15 Best TV Shows Like Prison Break On Netflix Update 03/2024

TV Shows Like Prison Break On Netflix

‘Prison Break’ was a huge hit during its initial run of five seasons. It added a new level of tension to the proceedings. Lincoln Burrows’ quest to free himself from a prison was a huge hit with the audience. The script was well-written, and the actors were excellent in their roles. It had a unique approach, and each step of the strategy appeared well-thought-out. While we adored characters like Michael, Lincoln, and Sucre, the show also gave us “love to hate characters” like T-Bag, who we grew to despise.

The show was revived because of its enormous popularity, and the most recent season aired just last year. It’s been renewed for a third season, which has already begun. Here are some suggestions to get you through the interim until the new season begins. We’ve put together a list of shows like ‘Prison Break’ to give you some ideas. Some of these shows, such as Prison Break, are available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

15. Breakout Kings (2011-2012)

Breakout Kings (2011-2012)

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‘Prison Break’ isn’t a direct spin-off, but there is some continuity between this show and that one. To track down the criminals who have escaped from prison, authorities have put together a task force. Some former prisoners have also offered to help, in addition to the U.S. Marshals. They’ll get one year off their sentence for every fugitive they bring in. However, if they attempt to flee, their time will be increased by one full year. This show has a lot of “trying to get out of jail” acts. However, it was canceled after only two seasons due to its inability to maintain a positive public image. As a result, you can expect a brief binge from me.

14. The Prisoner (1967)

There isn’t a prison in sight for this British miniseries but a prisoner does figure prominently in the plots of both parts of the show. A secret agent (who wishes to remain anonymous) announces his resignation. He comes across as bitter and impatient, as if he wants to get out of the country as quickly as possible. It takes some time for him to escape from the mysterious coastal village, which is cut off from the rest of the world. Many monitoring devices are in place to keep tabs on his movements. This show was a blend of spy drama and inmate drama with a dash of science fiction thrown in.

13. Wentworth (2013- present)

Wentworth (2013- present)

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The story of Bea Smith is told in ‘Wentworth,’ an adaptation of the popular Australian television series ‘Prisoner.’ In the case of her husband, she was found guilty of attempted murder. She not only survives her ordeals in prison, but she also rises through the ranks to become the head of the organization. The show has received a lot of positive feedback from critics and viewers alike. ‘Breaking Bad,’ where tension builds over the course of the season and culminates in an emotionally charged finale, often serves as a model for how this show tells its story.

12. CSI (2000-)

In addition to CSI: New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, the series has branched out to include a cybercrime division. Despite the differences in setting, all of these stories revolve around the forensic investigative team and their ability to solve cases with their wits. While detectives often get all the credit for solving crimes, CSI helps us realize that scientists in a lab study forensic evidence and provide their reports to the detectives, giving them a fresh perspective.

11. NCIS (2003-)

NCIS (2003-)

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Instead of dealing with civilians they work with marines and sailors. There have been numerous spin-offs from this long-running show. A team of investigators based in Washington, D.C., investigates crimes committed within the Navy; this is the main story. A lot goes on in this show, and if viewers want to be reminded that we are all human and even brave, loyal members of the navy can stray and commit murder, this is the program to watch.

10. Buried (2003)

To be served in HMP Mandrake, Lee Kingley has been sentenced to a term of ten years. It demonstrates his tenacity in the face of adversity, showing how he avoids (or encounters) misfortune. In fact, it was so well-received that it took home a BAFTA for Best Drama Series. Despite this, the show’s appeal waned after the first season, and it was never renewed. In comparison to other shows, this one had a lot more sincerity. There were situations where a small group of guards had to manage a prison with hundreds of inmates, and it did so deftly.

9. Prisoner (1979-1986)

The action took place in a fictitious women’s prison called Wentworth Detention Center in Australia. Karen Travers and Lynn Warner, two new inmates, were at the center of the story. Over time, the show developed a devoted fan base and received generally positive reviews. Because of how much the show’s fans loved it, there have been numerous spin-offs, stage plays, and novels based on the series. It was originally intended to run for one season only, but after receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews, the show was extended for a second season. On-air commentary on hot-button issues such as homosexuality and social change were commonplace. It depicted prison life from the perspective of female inmates and received high marks for realism and authenticity.

8. Bad Girls (1999-2006)

Bad Girls (1999-2006)

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This was another highly regarded British series that took a somber look at prison life. It focuses on Larkhall, a fictitious women’s prison. The show’s authenticity necessitated the inclusion of some coarse language. There was also strong subject matter like an inmate’s miscarriage, a new prisoner’s vicious strip search, bullying, and suicide. In keeping with the realistic setting, the tone was grave. However, after several successful seasons, the show’s popularity began to wane. As a result, the production was shelved. The show came to a close with a Christmas special.

7. Oz (1997-2003)

This was the first show to emerge from HBO’s Pandora box, and it set the bar extremely high. It’s a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ as the title suggests. The story takes place in the Oswald State Correctional Facility and follows the lives of the inmates as they attempt to gain control over various aspects of prison life. The show was well received by critics and audiences alike, and it was renewed for a sixth season. Make a mental note before watching the show that it’s an HBO production. As a result, many of the characters you’ve grown to like may not make it to the end of the season. It’s going to be a bloodbath.

6. Lockup: Maximum Security (2007)

Lockup Maximum Security (2007)

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It’s not like other prison-themed shows that are based on reality; these are all true stories. This show takes viewers on a tour of several of America’s most notorious prisons in the course of a single season. There is still a lot of tension within the prison population. When things get heated, they can spiral out of control, posing a serious threat to the lives of those working at the establishment. As a result, we get an inside look at some of the world’s most brutal prisons.

5. Porridge (1974-1977)

If all the seriousness is getting to you, try watching this British comedy instead. The title is a play on the British slang phrase “Doing Porridge,” which refers to serving time in prison. It focuses on Norman Fletcher and Lennie Godber, two inmates. When it comes to prison, the life of Fletcher comes naturally to him because he is an expert and has “been there, done that.” It’s not the same for Godber, a gullible newcomer serving his first term. In fact, many people consider this show to be one of the greatest British comedies ever made. It was well-liked by the general public and has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.

4. Making a Murderer (2015-present)

Making a Murderer (2015-present)

We saw Lincoln Burrows in ‘Prison Break’ serving time for a crime he did not commit. This is the subject matter of the show. He was wrongly convicted of both sexual assault and attempted murder and spent the rest of his life in prison as a result. He was incarcerated for eighteen years before being cleared of all charges. He sued the county, but before the case could be resolved, he was taken into custody once more on suspicion of murder. It took ten years to film this documentary, and Netflix is currently working on a second season that will focus on the fallout from his second criminal conviction.

3. Mindhunter (2017-)

It was these two agents who started criminal profiling before the BAU was formed. Because of Holden Ford and Bill Tench, the BAU is even conceivable in Criminal Minds, and these two agents travelled the country against all odds, interviewing serial killers and developing criminal profiling and psychology methodologies for the agency. In contrast to the majority of the shows on the list, this one is exceptionally well-made with stunning visuals and strong acting. It necessitates careful consideration and is only suitable for those who have a strong interest in criminal justice. Otherwise, they may find the show to be tedious compared to the other options.

2. Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971)

Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971)

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In the world of prison dramedies, this is a very outré choice. The story takes place during World War II and follows the lives of German POWs in a camp and the inept and complacent prison staff. Instead of fleeing the camp, the inmates decide to use their newfound freedom to spy on the Nazis and aid the Allies in winning the war. Once again, this show raised the bar for its genre. It’s hilarious because it shows inmates dealing with their issues while also dealing with the espionage aspect. On the other hand, a good war story is something everyone enjoys.

1. Orange Is the New Black (2013- present)

This may be the next most well-known series about prison life, based on the book of the same name. The show has grown in popularity and critical acclaim over the course of its five seasons on air. In order to help her friend buy drugs, Piper Chapman smuggled cash into the country. However, that was over a decade ago. With her newfound sobriety, Piper has become a law-abiding citizen. Piper is happy and content in her life, but she has no idea that her past mistakes will catch up with her. She was found guilty and sentenced to 15 months in a women’s prison with the lowest level of security. Show doesn’t deal with escaping from prison, but with life inside compared to outside.