This documentary was broadcast uncensored when aired on television in the late 1970s. For many commercial broadcasters, this was the first time the f-word was willingly allowed on television.
Though this is thought to deter burgeoning criminals, the participants were not hardened juvenile delinquents. The scared straight program was not considered to be a viable program for young offenders.
When this documentary won the Academy Award and Emmy Award, producer David L. Wolper was the one who presented the awards to Arnold Shapiro.