The Prisoner (1967)

Set against a backdrop of intrigue and deception, "The Prisoner" is a riveting amalgamation of drama, mystery, and philosophical discourse. As a high-ranking operative in the British Government, our unnamed protagonist's abrupt resignation triggers a series of events that catapult him into a captivating world of duplicity and constraint. Subdued by an unexpected gas attack and spirited away, he awakens in a beautiful yet perilous prison known only as "The Village." This enigmatic settlement, a bizarre blend of a holiday resort and Alcatraz, is inhabited by a collection of captives, each known only by their assigned number. Our protagonist becomes No. 6, but defiantly rechristens himself "The Prisoner." The Village is ruled by the elusive No. 2, whose identity is as fluid as the sands of time, with a replacement stepping in each time an attempt on No. 6 fails. The captivating narrative follows The Prisoner's relentless struggle to retain his individuality, resist the relentless interrogations by the series of No. 2's, and foil any disruptions to The Village's deceptively serene facade. Amidst this battle of wills, two burning questions consume The Prisoner - how can he escape this beguiling labyrinth, and who is the real puppeteer pulling the strings - the enigmatic No. 1? The series explores profound themes such as personal identity, freedom, democracy, and the influence of scientific advancement, while maintaining the suspenseful heart of a gripping drama. In the visually stunning and intellectually stimulating microcosm of "The Village", The Prisoner's ceaseless rebellion against the faceless authorities encapsulates a riveting war of attrition. As the series unfolds over seventeen episodes, viewers are drawn into this extraordinary tale of resilience and resistance, where one man's quest for freedom becomes a symbol of humanity's undying spirit.

The Prisoner is a drama show featuring Patrick McGoohan and created by George Markstein.

The Prisoner is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Crackle and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy The Prisoner on Amazon Video.