Alcatraz (2012)
A gripping FOX mystery series following a special team as they hunt down Alcatraz prisoners who mysteriously vanished in 1963 and are now resurfacing in the present.
Alcatraz - Series Information
- Original Title: Alcatraz
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Created by: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 43 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, English
- First Air Date: January 16, 2012 (United States - TV-14), January 16, 2012 (United Kingdom - 15), January 16, 2012 (Germany - 12), January 16, 2012 (France - 16), January 16, 2012 (Brazil - 12), January 16, 2012 (Spain - 7), January 16, 2012 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: FOX
- Alternative Titles: 罪恶岛 (CN), ALCATRAZ/アルカトラズ (JP)
- Production Companies: Bad Robot, Warner Bros. Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Alcatraz - Plot
A unique team, consisting of a federal agent, a police officer and a conspiracy theory novelist, investigate the shocking reappearance of Alcatraz's most notorious prisoners, fifty years after they supposedly vanished.
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Alcatraz - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Elizabeth Sarnoff
- Steven Lilien
- Bryan Wynbrandt
Main Cast
- Sarah Jones
- Sam Neill
- Jorge Garcia
- Parminder Nagra
- Jason Butler Harner
- Jonny Coyne
- Robert Forster
- Leon Rippy
- David Hoflin
- Jeffrey Pierce
Writers
- Bryan Wynbrandt
- Jennifer M. Johnson
- Steven Lilien
- Toni Graphia
- Elizabeth Sarnoff
Executive Producers
- Bryan Burk
- J.J. Abrams
- Steven Lilien
- Bryan Wynbrandt
- Elizabeth Sarnoff
Alcatraz - FAQs
Why was Alcatraz cancelled after one season?
Alcatraz was cancelled by FOX in May 2012 after its ratings declined sharply following a strong premiere. The show drew over 10 million viewers at launch but struggled to maintain its audience, and FOX opted not to renew it for a second season, leaving several storylines unresolved.
Did Alcatraz get a proper series finale or ending?
Alcatraz ended on a cliffhanger rather than a proper conclusion. The season finale left major mysteries unresolved, including the fate of Rebecca Madsen and the larger conspiracy behind the prisoners' disappearance. Because cancellation came shortly after, no resolution was ever produced for viewers.
Where can you watch Alcatraz online?
Alcatraz is available to purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. It can also be watched for free with ads on Tubi TV, or streamed at no cost through Hoopla. Availability may vary by region.
Is Alcatraz based on a true story?
Alcatraz is a fictional drama, though it draws on the real history of the infamous island prison in San Francisco Bay, which operated from 1934 to 1963. The central premise — that all 302 prisoners and guards vanished overnight in 1963 — is entirely invented for the series.
Who are the main cast members of Alcatraz?
The main cast includes Sarah Jones as detective Rebecca Madsen, Sam Neill as the secretive federal agent Emerson Hauser, and Jorge Garcia as comic-book expert and conspiracy theorist Diego Soto. Supporting roles include Parminder Nagra, Jason Butler Harner, Jonny Coyne, and Robert Forster.
How many episodes does Alcatraz have?
Alcatraz ran for 13 episodes across its single season, which aired on FOX from January to March 2012. Two additional special episodes are also catalogued. The series was cancelled before a second season could be produced, making it a short but self-contained run.
What is the content rating for Alcatraz?
Alcatraz is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains moderate violence, suspense, and mature themes related to crime, imprisonment, and conspiracy. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
What shows are similar to Alcatraz?
Viewers who enjoyed Alcatraz may also like Touch (2012), a similarly J.J. Abrams-adjacent mystery drama, or Battle Creek (2015) for its procedural crime elements. Missing (2012) and Unsolved Mysteries (1988) share the theme of disappearances, while Doctor Who (1963) echoes the time-displacement storylines.
More About Alcatraz
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