The Prisoner (1967): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

The Prisoner first went out in October 1967 on ITV (ATV). It ran until 1968, with 1 series and 17 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

mystery
cult
sixties
More from the 1960s

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Why it is worth your time

A secret agent resigns, is gassed, and wakes up in the Village, where everyone is a number. Patrick McGoohan’s seventeen strange episodes were filmed at Portmeirion in Wales; the finale still baffles.

The details

First broadcast: 1 October 1967
Originally on: ITV (ATV)
On air: 1967–1968
Series: 1
Episodes: 17
Typical length: 50 minutes
Genres: Drama, Science-Fiction, Mystery
First episode: “Arrival”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

The Prisoner: quick answers

When did The Prisoner start?

On 1 October 1967, on ITV (ATV).

How many episodes of The Prisoner are there?

17 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 1 series. The last aired in 1968.

Where can I watch The Prisoner now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.