscription: https://cnn.it/4AZMu54

#SanQuentin #Prison #Documentary


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