Plot Synopsis

Through interviews with journalists, former correctional officers, and previously incarcerated individuals, PRISON CHRONICLES is a half-hour docuseries that goes inside some of the world's most notorious prisons to reveal their inner workings. Each 30-minute episode delves into the unique history of a specific prison, showcasing its wildest practices, infamous inmates, harrowing events, and ingenious escapes. Spanning 1,000 years, the series covers legendary institutions from the historic Tower of London to today's high-tech ADX, where El Chapo is currently held. PRISON CHRONICLES debuted with back-to-back new episodes on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 10-11pm ET/PT on History Channel:

"Alcatraz" (10pm): Alcatraz, built to hold the worst of the worst, is the last stop for repeat offenders and troublemakers from other prisons. These are three stories of desperate men willing to risk it all to escape the cold, dark cells of "the Rock." Legendary gangster Al Capone tries to be a "big shot" behind bars--but enemies are everywhere. Six convicts organize a jailbreak that becomes an all-out war, and three men attempt the most elaborate breakout in the prison's 30-year history.

"ADX" (10:30pm): ADX is the place for terrorists, serial killers, and anyone else who will never again see the light of day. Located in Florence, Colorado it's been dubbed the "Alcatraz of the Rockies." Here are four shocking stories from America's most high-tech lock up: Ishmael Petty, a violent criminal manages to attack the staff; Tommy Silverstein, leader of the Aryan Brotherhood gang, finds a way to communicate with 9-11 terrorist Ramzi Youssef; an inmate who nearly starves himself to death to protest the prison's policies; and a brutal gang hit job in plain sight.
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On Monday, September 23, 2024 from 10-11pm ET/PT, History Channel premiered back-to-back new episodes to close out the first season of PRISON CHRONICLES:

"Tower of London" (10pm): Located in the heart of London on the River Thames, the Tower of London's reputation for torture and beheadings fuels nightmares. Originally built as a fortress by William the Conqueror in 1078 it becomes a prison in 1101. Here the Queen, Anne Boleyn faces the executioner's blade. Convicted terrorist Guy Fawkes refuses to talk, and two young princes are betrayed by their own family.

"The Soviet Gulag" (10:30pm): Within the first forty years of operation of the Soviet Gulag system, at least 18 million people were imprisoned and more than one and a half million die. At its peak, the Gulag is comprised of nearly 500 prison districts with up to 30,000 individual prison camps. They stretch across the vast country--many of them in remote locations and harsh climates--like Siberia, and Central Asia. These are three of the most incredible tales of the fight for survival. First, a system designed to starve and work inmates to death. Then -- a 40-day siege that comes to a terrible end and finally -- a political prisoner who risks his life to expose the system to the world.