The Greatest TV Shows About Prison
  • Photo:
    • Fox Network/Prison Break, HBO/Oz, Netflix/Orange Is the New Black
TV|TV Programs

The Greatest TV Shows About Prison

Ranker TV
Updated January 13, 2026 170.0K views 64 items
Ranked By
2.8Kvoters8.3Kvotes
Voting Rules
Vote up the best shows about prison, both scripted and unscripted.
Latest additions: 120 Hours Behind Bars, Had I Not Seen the Sun, Tremembé
Most divisive: Women in Prison
Over 2.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest TV Shows About Prison
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.

Ever wondered what life is like behind bars without actually stepping foot inside a prison? Well, you're not alone. For those of us intrigued by the drama and action that unfolds within the confines of a correctional facility, television has become our window into this gritty world. Our list of the top TV shows about prison is crafted by passionate TV enthusiasts, dedicated to bringing you the best in the genre.

Venturing beyond the standard drama and action fare, our crowd-ranked selection also welcomes comedies and even anime series that explore the intricacies of prison life. While docuseries and reality shows offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of incarceration, our list focuses on those with compelling storylines and well-developed characters that keep fans hooked.

Whether you're keen on experiencing prison from the perspective of those serving time or eager to delve into spine-chilling prison stories, our curated list has you covered. From women's prisons in Orange is the New Black to the intense pursuit of freedom in Prison Break, these shows cater to a range of interests within the jail genre.

Join the ranks of TV enthusiasts who have already voiced their opinions by casting their votes. This isn't just a list; it's a collective ranking by viewers like you, shaping the landscape of the best prison shows on television. So, if you're ready to weigh in on your favorite prison series, scroll through and let your voice be heard.

Ranked by
  • Oz
    1

    Oz

    Ernie Hudson, Terry Kinney, Harold Perrineau
    627 votes

    Unit manager Tim McManus presides over Emerald City, an experimental wing of prison that focuses on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Though the intentions sound good, the reality of Em City is that it is a gruesome and violent place. Oz has been noted for being one of the most graphic depictions of prison life.

    • Premiered: July 12, 1997

    All Six Seasons Of 'Oz,' Ranked

    See allSee all
    • Oz - Season 1
      1Oz - Season 1
       
       
      114 Votes
    • Oz - Season 2
      2Oz - Season 2
       
       
      87 Votes
    • Oz - Season 4
      3Oz - Season 4
       
       
      83 Votes
    • Oz - Season 3
      4Oz - Season 3
       
       
      61 Votes
  • Prison Break
    2

    Prison Break

    Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies
    826 votes

    When Lincoln Burrows is sentenced to death, his brother attempts to break him out and clear his name. At first Fox turned down the premise but after seeing the success of Lost and 24, decided to back the project which became one of its biggest ratings successes. Later seasons declined in popularity once the original premise was exhausted and the show turned its focus to government conspiracies.

    • Premiered: August 29, 2005

    What To Watch If You Love 'Prison Break'

    See allSee all
    • Prison Break: Resurrection
      1Prison Break: Resurrection
       
       
      197 Votes
    • Prison Break: The Final Break
      2Prison Break: The Final Break
       
       
      127 Votes
    • Person of Interest
      3Person of Interest
       
       
      54 Votes
    • Breaking Bad
      4Breaking Bad
       
       
      79 Votes
  • votes needed!
    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #52
      120 Hours Behind Bars
      0 votes
  • Orange Is the New Black
    3

    Orange Is the New Black

    Taylor Schilling, Natasha Lyonne, Uzo Aduba
    634 votes

    Based on Piper Kerman's memoir, OITNB's blend of comedy and drama led to it being one of Netflix's biggest original programming successes. The Emmy award winning program takes an ensemble approach to life in a women's prison, following several characters as well as unearthing the circumstances of their backstories that led them to being incarcerated.

    • Premiered: July 11, 2013

    How 7 Seasons Of Incarseration Aged The 'Orange Is the New Black' Cast

    See allSee all
    • Kate Mulgrew (Galina "Red" Reznikov)
      1Kate Mulgrew (Galina "Red" Reznikov)
       
       
      29 Votes
    • Natasha Lyonne (Nicky Nichols)
      2Natasha Lyonne (Nicky Nichols)
       
       
      28 Votes
    • Elizabeth Rodriguez (Aleida Diaz)
      3Elizabeth Rodriguez (Aleida Diaz)
       
       
      16 Votes
    • Dascha Polanco (Dayanara "Daya" Diaz)
      4Dascha Polanco (Dayanara "Daya" Diaz)
       
       
      21 Votes
  • Wentworth
    4

    Wentworth

    Pamela Rabe, Kate Atkinson, Katrina Milosevic
    813 votes

    A reimagining of Australian soap Prisoner, Wentworth follows Bea Smith as she learns how to survivem and eventually thrive, in the prison hierarchy. The series eventually shifts to a more ensemble format, allowing outside characters to shine. Wentworth has received critical acclaim for its spot-on casting, dramatic tension, and grittiness.

    • Premiered: August 28, 2013

    45+ Movies & Shows Like 'Wentworth'

    See allSee all
    • Locked Up
      1Locked Up
       
       
      52 Votes
    • Orange Is the New Black
      2Orange Is the New Black
       
       
      74 Votes
    • Prison Break
      3Prison Break
       
       
      30 Votes
    • Oz
      4Oz
       
       
      17 Votes
  • 60 Days In
    5

    60 Days In

    Jamey Noel, Scottie Maples, Mark Adger
    263 votes

    The fascinating docuseries takes volunteers and places them in prisons undercover for 60 days. Each person is given a pseudonym and backstory with the intention of discovering illegal goings-on in the jail that the correctional officers and security cameras may not be catching.

    • Premiered: March 10, 2016
  • Lockup
    6

    Lockup

    218 votes

    The extended franchise Lockup includes Lockup: Raw, Lockup: World Tour, Lockup: Extended Stay, Lockup: Disturbing the Peace, Lockup: Special Investigation, and Life After Lockup. It explores the prison system throughout the United States while profiling notable inmates, circumstances, or events. The series lasted 25 seasons.

    • Premiered: June 4, 2005