Looking for TV shows similar to Prison Break? Dive into these gripping series that offers the same heart-pounding excitement and suspense. With daring escapes and high-stakes missions, they promise an unforgettable binge-watching experience. Get ready to watch these shows that are akin to Prison Break.
Best series like Prison Break: Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
- Director name: Alex Pina
- Release date: May 2, 2017
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- where to stream: Netflix
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: A secretive professor, nicknamed the Professor, gathers together a special group of people, each with their unique talents. Together, they devise an ambitious plan to steal from the Royal Mint of Spain, practicing every detail meticulously to break into the heavily guarded facility.
The Great Pretender
- Director Name: Hiroaki Ando
- Release date: September 1, 2019
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- where to stream: Netflix
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: If you’re searching for TV shows similar to Prison Break, don’t miss out on this anime series. It follows the story of Makoto Edamura, a high school student with aspirations of becoming a master con artist. However, his plans take a drastic turn when he becomes entangled with an international gang of swindlers. Makoto’s dreams of a luxurious life through scams take a hit when a scheme targeting a wealthy businessman goes awry, leaving him drowning in debt. To extricate himself from this predicament, he forms an unlikely alliance with a secretive con man named Laurent Thierry.
TV series like Prison Break: Lupin
- Director Name: Louis Leterrier
- Release date: January 8, 2021
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- where to stream: Netflix
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: In this French crime series, we follow Assane Diop, a skilled thief who takes cues from the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Assane is on a mission to avenge his father’s wrongful imprisonment and death by targeting a rich family. His father was framed for a crime he didn’t commit, leading to his demise behind bars. Now, 25 years later, Assane uses his charm and exceptional thieving abilities to uncover the truth and seek justice.
Oz
- Director Name: Tom Fontana (creator)
- Release date: July 12, 1997
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- where to stream: HBO Max
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: Best series like Prison Break, This intense HBO drama gives viewers an unfiltered glimpse into the inner workings of a made-up maximum-security prison in New York. Oz delves deep into the harsh realities of Emerald City Prison, where inmates grapple for control and safety in a violent and corrupt environment. The show fearlessly depicts the brutality of prison existence and the intricate dynamics that develop among those incarcerated.
Wentworth
- Director Name: Danielle MacPherson
- Release date: July 12, 1997
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- where to stream: Netflix
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- Overview: This Australian drama zooms in on Bea Smith, a woman from a well-off background who finds herself in prison after being convicted of murdering her husband. Bea, who’s led a sheltered life, is thrown into the tough world of prison without any preparation. The series tracks her journey as she tries to cope with her new environment and understand the intricate social order within the women’s prison.
TV series like Prison Break: Orange Is the New Black
- Director Name: Jenji Kohan (creator)
- Release date: July 11, 2013
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- where to stream: Netflix
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- Overview: Piper Chapman, coming from a privileged background, struggles to adjust to life in a minimum-security prison following her conviction for transporting drug money.
24
- Director Name: Joel Surnow & Robert Cochran (creators)
- Release date: November 6, 2001
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- where to stream: Netflix
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- Overview: Best series like Prison Break and Jail Escape TV shows: Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent, races against time in each season’s 24-hour span to stop catastrophic attacks.
The Blacklist
- Director Name: Jon Bokenkamp & John Eisendrath (creators)
- Release date: September 23, 2013
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- where to stream: Netflix
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- Overview: In TV series like Prison Break: Raymond Red Reddington, once a Navy officer but now a notorious criminal, turns himself in to the FBI. He brings along a list of the most dangerous criminals worldwide.
Homeland
- Director Name: Howard Gordon & Alex Gansa (creators)
- Release date: October 2, 2011
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- where to stream: Netflix
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- Overview: Carrie Mathison, who works for the CIA, becomes obsessed with the idea that a U.S. Marine once held captive by al-Qaeda might be secretly working as a sleeper agent.
TV series like Prison Break: Banshee
- Director Name: Jonathan Tropper & David Schickler (creators)
- Release date: April 11, 2013
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- where to stream: HBO Max
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: Lucas Hood, a former convict with a shady history, takes on the role of sheriff in Banshee, Pennsylvania, a made-up town in Amish territory. But tranquility is the last thing he finds in his new gig, as he becomes embroiled in the town’s murky secrets and battles for power. The series blends action, crime drama, and dark humor.
Succession
- Director Name: Adam McKay (creator)
- Release date: June 10, 2018
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- where to stream: HBO
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: Although it’s not quite similar to Prison Break, Succession serves up its own brand of intense drama. This American comedy-drama series centers around the Roy family, who run a massive media and entertainment empire while dealing with their own dysfunctional dynamics. Themes of family power struggles, corporate greed, and media manipulation take center stage, all wrapped up with a dark comedic edge.
Breakout Kings
- Director Name: Nick Santora and Matt Olmstead
- Release date: March 04, 2011
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- where to stream: A&E network.
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: Although not directly linked to Prison Break, this series follows a similar storyline. A special team is formed to apprehend escaped convicts. Alongside U.S. Marshals, some inmates agree to assist in exchange for reduced sentences. However, attempting to flee results in doubled time. The show heavily features prison escape attempts but ultimately failed to garner enough popularity and was axed after just two seasons. Thus, it’s a quick binge-watch option.
Best Series like Prison Break: NCIS
- Director Name: Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill
- Release date: September 23, 2003
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- where to stream: CBS
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- Overview: The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS, is similar to the FBI, but focuses on cases involving Marines and the Navy. It’s one of the longest-running shows with several spin-offs. The main storyline revolves around a team of investigators stationed in Washington, DC, who handle crimes within the Navy. It follows a similar approach to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). If viewers want a reminder that even brave and loyal Navy personnel can sometimes commit crimes, NCIS drives home that point effectively.
TV series like Prison Break: Buried
- Director Name: Morag McKinnon & Kenneth Gleenan
- Release date: January 14, 2003
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- where to stream: Channel 4
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- Overview: Lee Kingsley gets a ten-year stint at HMP Mandrake. The series follows his journey navigating prison life, showcasing his strategies to avoid or find trouble. Despite critical acclaim and a BAFTA win for Best Drama Series, the show didn’t resonate with viewers enough to secure a second season. It offered a deeper level of authenticity compared to similar shows, skillfully depicting the challenges faced by a small staff handling a large prison population.
Bad Girls
- Director Name: Maureen Chadwick & Ann McManus
- Release date: June 1, 1999
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- where to stream: ITV
- Youtube trailer:
- Overview: Another highly praised British series, this show offered a sincere portrayal of life behind bars. Set in the fictional women’s prison of Larkhall, it aimed for authenticity, incorporating strong language and tackling heavy themes such as inmate miscarriage, aggressive strip-searching, bullying, and suicide. Maintaining a serious tone, it delved into the gritty realities of prison life. Despite a successful run for several years, ratings began to dwindle by the eighth season, leading to its cancellation. A Christmas special served as its final chapter. For viewers interested in jail escape TV shows, this series offers a compelling exploration of prison life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of the adrenaline-pumping thrill of Prison Break, these recommended TV series like Prison Break offer a similar level of excitement and suspense. From daring escapes to high-stakes missions, they promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, gather your snacks and settle in for an unforgettable binge-watching experience with these gripping series.