Unlocking the Top-Rated Prison TV Series You Can't Miss!

Summary

The best prison shows feature compelling stories and multifaceted characters, showcasing the complex power structures and prison gang politics that exist behind bars.

Some prison shows are based on real stories or are docuseries that reveal the realities of prison life, while others effectively blend comedy into their storytelling.

From limited series to enduring dramas, the top prison shows engage audiences with gripping tension, remarkable performances, and examination of the flawed legal system and intense plots.

While prison may not appear to be an ideal backdrop for storytelling, it has become the focal point of various comedic, dramatic, and reality TV series. Despite their differences, the most captivating prison shows all share gripping narratives and complex characters. Many of these shows lean towards the dramatic side, catering to audiences who prefer deeper content. In order to sustain a long-term series set in a prison, the characters must have dark circumstances behind their incarceration and often resort to violence to assert their position. This aspect is particularly evident in successful shows such as Wentworth and Oz.

However, not all prison shows are purely fictitious. Some of the finest series centered around prison draw inspiration from real-life stories or even serve as documentary-style productions showcasing life for those behind bars. On rare occasions, a prison-centered series manages to incorporate comedy, although this is less common among the top prison shows on television.

60 Days In (2016)

Streamable on Hulu, 60 Days In offers a fresh take on the conventional prison documentary format. Volunteers assume the role of genuine criminals and immerse themselves in a two-month incarceration experience to gain firsthand insight into life behind bars. While certain fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations may slightly diminish the show's dramatic appeal, this six-season series still offers plenty of enjoyable aspects.

Lockup (2005)

The show effectively portrays the intricate power dynamics prevalent in prison settings and emphasizes the significance of prison gang politics. While the initial concept may deter certain viewers, it serves as a means to expose the harsh realities of life behind bars.

Available to stream on Peacock

Lockup, an engaging and captivating documentary series, captivated audiences for 12 years and 25 seasons, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in prison. Unlike fictional prison shows, this series, aired on MSNBC, stands out as one of the best. Its strength lies in its ability to focus on noteworthy inmates and showcase their day-to-day interactions.

The show effortlessly draws viewers in, as they become emotionally invested in the individuals featured, witnessing their encounters with loved ones and their participation in disciplinary hearings. Even though the original series concluded a few years back, there is an abundance of content from the wider Lockup TV franchise, ensuring enduring satisfaction for fans.

Prison Playbook (2017)

Stream Prison Playbook on Netflix, a Korean series that combines drama and dark comedy. The story revolves around a talented baseball player, Park Hae-soo, who finds himself in prison after a fatal incident while protecting his sister. While tackling weighty themes, the series incorporates comedic elements, such as the comical clumsiness of Kim Je-hyuk, bringing a lighter tone to the show.

Girls Incarcerated (2018)

With its exceptional ability to captivate an audience, this series stands out among the rest by steadily gaining more viewership as it aired. It has effortlessly climbed to the top spot as one of the most highly-rated series in Korean television. The remarkable achievement of Prison Playbook is evident through its nomination for Best Drama at the prestigious Asian TV Awards and its victory in the Best Drama category at the esteemed Korean Cable TV Awards.

Available to stream on Netflix

Netflix has played a significant role in the resurgence of the documentary genre, offering a vast selection of remarkable documentaries to stream. However, amidst this abundance, there is one exceptional series that often goes unnoticed - Girls Incarcerated. Over the span of two seasons, the show delves into the lives of incarcerated teenage girls in two juvenile facilities located in Indiana.

Undeniably, the series tackles weighty topics that may not be suitable for casual viewing. Nevertheless, it also offers poignant and unforgettable moments that are uniquely derived from real life, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Although the show did not receive a renewal for a third season, it garnered substantial interest from Netflix subscribers.

For Life (2020)

Streamable on Hulu, For Life is a captivating legal drama inspired by the true-life tale of Isaac Wright Jr. He was unjustly condemned to a life sentence in prison but cunningly devised his own legal pursuit, ultimately transforming into a formidable attorney. Regarded as one of the finest prison-centered shows in recent years, it meticulously portrays the struggles of a man ensnared in a flawed judicial system. Despite not being renewed for a third season, the existing two seasons remarkably depict the challenges faced by an individual trapped within an unjust legal framework.

Escape At Dannemora (2018)

Additionally delves into Wallace's interactions with his fellow prisoners and highlights some of his most challenging experiences, including his frequent placements in solitary confinement. With a comprehensive scope encapsulated in its 23 episodes, the series manages to cover a significant range of topics. Although its cancellation may have been influenced by low viewership, a substantial number of viewers who remained loyal became devoted fans of the show.

Available to stream on Fubo

Escape At Dannemora is an engrossing miniseries that can be easily binged in a single weekend. Based on the true story of the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape, this series features an impressive cast, including Benicio del Toro and Patricia Arquette, and is directed by Ben Stiller. Focusing on two convicted murderers and the massive manhunt their escape triggers, the show effectively maintains tension throughout its 7-episode run.

Although there are conflicting accounts of the real events, this did not hinder the series from becoming a critically acclaimed drama. While it may not have achieved widespread popularity, its exceptional execution has earned it a dedicated fanbase.

Black Bird (2022)

Stream Black Bird on AppleTV+

Based on true events, Black Bird tells the tale of a talented football player (Taron Egerton) who chose to forgo football scholarships and remain in his hometown. Unfortunately, his path takes a dark turn as he embarks on a life of crime, leading him to prison. In an unexpected twist, law enforcement enlists his help in coaxing a fellow inmate (Paul Walter Hauser) into confessing his alleged history as a serial killer, responsible for the deaths of at least 14 women.

The drama miniseries consists of six episodes, and this condensed format effectively maintains the stories' cohesiveness and concentration. Egerton and Hauser deliver exceptional performances in their respective roles, garnering award nominations from prestigious institutions such as the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and Primetime Emmys.

Wentworth (2013)

Available to stream on Netflix

Wentworth, the contemporary reimagining of the cult Australian soap opera Prisoner: Cell Block H, has gained significant popularity among modern audiences for its captivating portrayal of a female prisoner's journey from being a new inmate to becoming the top figure within the prison hierarchy during its initial 4 seasons.

Critics lauded the show's efforts to bring a fresh perspective to the genre, but what truly mattered was its appeal among viewers who had long awaited a compelling long-form prison drama. The series consistently received nominations at prestigious award shows in Australia, including the esteemed Logie Awards, throughout its duration.

Prisoner: Cell Block H (1979)

Prisoner: Cell Block H, originally known as Prisoner in Australia, showcased captivating drama centered around the lives of women in prison, well before popular shows like Orange Is the New Black and the modern remake Wentworth. In fact, Wentworth owes its existence to Prisoner, as it draws inspiration from the show and incorporates many of its iconic characters.

The show immediately garnered a devoted following and achieved unprecedented success upon its release in the US. Centered around the lives of the inmates at a women's detention center, rather than focusing on the staff, the show went on to air for a staggering 690 episodes. As a result, the show has amassed a considerable rewatch value, ensuring the loyalty of its fan base long after its original run. While it may not adhere to the strictest continuity, the show's portrayal of believable characters in extraordinary storylines is what ultimately allowed it to thrive for such a prolonged period.

Prison Break (2005)

Available to stream on Hulu

Although not always a realistic portrayal of prison life, no show is more closely associated with incarceration than Fox's sensational prison escape drama from the 2000s. Focusing on Lincoln Burrows, a man wrongly sentenced to death and imprisoned in a state penitentiary, the first season follows an ambitious plan to free him and other inmates.

While the subsequent seasons explore different storylines, they also delve into various prison settings as the main characters find themselves on the wrong side of the law and tangled with shadowy organizations. Although there are some uneven moments throughout its five seasons, Prison Break is widely regarded as one of the top prison shows available.

Orange Is The New Black (2013)

Streaming now on Netflix, Orange Is the New Black is an amazing comedy-drama that takes place in a women's prison. This groundbreaking show played a crucial role in establishing Netflix as a formidable contender against traditional television. Inspired by Piper Kerman's memoir about her own time incarcerated, the series boasts a cast of uniquely captivating characters that infuse the story with an abundance of emotion and depth.

Oz (1997)

The show is not only highly entertaining, but it also showcases its brilliance through moments of humor, captivating the audience from beginning to end. The pilot episode is particularly remarkable, as it effectively establishes the tone of the series by striking a balance between profound and lighthearted instances. Regrettably, there are no plans for the continuation of this exceptional show. However, its immense popularity has flourished over the years since its release, attracting a substantial fan base throughout its memorable seven-season run.

Available to stream on Max

Oz, a long-form drama, played a pivotal role in establishing HBO as a prominent name in the television industry. Not only did it captivate audiences with its intense and gripping storyline, but it also showcased the power of the network. Serving as the backdrop for the show is Oswald State Correctional Facility, a fictional maximum-security prison. This facility doubled as a social experiment, aimed at exerting control over the often volatile inmates.

While "Emerald City," the prison wing where the majority of the action takes place, houses vicious and unrepentant criminals, the main character's imprisonment stems from a tragic drunk-driving incident. Their perspective serves as a compelling guide through the show's twists and turns. Oz, known for its unflinching brutality and graphic portrayal, left a lasting impression on viewers, even those who were not necessarily drawn to its particular style.

The series garnered acclaim and recognition, receiving numerous nominations from prestigious award ceremonies such as the GLAAD Media Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and ALMA Awards. With its exceptional ensemble cast, Oz stands out as the ultimate representation of a prison drama.