While very few individuals are eager to experience the confines of a prison firsthand, for those with a natural curiosity, watching a prison-themed television series offers a safe and fascinating way to delve into that world. These captivating shows often portray characters who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, alongside those who were unjustly imprisoned. This dynamic creates a unique backdrop for exploring human stories and the complexities of human character.
From Black Bird to Oz, the ten best prison shows present intricate relationships between inmates and their backstories, showcasing the events that led them to incarceration. Some of these shows even incorporate humor, making them enjoyable comedies as well. Regardless of your mood, one or more of these selections will provide your next binge-worthy viewing experience.
10
‘Porridge’ (1974–1977)
Created by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Porridge is a beloved sitcom set within the fictional walls of HMP Slade, a prison that serves as the backdrop for its captivating storylines. The main characters, Norman Stanley Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) and Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale), navigate life as cellmates, showcasing their enduring friendship while also confronting the strict prison guards. This series is renowned for its clever wit and humor, making it a significant piece of television history in the UK. Porridge effectively demonstrates how comedy can lighten the serious topic of prison life, proving that laughter has a place even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Porridge consistently ranks among Britain’s most cherished comedies. One former inmate shared that during his time in prison, Porridge was his favorite show, praising the writers for their authentic portrayal of inmate and guard relationships. The series also introduced new slang and phrases into the English lexicon, contributing to its lasting impact. Additionally, if the name Richard Beckinsale rings a bell, it’s worth noting that he is the father of actress Kate Beckinsale and was one of the most popular television stars of the 1970s.
Porridge
- Release Date
- 1974 – 1976
- Network
- BBC One
- Directors
- James Gilbert
- Writers
- Dick Clement
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Christopher Biggins
Lukewarm
9
‘Wentworth’ (2013–2021)
Created by Lara Radulovich, David Hannam, and Reg Watson
<em>Wentworth</em> is a bold and gritty reimagining of the classic Australian soap opera Prisoner. Originally created by Reg Watson, Wentworth was reinvented by Lara Radulovich and David Hannam, serving as both a remake and a tribute to the original series. This show is widely recognized for its powerful character development and its unflinching portrayal of life within women’s prisons. The lead role is played by Danielle Cormack, whose compelling performance captivates audiences, although Nicole da Silva appears in more episodes, showcasing her own impressive talent.
Wentworth primarily follows Bea Smith (Cormack) during its first four seasons, chronicling her entry into prison after being convicted of attempting to murder her husband. Throughout the series, viewers witness her ascent through the prison’s social hierarchy, encountering a diverse array of colorful and complex characters. Spanning eight seasons, Wentworth stands as one of the most popular Australian dramas in history; notably, its premiere episode remains the most-watched on Foxtel, a prominent Australian pay-per-view service.
Wentworth
- Release Date
- 2013 – 2020
- Directors
- Kevin Carlin, Fiona Banks
8
‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)
Created by Paul Scheuring
Prison Break is arguably the most recognizable prison-themed series worldwide, continually enjoying reruns in various regions. The character of Michael Scofield has become iconic, especially for his incredibly clever plan to orchestrate his brother’s escape from prison. The show has amassed a loyal global fanbase, making news of a potential Prison Break reboot a topic of great interest. Whether a reboot is necessary is a matter of debate, but the show’s legacy is undeniable.
The narrative follows Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) as he deliberately gets himself incarcerated in the same prison as his brother Lincoln (Dominic Purcell), who has been wrongfully convicted. Michael devises an elaborate escape plan, showing his unwavering commitment to freeing Lincoln, regardless of the personal consequences involved. In addition to the intense brotherly bond, this breakout thriller features a cast of memorable side characters, including Sucre, T-Bag, Abruzzi, Haywire, and C-Note. The series spans five seasons, with the first two being particularly intense and beloved by fans.
Wentworth
- Release Date
- 2013 – 2020
- Directors
- Kevin Carlin, Fiona Banks
7
‘Locked Up’ (2015–2019)
Created by Iván Escobar, Esther Martínez Lobato, Álex Pina, and Daniel Écijas
Álex Pina, known for creating the global phenomenon Money Heist, initially contributed to the writing of Vis A Vis, also known as Locked Up. This gripping series, available on Netflix, stars Najwa Nimri and Alba Flores, both of whom gained immense popularity from Money Heist. Locked Up centers on a women’s prison, filled with unexpected twists, power struggles, and intense drama. The storyline involves escapes, power dynamics, and fierce prison queens, providing a wealth of action within a typically monotonous setting.
The plot of Locked Up revolves around Macarena Molina (Maggie Civantos), who becomes entangled with a married man. After he frames her for embezzlement, she finds herself in a maximum-security prison alongside dangerous inmates. Zulema (Nimri), the self-proclaimed queen of the prison, takes Macarena under her wing, guiding her through the harsh realities of prison life. In addition to Macarena, viewers quickly become invested in numerous other compelling characters, including Zulema, Saray (Flores), and Rizos (Berta Vázquez).
6
‘Time’ (2021–)
Created by Jimmy McGovern
Jimmy McGovern, known for creating Moving On, introduced Time in 2021, featuring stars Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. This gripping series offers a raw depiction of prison life and the moral dilemmas faced by both inmates and their guards, resonating strongly with viewers due to its authenticity. The second season stars Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey, with both seasons comprising three episodes each. To enhance the realism, the show was filmed in a decommissioned prison located in Shrewsbury.
The first season of Time centers around Mark (Bean), a former teacher who is new to the prison system and its harsh realities. He forges a bond with a prison guard, Eric (Graham), who vows to protect him from the dangers of prison life. The second season shifts focus to three female inmates—Orla (Whittaker), Abi (Tamara Lawrance), and Kelsey (Ramsey)—as they begin their own prison journeys. Both seasons are noted for their grim realism, yet they are compelling and difficult to turn away from. As is the case with many British series, this one is a standout, characterized by its dedication and outstanding storytelling.
Wentworth
- Release Date
- 2013 – 2020
- Directors
- Kevin Carlin, Fiona Banks
5
‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)
Created by Jenji Kohan
As one of the most iconic streaming series of all time, Orange Is the New Black draws inspiration from real-life events. Piper Kerman authored a memoir chronicling her prison experiences and personal transformation, which was adapted by Jenji Kohan (Weeds) into a groundbreaking dramedy that captivated audiences for about six years. OITNB is known for its humanizing portrayal of complex issues, tackling heavy and often controversial subjects with grace and insight. For a significant period, OITNB held the title of Netflix’s longest-running original drama until it was surpassed by Virgin River, which has already been renewed for its eighth season before the seventh has even aired.
The story begins with Piper (Taylor Schilling) being sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security women’s prison named Litchfield after being convicted of transporting a suitcase filled with drug money for her girlfriend, Alex Vause (Laura Prepon). Their relationship rekindles upon Piper’s arrival, intensifying the drama. However, the series evolves into a powerful ensemble narrative, introducing iconic OITNB characters such as Taystee (Danielle Brooks), Red (Kate Mulgrew), and Nicky (Natasha Lyonne).
Orange Is the New Black
- Release Date
- 2013 – 2019
- Network
- Netflix
- Directors
- Various
4
‘The Night Of’ (2016)
Created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian
The Night Of is an acclaimed crime drama and is often regarded as one of the finest HBO miniseries. This compelling narrative explores the intricacies of the legal system, particularly in relation to racial dynamics, and highlights the ethical and emotional challenges faced by characters navigating their circumstances. The show poignantly illustrates the complexities involved in securing justice for a man asserting his innocence while grappling with his prison experience.
The plot centers around Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed), a Pakistani-American college student who borrows his father’s cab for a night out. After picking up a woman, they have a night filled with partying, but when Naz awakens the next morning, he finds her dead beside him, unable to remember the events that transpired. As the primary suspect in the murder, Naz is represented by the dedicated lawyer John Stone (John Turturro). The Night Of challenges viewers to consider the harsh realities faced by someone like Naz as he fights for his voice to be heard.
The Night Of
- Release Date
- 2016
- Network
- HBO
- Directors
- Steven Zaillian
3
‘Black Bird’ (2022)
Created by Dennis Lehane
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