Parents' Guide to

Prison Break

By Elliot Panek, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Prison drama is too violent for young viewers.

TV Fox Drama 2005
Prison Break Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 14 parent reviews

Jordanagooner
Jordanagooner Adult
September 11, 2021
age 18+

Gratuitous violence

I enjoyed watching the first few programmes, recently on (Netflix) but then the ridiculous gratuitous violence really put me off! It did not add to the plot and was violence for violence sake. Personally some of these producers have a lot to answer for, almost encouraging sadistic tendencies. Also the plot completely lost its way and basically everyone was killing everyone. Is this a US thing where everyone gets hurt or killed. To be fair, the injuries were put together by poor, make up artists, someone just out of a Kindergarten! No subtlety involved what so ever!!

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
TV-007
TV-007 Adult
May 24, 2019
age 15+

Good Series

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
See all 14 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Structural engineer Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) is convinced that his brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), has been wrongfully convicted of murdering the Vice President's brother. With Lincoln's execution date coming up, Michael robs a bank to get into jail alongside his brother so he can help him escape (he has intimate knowledge of the prison having had the blueprints for the jail tattooed on his torso). The brothers enlist the help of assorted crooks and cons in their elaborate plan to break out. On the outside, Lincoln's attorney (and ex-girlfriend) Veronica Donovan (Robin Tunney) tries to uncover the truth about the murder and is targeted by a shadowy cabal bent on using Burrows as their fall guy and intimidating anyone who gets in their way, including Burrows' 15-year-old son, LJ (Marshall Allman).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14):
Kids say (48):

Part mystery, part action drama, PRISON BREAK offers intricate plotting and shocking twists. The show is not afraid of killing off characters, portraying criminals as sympathetic, or linking the conspirators directly to a high-ranking government official -- just the sort of "edginess" one would expect from Fox. Its fast pace leaves little room for character development, and the intricacy of the plot may confuse less loyal viewers.

The show's appeal lies in watching someone try to break out of prison by using brains rather than brawn. Along with the intrigue of the corrupt government plot, it promises to be of interest to action drama fans. While kids are drawn to many action movies and shows, parents might want to exercise caution in allowing their kids to watch PRISON BREAK. It's far too violent for younger viewers, and should be reserved for older teens and adults only.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether or not Michael's crime and subsequent attempt to break his brother out of jail are justified. What if Michael and Lincoln were friends instead of brothers? Would Michael still owe the same allegiance to him? Can "bad guys" also be role models? How does the show make us empathize with criminals?

TV Details

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