Here is the complete guide to the seasons of Prison Break . Prison Break has 5 seasons (original run: 2005–2009, revival: 2017). Season-by-Season Guide Season 1 (2005–2006) Setting: Fox River State Penitentiary, Illinois Main Goal: Michael Scofield gets himself incarcerated to break out his wrongly convicted brother, Lincoln Burrows, before his execution. Key episodes: Pilot, "Riots, Drills and the Devil," "Go" (final escape). Verdict: The most iconic season — a masterclass in suspense and blueprint-driven plotting. Season 2 (2006–2007) Setting: On the run across America Main Goal: The escaped convicts flee from U.S. Marshals and FBI Agent Alexander Mahone, while searching for hidden money (Westmoreland’s stash) and exposing "The Company." Key episodes: "Otis," "Manhunt," "Sona." Verdict: A tense cat-and-mouse chase, but loses some of the tight claustrophobia of Season 1. Season 3 (2007–2008) Setting: Sona Federal Prison, Panama (a violent, lawless prison) Main Goal: Michael is imprisoned in Sona after the Season 2 finale; he must break out a fellow inmate named Whistler to save Sara and LJ, who have been kidnapped by Company agents. Note: Shortened to 13 episodes due to a writers’ strike. Verdict: Grittier and darker, but rushed; still has brilliant escape mechanics. Season 4 (2008–2009) Setting: Los Angeles and various locations Main Goal: Michael, Lincoln, and a team of former enemies/friends work to steal "Scylla" – six data cards containing a Company black book – to clear their names and bring down the conspiracy. Special: Two extra episodes ("The Old Ball and Chain" / "Free") were later released as a standalone DVD feature called The Final Break , which serves as the true series finale. Verdict: Overly complex and bloated (24 episodes), but emotional closure is strong. Season 5 (2017) – The Revival Setting: Yemen (Ogygia Prison), plus U.S. and Middle East locations Main Goal: Seven years after his supposed death, Michael is found alive in a Yemeni prison during a civil war. Lincoln and Sara (now remarried) mount a rescue mission, while Michael executes a new escape plan. Key twist: Michael faked his death in Season 4 to protect his family. Verdict: Short (9 episodes) and nostalgic; not essential but satisfying for fans. Quick Reference Table | Season | Episodes | Primary Prison | Year(s) | |--------|----------|----------------|----------| | 1 | 22 | Fox River | 2005–06 | | 2 | 22 | On the run | 2006–07 | | 3 | 13 | Sona (Panama) | 2007–08 | | 4 | 24 (+2) | None / "Scylla" hunt | 2008–09 | | 5 | 9 | Ogygia (Yemen) | 2017 |