Plot Synopsis

LOVE AFTER LOCKUP is a one-hour docuseries that follows six couples who share the emotional journey of being united for the first time after years of supervised visits, recorded phone calls, and handwritten letters, as they transition from love behind bars to the marriage altar. The series introduces the couples as they prepare for the big release day - and an even bigger wedding day. As most of these couples have never had unsupervised contact with one another, we will watch as they experience several "firsts" including dates, meeting the family and other nerve-wracking, intimate moments. The newly free ex-cons are lucky enough to walk into the open arms of their loved one, but will also deal with the difficulties of reentry; including temptations in the outside world, rules and regulations due to parole, difficulties of job hunting with a rap sheet, and of course judgement from family and friends. Each is a tale of love and redemption, full of surprises and shocking moments, begging the question "Is love enough to create a bright future when one partner has a checkered past?" The love "jailbirds" include:

Johnna & Garrett, Tampa, FL. A wine fueled evening of looking for love online led Johnna to Garrett, who was serving a seven-year sentence for burglary, grand theft, and several other counts. While Johnna believes, Garrett is committed to her, she's having trouble convincing her father to meet him... let alone accept him. Johnna knows exactly what she wants... including a ring and wedding soon after Garrett is released. Is Garrett on the same page or will he be easily tempted by his new freedom?

Andrea & Lamar, based in Lehi, UT, come from very different backgrounds; Andrea is a Mormon and single mother of 3 kids, while Lamar is a former up and coming rapper who is finishing up an 18 year stint in the big house. Andrea has not shared Lamar's past with her Mormon community for fear of being scrutinized. Will she be able to introduce Lamar into her strict religious community, while Lamar attempts to pick up his rap career where he left off 18 years ago?

Mary & Dominic, based in Toronto, very briefly knew each other before he was incarcerated. Shortly after meeting, Dominic got into a fight at a night club and is now serving six years for aggravated assault. Mary has patiently remained by his side, waiting to pick up where they left off. However, prison has changed the former "bad boy" in ways Mary never imagined... Was Dominic worth the wait?

Alla & James, based in Chicago, IL, struck up a relationship via a prison penpal service while she was serving five years for selling heroine. The former model's fresh face, sense of humor and vivacious personality immediately captured James' attention. However, James is keeping his relationship a secret as he fears his overbearing family may not approve. Is Alla prepared to resist temptation, stay out of trouble and do what it takes to win over James' judgmental family upon her release?

Angela & Tony, based in Grenada, MS, fell in love through letter writing and have been in contact for a year. Since the tragic death of her ex, Angela began dating men in federal prison, so Tony is not her first... but claims he will be her last! The hunky convict, 13 years her junior is currently serving three years for possession of a firearm. Much to her sons dismay, who is around the same age as the convict, these two lovebirds are engaged and looking forward to Tony's release so they can begin their new life together.

Scott & Lizzie, from Oxnard, CA, met and fell in love through a prison pen pal website called meetaninmate.com. Lizzie is serving eight years for several DUI charges, and although she has admitted to using romantically inclined men to help support her in the past; insists that Scott is her true love. Scott has sent her about $20,000 over the course of their relationship and friends and family have expressed concern that she may be using him for financial support. Is Scott another one of Lizzie's tricks or is this love for real?


Season 2 of LOVE AFTER LOCKUP premiered on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT on WE tv. Last season, two couples were left in limbo as their hopes and dreams were put on hold due to release date complications. This season, their stories continue to unfold along with four new couples who embark on their journey from love behind bars to the marriage at the altar. Season two promises more drama, deception, and surprises. This season's couples include:

Angela & Tony, Grenada, MS. Last season we met Angela, who fell for Tony because he was "hot and young." Months ago, Angela was left waiting at the bus depot when Tony was not released as expected. This season, Tony finally gets released and is planning on running into Angela's open arms... but Tony may have some competition; as someone on the outside has eyes for his "old lady."

Scott & Lizzie, Oxnard, CA. Last season, everyone was left with the question... is Scott just another one of Lizzie's tricks or is this love real? This season, Lizzie is released, and at last the couple have a chance to be alone together. However, that may be short lived, as Lizzie plans on reuniting with her daughter she has only seen once in the last decade. Will this be the family that both Scott and Lizzie need to solidify their relationship?

Clint & Tracie, Hobbs, NM. Clint wasn't having much luck finding his one true soulmate, until he found Tracie on the website, Meet-An-Inmate.com, who was serving time for fraudulent checks and a parole violation. Immediately infatuated by her, he wooed her into a relationship. The two have never met in person and Clint is eager to marry her as soon as she is released.

Marcelino & Brittany, Las Vegas, NV. After a devastating breakup, Marcelino wrote to Brittany on Meet-An-Inmate.com, which lead to an undeniable connection. After a couple of prison visits he fell deeply in love with the 27-year-old, who has spent almost a decade behind bars for several crimes. Although the two have never spent a day with each other on the outside, they plan to marry as soon as she is released.

Megan & Michael, Fort Worth, TX. Megan is a home health provider in has been saving herself for "The One... " someone who really cares and treats her right. Enter Michael, who has been in the system for most of his life and is currently serving 2 years for a parole violation. After a special proposal during one of their prison visits, Megan is in full wedding planning mode; however, Michael has a secret that may change her vow to marry him.

Caitlin & Matt, Auburn, WA. Despite having only spent about 30 hours together within the confines of a prison visiting room, Caitlin is convinced Matt is her destiny. The two have big plans of getting married, having babies, finding a home and starting a life together. However, they have no idea what it is like to be together on the outside... including being intimate. Will the love between these two grow stronger as they spend time together, or will they realize that the bars in between them made their love and connection more exciting than it really is?


After a five-month break, LOVE AFTER LOCKUP returned with new episodes on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT on WE tv. In this new episode, "Inmate or Soulmate?," Dad fears felon fiance, but Lacey is keeping a surprising secret; Cheryl shocks sister when she drops $30,000 on an inmate; Vince reveals his fiance is part of a mother-daughter crime duo; Andrea's revelation stuns sisters.


The third season of LOVE AFTER LOCKUP premiered on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on WE tv, with all-new star-crossed couples. From the first lusty meet-ups outside of prison walls to awkward meetings with mom, Season 3 doesn't miss a moment of every romantic, cringy, and heartbreaking journey. New couples this season include:

Jessica & Maurice (Las Vegas, NV): Jessica was immediately smitten when she stumbled upon Maurice's profile on "Plenty of Fish", only to realize later that he was in prison. After three short months of dating, Maurice, serving time for first degree burglary, got down on one knee, ring-less, and proposed to Jessica; who immediately said yes and proceeded to buy her own ring for two dollars. The couple tied the knot in a prison wedding shortly after their engagement and hopes to have a big Vegas wedding following Maurice's release... but will Jessica's family accept this new union?

Shawn & Destinie (Las Vegas, NV): After striking up an immediate connection online, Shawn and Destinie now talk twice a day - but there's one big catch: the couple has never met in person. How will the mother of Shawn's six children react when he reveals the new love of his life, an ex-con, is moving in?

John & Kristianna (Cresco, IA and Mitchellville, IA): John and Kristianna struck up a relationship online and fell head over heels for each other after just three months. Unbeknownst to Kristianna, John is planning for a wedding ceremony on the very day of her release. Will John move too fast for his newly released love?

Scott & Lindsey (Olive Branch, MS and Dublin, CA): 51-year-old entrepreneur Scott uprooted his New York life for 27-year-old Mississippi belle, Lindsey, who landed in jail for possession of drugs and a firearm. Though they've never met in person, Scott has been supporting the former cheerleader and honor student throughout their relationship; and plans to move Lindsey and her daughter into the dream home he is renovating to her specifications.

Tyrice & Chanda (Chicago, IL and Kansas City, KS): Tired of the games women play on the outside; Tyrice, who is pushing 50, found 28-year-old Chanda on a website for prison pen pals. Tyrice is hoping to settle down ASAP with the love of his life, but is Chanda on the same page? His three grown children are happy he's found a mate, but they do not trust her one bit.

Shavel & Quaylon (Olathe, KS): Incarcerated for over a decade, Quaylon met Shavel seeking companionship during his lengthy sentence. After months of calls, visits and letters, their friendship quickly turned into something more. After two years together, Shavel is looking forward to the release of the love of her life and starting a life with her 5-year-old daughter in Kansas City. What she doesn't know is Quaylon's family expects him to return to Texas upon his release.

WE tv debuted the mid-season premiere of LOVE AFTER LOCKUP on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT. In the fall premiere, "Put a Sweater On and Chill," Quaylon cracks under pressure from Shavel; Jessica stuns Maurice; and Dylan sees Heather's true colors. After a seven-month break, LOVE AFTER LOCKUP returned with new episodes on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on WE tv. In the summer premiere, "Cheap Thrills & Big Dills," an ex-guard awaits her forbidden lover's prison release; Rachel's bad boy obsession worries her friends; Daonte's revelation stuns his mom; Britney keeps her inmate boyfriend a secret; Stan fears his prison girlfriend may not look like her pictures.



Season 4 of LOVE AFTER LOCKUP premiered on Friday, March 4, 2022 from 9-10:30pm ET/PT on WEtv. Five new couples and a fan favorite couple from LOVE DURING LOCKUP take the drama to the next level with deeper love, bigger doubts, and even more mystery, as viewers once again debate if it's true love or just another convincing con. Although every journey begins with a long-awaited prison release, each of our lovebirds and jailbirds have their own winding path to the altar. The couples include:

Kevin & Tiffany (Arlington, TX): Kevin, a self-proclaimed player, had many women sliding into his DMs, but Tiffany stood out from the crowd. Soon after they connected on the outside, Tiffany got in trouble and was sent to prison before Kevin closed the deal. They have kept in contact and plan to pick up where they left off once Tiffany is released, but will secrets blowup their romance?

Indie & Harry (Beltsville, MD): In LOVE DURING LOCKUP, Indie waits for her "spiritual husband," Harry, to get out of prison. Now Indie's dreams might come true, as Harry's release date is fast approaching. Indie's psychic told her to move to Ohio to be with Harry in LOVE DURING LOCKUP, but the move was a bust. Will her second attempt be a success? Indie's ready to give it another try, but her bounty-hunter mom won't stop until she proves Harry is up to no good.

Rick & Raydean (Cedar Park, TX): Rick (49 years old) and Raydean (29 years old) first met over 10 years ago but have only recently fallen in love. Back then, Raydean was dating a man who was in Rick's motorcycle club. When they broke up, Rick kept an eye on Raydean, until one day she vanished-- then Raydean reached out to Rick from prison, and the rest is history. Rick has grand plans for a beautiful future with his love, but will Raydean's family and prison ties thwart Rick's dreams?

Kaylah & Martel (Atlanta, GA): Kaylah and Martel met by chance at a party 14 years ago. They had an instant connection and dated briefly before Martel was arrested and handed a hefty prison sentence. Kaylah and Martel continued their relationship through prison walls. After a 13-year prison stay, will secrets and lies get in between the love they've shared for all those years?

Tayler & Chance (Elsberry, MO): Tayler, a devoted mother who's been less than lucky in love, and Chance appropriately met by "chance" when he called expecting to speak with Tayler's ex-boyfriend, who he had been incarcerated with -- but the recently single Tayler decided to keep him on the line. He started calling once a week, then every day, and eventually the two fell in love. Chance knew Tayler was the one for him, but neither of their families are thrilled with the idea of the two being together. Tayler expects a proposal once he's released, but will Chance be able to keep all his promises?

Lacey & Antoine (Sonomish, WA): Lacey (38 years old) and Antoine (26 years old) met through Lacey's friend, who just happens to be Antoine's mom. Lacey, who's marriage was on the rocks, was immediately infatuated with the young, hot, bad boy. Unfortunately, they spent little time together before Antoine called it off because Lacey was married. Though Lacey was married for almost 20 years, she was tired of her stale and loveless marriage. A year later, Antoine called her again, this time from prison. Now the two have been together for 2 years and Lacey has left her old life in the past. Now, because of that decision, Lacey has strained the relationship with her family and with Antoine's mom. Will Lacey still feel it was all worth it? And how will Antoine handle the pressures of being with a woman a decade older than him?



Season 5 of LOVE AFTER LOCKUP premiered on Friday, September 15, 2023 on WE tv, kicking off the new season with a 90-minute episode from 9-10:30pm ET/PT. The new season follows seven new couples including five fan favorites from Love During Lockup as they discover more love, new doubts and encounter unforeseen obstacles in their relationships. Our couples are as vulnerable and raw as ever sharing their emotional journey as they continue to find true love beyond prison walls. The couples are:

Melissa & Louie (Atlantic Highlands, NJ): Melissa and Louie were first introduced in Love During Lockup and met in high school and she's pined over him for 20 years. His overbearing mother, Donna, wants Louie to move into his old bedroom in Atlanta because she believes her watchful presence can thwart a downward spiral into addiction. Meanwhile, Melissa is determined to move her sweetheart to New Jersey. Melissa's family questions why a beautiful and successful woman would be in a relationship with someone who is incarcerated. His mother is not the only woman that Melissa fears as Louie is a huge flirt. After being locked up for a decade will this free bird make up for lost time?

Britney & Kerok (Richmond, VA): Love During Lockup's Britney and Kerok met in prison while Kerok was transitioning. Britney was released 9 months ago and has lived with Kerok's family since her own family does not support her choices. Kerok's mother and brothers have not seen him since he has transitioned. Will they be welcoming and supportive of Kerok's choice?

Raneka & Asonta (Smyrna, GA): When we first met Raneka on Love During Lockup, she moved her daughters to Georgia to start a live with Asonta. However suspicious calls from his Auntie and requests for a $3,000 bond for release at the 11th hour, pushes Raneka to hire a private detective to find out the truth. Will this love last?

Brittney & Andy (Rome, GA): When Andy and Brittney's love story began on Love During Lockup, Andy an ex-cop, fell in love with Brittney who was serving 1 year in prison. Andy made the decision to move five hours away from his family to be closer to Brittney. With Andy's support, Brittney hopes to rebuild relationships with her children. Will Brittney be able to rebuild her relationship with her children or will she have to choose?

Chelsea & Michael (Richwood, OH): Chelsea found Mikey on an inmate pen pal Facebook group and their relationship blossomed as we saw on the most recent season of Love During Lockup. Mikey learned sign language to communicate with Chelsea endearing him to her and her family, except for her father. Will Chelsea's past fractured love affairs keep her from getting close to the man who swears to love and protect her?

Joynomi & Redd (Farmington, NM): Joynomi and Redd have been together for seven years and they've never met in person. Their relationship has been marked by a series of trials and tribulations. The couple took a devastating blow when Joynomi made the mistake of cheating on Redd resulting in an unexpected pregnancy. Will the two be able to rebuild their trust and commit their lives to one another? Meanwhile Redd's mother does not hold any ill will towards Joynomi and understands that a woman has needs. Although she has not met Joynomi in person, she will not hold back if she feels the two are not a match.

Sharae & Anthony (Schenectady, NY): The born and raised New Yorker, Sharae met Anthony when they were teenagers. The young love ended swiftly when Anthony cheated on Sharae. The couple reconnected years later and planned a prison wedding which was cancelled when Sharae found out Anthony was still married. Although heartbroken, Sharae decided to stay with Anthony and lied to her family, claiming they are currently married. On top of hiding secrets from family members, Sharae will have to fight Anthony's mom for his attention. Will the overbearing mom be too much... or will the ladies from Anthony's past get the best of him?



LOVE AFTER LOCKUP returned for its sixth season on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 8-9:30pm ET/PT on WE tv. The new season follows seven couples, including two fan favorites, from Love During Lockup as they discover more love, new doubts, and encounter unforeseen obstacles in their relationships. These couples are as vulnerable and raw as ever as they share their emotional journeys and continue to find true love beyond prison walls. The couples are:

Hope & Arthur (Dallas, TX): Hope is a truck driver who seems to have a tough exterior, but has a soft side for her boyfriend, Arthur, who is currently behind bars. Although Hope and Arthur are in love, there are some trust issues they have to work through to make their relationship work. Hope was unfaithful to Arthur during his incarceration, and he isn't sticking around if that happens again.

Bianca & Daniel (Dania Beach, FL): At 23 years old, Bianca was the victim of a DUI crash which nearly cost her her life. While she was in recovery, she decided to reach out to someone who committed the same crime she was a victim of to get more insight into why someone would drink and drive. But this pen pal quickly turned into a fiance.

Kimberly & Joey (Eden, NC): A married mom of two, Kim reached out to Joey to reconnect during her separation from her children's father. Now with Joey getting released, they both try to keep their exes in the past, but Joey receives a suspicious message in prison claiming that Kim is cheating on him! Kim assures Joey it is a lie but is baffled as to who is going out of their way to break up their relationship. Could it be her ex? Could it be his?

Shonta & True (Kansas City, MO): Shonta and True began their love story on Love During Lockup, where we learned Shonta spent $40K and moved across state lines for someone she's never met. In Love After Lockup, Shonta finally meets her fiance, True, face-to-face for the first time at his release after spending 13 years in prison.

Zeruiah & Troy (Syracuse, NY): Zeruiah is a pastor's daughter who grew up in a strict household but started rebelling in her teens with the men she dated. Zeruiah's ex-husband and son's father was locked up and she wound up falling for his cell neighbor, Troy. She divorced her ex and married Troy. Although Zeruiah's family is accepting of her relationship, they are still weary of it. Her parents feel that if Troy is going to be a part of the family, he needs to be a part of the Church.

Julian & Christine (Annapolis, MD): The phrase 'opposites attract' fits perfectly when it comes to Julian and Christine. Julian, a conservative aspiring writer, found himself in an unexpected relationship when book research led him to the love of his life. When Julian reached out to Christine, an inmate locked up for bank robbery, he intended to get some insight for his book, but instead found a connection he never expected.

Latisha & Keith (Davenport, IA): Latisha and Keith's love story started in Love During Lockup, and now with Keith meant to get out any day, Latisha is overjoyed for LOVE AFTER LOCKUP. A recently passed law could grant Keith an immediate release. Latisha can't wait for Keith to get out and finally consummate their marriage!
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On Friday, September 27, 2024 from 8-9:30pm ET/PT, WE tv premiered "Exes and Oh No's," the 90-minute Season 6 finale of LOVE AFTER LOCKUP.