Not really since Truman would have no concept of what jail was other than what they tell him it is. They could make jail be a 24/7 infomercial that he has to perform and he would believe it because it is literally all he knows.
You’re probably right about the viewership though since a large part of the appeal seemed to be the parasocial relationship with a man who was presented as a decent and relatable guy.
This person’s super sleuthing of your post history is weird and kind of creepy. I believe you, and the other dude’s insistence that you’re a secret 17 year old is bizarre. It’s usually best to leave people like that alone because they are unlikely to concede even if you provided proof.
Also, Brad Pitt is pretty endearing on screen, for sure.