A new reality show hit has arrived on television, sparking controversy and laughter in equal measure. „Experiment: Prison Time” is a Canal+ production in which celebrities, including well-known presenter Zygmunt Chajzer, voluntarily check into the former remand centre in Bartoszyce. The show aims to show how stars cope with harsh prison conditions while sharing cells with former convicts. But is this really a prison sentence, or rather a game? Recent clips suggest that, for Chajzer, it’s pure pleasure!
What is the show about?
„Experiment: Prison Time” is Canal+’s debut reality show, filmed in an authentic, though now decommissioned, detention centre in Bartoszyce. Participants, who include Zygmunt Chajzer, Tomek „Gimper” Działowy, Damian „Stifler” Zduńczyk, Michał Koterski, Mini Majk and Jakub Rzeźniczak, are subjected to a regime resembling a real prison. They share cells with repeat offenders, must follow strict rules and face the stress of everyday life behind bars. According to Canal+, the show is meant to set the direction for future productions, showing the clash of two worlds: celebrities and the criminal underworld.
The creators stress that this is not fiction: participants genuinely experience isolation, control and interaction with former prisoners. However, psychologists criticise the format, calling it „socially dangerous”, because it may trivialise the realities of the penitentiary system.
Zygmunt Chajzer’s happy moments
Zygmunt Chajzer, an icon of Polish television marketing and a presenter known for his optimism and charisma, seems to fit perfectly into this unusual environment. In a viral clip from the show, which has spread across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), he is seen in a green prison uniform, smiling and relaxed. „He likes the food”, „The guys are nice”. In another scene, a fellow inmate says: „I’m settling in, mate”, and even jokes: „I’m glad I’m not the new guy here”. It looks like Chajzer sees this as an adventure, not a punishment!
The clips also show interactions with fellow inmates, one of whom is a tattooed repeat offender who introduces Chajzer to „prison savoir-vivre”. The presenter adapts quickly, which surprises viewers. In post-show interviews, Chajzer admitted he wondered whether he would cope mentally, but ultimately came out of it stronger.
Online reactions and controversy
The show quickly became an internet hit. On X, a post by user @jachcy with Chajzer’s clip gathered thousands of likes and comments. Some laugh: „Zyga Chajzer is happy he’s in the slammer and f*ck xdddddd”, while others criticise: „Another step in getting used to pathology” or „Pathetic!”. Viewers are divided between those who praise the celebrities’ courage and those who see it as promoting pathology.
On Canal+ Polska’s TikTok account, excerpts showing Chajzer in funny situations have garnered millions of views. The whole thing is an experiment, but for many it’s simply good entertainment.
Where to watch?
The first two episodes of „Experiment: Prison Time” are already available on the Canal+ online platform. If you want to see how Chajzer spends these „happy moments” behind bars, log in and see for yourself!
The show is stirring emotions, but one thing is certain: Zygmunt Chajzer proves that even in prison you can find something positive. Is it a life lesson or showbiz? You be the judge.
