Prison Break is a popular American drama TV series that premiered on the Fox Network on August 29, 2005. Its story and deep characters captured the audience's attention worldwide.
The series ended after its fifth season on May 30, 2017. While it aired in the U.S., it was also shown in Canada on Global and other countries. Adelstein-Parouse Productions, Rat Television, Original Television, and Twentieth Century Fox Television produced the show.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Prison Break. Reader discretion is advised.
How to watch Prison Break in chronological order
Watching Prison Break in the correct order is essential. since the show has many twists and surprises. The story is meant to build suspense and reveal secrets step by step, so following the correct sequence is key.
To watch Prison Break in order, follow this sequence:
Season 1: Episodes 1-22 (2005-2006)
The first season introduces the main plot. Lincoln Burrows is falsely accused of a crime and faces the death penalty. His brother, Michael, gets himself into prison to help Lincoln escape. This season is about planning and executing a prison break from Fox River State Penitentiary.
Season 2: Episodes 1-22 (2006-2007)
After escaping, Prison Break Season 2 focuses on the hunt for the escaped prisoners. The characters are on the run, trying to avoid capture while searching for proof of Lincoln’s innocence.
Season 3: Episodes 1-13 (2007-2008)
In season 3, Michael is back in prison, this time in a dangerous Panamanian jail called Sona. He must plan another escape and face even tougher challenges.
Season 4: Episodes 1-24 (2008-2009)
Season 4 uncovers the conspiracy that led to Lincoln’s wrongful imprisonment. Michael, Lincoln, and their allies work together to take down The Company, the organization behind their troubles.
Prison Break: The Final Break, TV movie (2009)
This movie ties the loose ends in the story. Its timeline is tricky as it fits between the events of season 4 and season 5.
Originally, Prison Break was supposed to end after four seasons. However, Fox extended the story by turning two extra episodes, The Old Ball and Chain and Free, into a movie called Prison Break: The Final Break. It aired a few weeks after the season 4 finale and helped tie up the storyline. The timeline of the movie can be confusing when compared to the series.
Sara is in jail for murder, facing danger from other inmates who want to harm her. Michael, her partner, plans to break her out to protect her and their unborn baby. With help from his brother Lincoln and friend Sucre, Michael faces challenges like changing prison security, and an FBI agent named Wheatley on his trail. On the escape night, things go wrong.
Gretchen, another prisoner, helps Sara but gets caught. T-Bag betrays them, and Michael must change plans quickly. Sara escapes, but Michael sacrifices himself, dying from electrocution while opening a door for her.
Later, Sara and Lincoln watch a video Michael made, explaining he had a terminal brain tumor and asking them to care for each other and the baby. The story ends with Sara and Lincoln heading to the Dominican Republic by boat, carrying money and Michael's final message.
Season 5: Episodes 1-9 (2017)
After a long break, season 5 returns with Michael in a Yemeni prison under a new identity. The season focuses on freeing him and exposing the conspiracy that forced him to fake his death.
What is Prison Break about?
Prison Break tells the story of two brothers, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) and Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell). In season 1, Lincoln is wrongly sentenced to death, and Michael gets himself imprisoned to help him escape.
Season 2 is about the chase to capture the escaped prisoners. In season 3, Michael is stuck in a Panama prison and has to escape again. Season 4 reveals the conspiracy that got Lincoln jailed in the first place. In season 5, Michael is in a Yemeni prison, and the story is about breaking him out and exposing the conspiracy that made him fake his death.
Prison Break is more than just a drama series; it's an intense ride that takes viewers through a maze of conspiracies, escapes, and emotional journeys. Watching it in order allows you to experience the story as the creators intended, preserving every twist and turn.
All five seasons of Prison Break are available to stream on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
