Parents' Guide to

Prison Break (2017)

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Solid series revival is true to the original crime story.

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Prison Break (2017) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Joe U.
Joe U. Adult
May 11, 2017
age 18+

Where Is The Plot?

I watched the original series and enjoyed it very much. The storyline was well-written and with few exceptions (Purcell, Callies), well acted. Each season flowed well from one to the next, and there always seemed to be a purpose to what the characters were doing. In the new season, however, it seems the creator(s), writers, etc., have focused too much on where the show was supposed to be taking place instead of what was taking place IN the show.

This title has:

Too much violence
Media expert 27
Media expert 27 Parent of 13, 15 and 17-year-old
April 7, 2017
age 14+

Never really watched the original but this is a blast

I just watched the first episode of the new prison break and I couldn't be happier with it I thought it was quite gritty yes and quite violent behavior but it was a great time and super enjoyable to watch can't wait for more details of the story really getting good if you don't watch it i recommend you should start to

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

PRISON BREAK (2017) is a revival of the hit series that aired from 2005 to 2009. It's been seven years since structural engineer Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) rescued his brother Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) from death row after a group of conspirators made sure that he was wrongfully convicted of murdering the U.S. vice president's brother. Now Michael is presumed dead; his widow, Sara (Sarah Wayne Callies), has moved on; and Lincoln's life is falling apart. But strange clues are emerging about his possible whereabouts, and Lincoln is committed to discovering the truth. With Sara's help, and that of his former Fox River Penitentiary inmates, including T-Bag (Robert Knepper), C-Note (Rockmand Dunbar), and Sucre (Amauray Nolasco), he soon finds himself orchestrating a sophisticated prison break in a dangerous part of the world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (8 ):

This edgy drama offers all the action and mystery the original series is known for. The return of the original cast creates a sense of familiarity, but as some of their old tensions resurface, they're energized by new problems to solve. It also succeeds in providing a fast-paced narrative full of sudden plot twists, thanks to some sophisticated clues and smart writing.

Prison Break is a complicated series that requires some effort to follow, but fans will understand and appreciate the formula. Those new to it may find themselves momentarily struggling to appreciate certain details, but this does't take away from the overall experience. There's no doubt that this compelling update will successfully entertain a new generation of fans while still pleasing the ones it already has.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difference between reviving a TV show versus rebooting it. What's the difference? Why would producers choose to do one or the other? Do you think Prison Break is a good revival?

  • Are the stories featured in Prison Break plausible? Are they supposed to be? Would the show be as entertaining if they were?

TV Details

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