New Discovery+ Documentary “The Prison Breaker” Exposes the Shocking Deceptions of a Criminal Genius

discovery+’s thrilling new documentary, The Prison Breaker, uncovers the true story of one of the most brilliant escape artists of all time, Richard Lee McNair. Thought to be the only person ever to have broken out of jail, state penitentiary, and federal penitentiary, this four-hour documentary exposes the master of deception and gives insight into how he did the impossible. McNair is a three-time escape artist who is famous for his sly escape maneuvers, such as crawling through air vents, using lip balm to slip out of handcuffs, and, most notoriously, mailing himself to freedom. Now, with the help of journalist Byron Chrisopher, who spent 13 years building a relationship with McNair, The Prison Breaker uses hundreds of never-before-seen letters, personal photos and videos, and exclusive interviews to give viewers a deep dive into the chaotic world of a criminal mastermind. Produced by Soledad O’Brien’s production company, SO’B Productions, all four hours of The Prison Breaker drop on discovery+ on Tuesday, October 5.

In The Prison Breaker, Richard McNair’s friends and family, the law enforcement officers whom he betrayed, and the journalists pursuing the truth, tell their versions of interactions with one of America’s most wanted criminals. The series begins with recalling the dramatic 1988 arrest and flight of a young escape artist, and then delves into McNair’s 1992 jailbreak and his astonishing time on the run. But perhaps the most provocative are the details behind his 2006 escape-by-mail that vaulted McNair to international infamy. The four hours end with a deep dive into McNair’s dramatic capture and a remembrance of the monstrous event that started it all.

The Prison Breaker is produced for discovery+ by Soledad O’Brien’s production company, SO’B Productions with Soledad O’Brien, Jo Honig, Christine Connor, Seth Porges, Liz DeCesare of Authentic Management Productions as executive producers. For discovery+, Diana Sperrazza is executive producer.