The Prisoner

Watch The Prisoner

  • TV-PG
  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 8.5  (14,876)

The Prisoner is a British television show that was first broadcast between 1967 and 1968 on ITV. It was later picked up by AMC in the United States and aired during the late 2000s. The show stars Patrick McGoohan, who also created and produced it, and it has become a classic cult series.

The series follows the story of a man referred to only as Number Six, who resigns from his job as a secret agent and is subsequently abducted and taken to a mysterious place known only as the Village. The Village is a seemingly idyllic place where Number Six is held captive by an unknown organization known as the Village Authority. Number Six is given the title of 'prisoner' and is assigned a number instead of a name.

Number Six is determined to escape from the Village and to find out why he has been taken there. The show explores themes of identity, individualism, and freedom. It is a unique blend of science fiction, drama, and mystery.

Throughout the series, Number Six is subjected to various psychological experiments and interrogations. He is constantly watched by mysterious figures known as the Guardians and is pursued by his chief captor, Number Two. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Number Six's confinement, with the overarching goal of trying to break him down and extract information.

The Village is a kind of timeless, unspecified location that serves to emphasize the psychological and emotional tension of the story. It is a place where appearances can be deceiving, and nothing is what it seems. There is a sense of paranoia and claustrophobia that pervades the series, as Number Six struggles to hold on to his sense of self and resist the psychological manipulation of his captors.

The show is famous for its distinct visual style, with colorful sets and costumes that contrast with the stark, ominous atmosphere of the Village. The opening credits are also iconic, featuring the distinctive theme music and visuals of Number Six being chased by a giant white balloon labeled with the word 'The Prisoner'.

The themes and imagery of The Prisoner have endured over the years, inspiring countless imitations and homages in popular culture. The show has been highly influential in the development of science fiction and mystery storytelling, and its legacy still resonates today.

In conclusion, The Prisoner is a classic television series that defies easy categorization. It is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, individualism, and freedom that combines elements of science fiction, drama, and mystery. It is a visually striking and stylish show that has influenced popular culture for decades. Fans of the show continue to debate its meaning and legacy, making it a testament to its enduring impact on television and storytelling.

The Prisoner is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on November 15, 2009.

The Prisoner
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Seasons
Fall Out
17. Fall Out
February 4, 1968
Contnuing from ONCE UPON A TIME, the Prisoner is presented to the President of the Assembly. He watches the trials of Number Forty Eight and the resuscitated Number Two. It is now his chance to finally meet Number One. As chaos breaks out, The Prisoner leaves the Village and heads for London.
Once Upon A Time
16. Once Upon A Time
January 1, 1968
After all previous attempts to break Number Six have failed, Number Two decides the only way to obtain the information wanted is by using a system known as 'Degree Absolute'. A battle that will leave one of them dead. If Number Six wins, he will have survived the ultimate test and meet Number One.
The Girl Who Was Death
15. The Girl Who Was Death
January 1, 1968
The Prisoner is back in his old job as he tries to track down the murderer of Colonel Hawke-Englishe, who was looking for a crazy scientist called Schnipps. The scientist's daughter Sonia, who calls herself Death, protects her father and sets many deadly traps for Number Six. Sonia eventually leads him to her father who has plans to destroy London with his super-rocket. Is this real or a just a story?
Hammer Into Anvil
14. Hammer Into Anvil
December 10, 1967
When a young woman is driven to her death by Number Two, Number Six swears his revenge. Number Two tells Number Six that he is going to hammer him (using a quote from Goethe about hammers and anvils) so Number Six decides to turn the tables. He plans to make Number Two think that he is an agent called D6 and that he reports to a superior X.O.4. Number Six sets out on a campaign to break Number Two.
A Change Of Mind
13. A Change Of Mind
January 1, 1967
After becoming involved in a fight with two thugs, Number Six is declared 'unmutual' by the Village committee which recommends that he undergoes 'instant social treatment' - a pre=frontal lobotomy. However, Number Six realises that due to his due to his importance he is not administered the treatment, only tricked into thinking he has received it. So he tries to get the Village doctor on his side. With her help he has plans for Number Two.
Living In Harmony
12. Living In Harmony
January 1, 1968
The Prisoner finds himself a stranger in a Western town called 'Harmony'. He reluctantly takes on the job of the Sheriff in order to release a young saloon woman. As Sheriff he refuses to carry a gun until a killing spree forces him to take one up. After a gun fight with the Kid, the Prisoner decides to resign from his post but The Judge refuses to let him.
It's Your Funeral
10. It's Your Funeral
December 17, 1967
The Prisoner (Number Six) is tricked into discovering an assassination plot - but who is going to be killed? Number Two knows that Number Six is the only man in the Village capable of stopping a murder so he attempts to discredit him. After Number Six finds out about the plot he goes to warn Number Two who records the warning and doctors the tape. After a new Number Two arrives in the Village, Number Six realises that the intended target is not who he first thought.
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
9. Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
January 7, 1968
Number Six is not himself. The Prisoner's mind is transformed in another man's body (the Colonel's) by the Village authorities in an attempt to track down a scientist, Professor Seltzman. When Number Six wakes upin his London home he has a tough task convincing people of his true identity, so he sets off for Austria to find Professor Seltzman - the only man who can help him.
Dance Of The Dead
8. Dance Of The Dead
November 26, 1967
Number Six discovers a dead man washed up on the Village beach. He finds a wallet and a radio set in the dead man's jacket. He hides the body in a cave and returns later with a life-belt and sets the body afloat with a rescue note in the wallet, although he is watched by a former colleague, Dutton. Unknown to Number Six, Number Two has been using Dutton to obtain information on Number Six. Number Six receives an invitation to the Village carnival where he meets Peter Pan and Little Bo-Peep.
Many Happy Returns
7. Many Happy Returns
November 12, 1967
Number Six awakes to a deserted Village. He realises that he has the perfect opportunity to escape his captors. He builds a raft and sets sail away from the Village. During his voyage he comes across some gunrunners who steal his remaining supplies and leave him to drown. He is eventually washed up on the south coast of England. He manages to get back to London to find a 'Mrs Butterworth' living in his house. The next day is Number Six's birthday and Mrs Butterworth has a surprise planned for him.
Checkmate
6. Checkmate
November 17, 2009
Six's time runs out when the order is handed down for his execution. Two suffers a personal loss and all is revealed.
Schizoid
5. Schizoid
November 17, 2009
Six discovers he has a twin...who attempts murder. Two. 313 battles with her inner demons and 11-12 seeks the answers to his dilemma.
Darling
4. Darling
November 16, 2009
Six meets a woman from his past, while the Village prepares to weather a disaster and 147 weathers personal tragedy.
Anvil
3. Anvil
November 16, 2009
Six chooses to spy for Two, while 11-12's darkest secret revealed and 313 learns more of her own gift.
Harmony
2. Harmony
November 15, 2009
Two attempts to deal with questions within his own household, while Six meets a man claiming to be his brother... a man Six has never seen.
Arrival
1. Arrival
November 15, 2009
An unidentified man awakes in an unknown desert community referred to only as "the Village." The city's administrator, Two, designates the man as "Six" and begins the process of destroying his will to resist.
Description
Where to Watch The Prisoner
The Prisoner is available for streaming on the AMC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Prisoner on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, FuboTV, Apple TV, Crackle, Tubi TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 15, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (14,876)
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