Watch Prison Playbook

TV-MA
2017
1 Season
8.4 (5,362)

Prison Playbook is a South Korean television series that aired on tvN from November 2017 to January 2018. The show was written and directed by Shin Won-ho and produced by the same team responsible for the popular Reply Series. The show stars Park Hae-soo, Jung Kyung-ho, and Krystal Jung in lead roles.

The show is a black comedy-drama that tells the story of a former baseball player named Kim Je-hyuk (Park Hae-soo) who ends up in prison after being framed for a crime he didn't commit. While in prison, he meets a diverse group of inmates, including an ex-gangster who always has a smile on his face, a famous chef who is known for his culinary skills, a timid young man who is in awe of Kim Je-hyuk, and a former special forces soldier who is mistakenly arrested.

The show is set in a male prison and with a running time of 16 episodes and each episodic run time averaged around one hour. The story follows each inmate's stories through the daily life of serving time in prison, and how each of them experiences different struggles while living behind bars.

One of the great things about this show is that it balances out humor and drama effortlessly. The humor of the series is distinct and unique and sometimes is derived from the incongruous idea of how these prisoners act, interact and communicate amongst each other. The drama is equally potent as it explores the inmates' struggles, such as maintaining their relationships with family and friends outside, and adjusting to life after imprisonment.

Another standout aspect of the show is the characterization. The characters are all fleshed out, and every single one of them is unique and memorable. There is also a lot of depth to each character, and as the show progresses, the audience learns about the backstory behind each of the prisoners.

The show also touches upon a lot of social issues such as the difficulties faced by people who have been incarcerated, the flaws of the prison system, the bias of the authorities, and the struggles of societal divisions in Korea. The show attempts to explore justice issues and human relationships within a rigid prison structure, and it manages to do so effectively.

The acting in the show is top-notch, and the cast of Prison Playbook deliver excellent performances. Park Hae-soo is particularly great as Kim Je-hyuk, the central character of the show, and he brings a lot of depth and nuance to his role. Jung Kyoung-ho's portrayal of the former gangster and fan-favorite character,

Prison Playbook is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between January 25, 2017 and on

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Seasons

16. Episode 16

January 18, 2018

Even for a man as patient and steadfast as Je-hyeok, sometimes life in prison just gets to be too much, which leads him to come to a drastic decision.

15. Episode 15

January 17, 2018

Someone is plotting to make Je-hyeok's remaining months in prison as unpleasant as possible. Min-chul anxiously awaits the decision on his parole.

14. Episode 14

January 11, 2018

Things finally seem to be looking up for Je-hyeok until another calamity strikes. Meanwhile, Looney and Jung-woo continue to bicker like preschoolers.

13. Episode 13

January 10, 2018

Je-hyeok needs to talk to Ji-ho while he has phone privileges, but time is running out. Je-hyeok's cellmates share surprising details of their pasts.

12. Episode 12

January 4, 2018

While deciding which team he'll play for, Je-hyeok sets a condition that is very unlike him. Meanwhile, Crony continues his plan for payback.

11. Episode 11

January 3, 2018

Led by Min-chul, Je-hyeok's cellmates are on a mission to protect Je-hyeok from the newest inmate, who's plotting to take revenge.

10. Episode 10

December 21, 2017

Captain Yoo's chance at a retrial depends completely on a witness's willingness to testify. One inmate from Je-hyeok's cell prepares to say goodbye.

9. Episode 9

December 20, 2017

New inmates, including one with particularly troubling behavior, get assigned to Joon-ho's wing. Min-chul seeks to find out what's worrying Dr. Ko.

8. Episode 8

December 14, 2017

Dr. Ko needs a medical exam for his abdominal pain, but with the upcoming audit, Captain Na is pickier than ever in giving out authorizations.

7. Episode 7

December 13, 2017

No one seems to know what kind of person Captain Yoo really is. Meanwhile at the woodshop, there's growing discontent toward the new chief.

6. Episode 6

December 7, 2017

The arrival of the new inmate has everyone on edge. Various competitions are being held with boxes of ramen -- and something else -- up for grabs.

5. Episode 5

December 6, 2017

After the big announcement that broke the hearts of many, Je-hyeok starts showing interest in other career paths. Jean Valjean is soon to be released.

4. Episode 4

November 30, 2017

With a big prize at stake for the winner of a singing contest, the inmates get busy practicing. Je-hyeok needs permission to get outside medical care.

3. Episode 3

November 29, 2017

After he's transferred to a new facility, Je-hyeok shares a cell with an interesting group of inmates and begins working at a prison woodshop.

2. Episode 2

November 23, 2017

Je-hyeok's appeal is a week away, and everyone seems sure he'll win the case. Seagull demands that the Errand Boy sneak him a knife.

1. Episode 1

February 3, 2017

Baseball pitcher Kim Je-hyeok gets slapped with a completely unexpected prison sentence only days before his flight to Boston to join the Red Sox.

Description

Where to Watch Prison Playbook

Prison Playbook is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Prison Playbook on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime and Netflix.