The first season wasn't just a hit on paper; its physical production added to its gritty reputation:

The success of the first season led Fox to extend its initial order to a full 22-episode run. It eventually won at the 2006 People's Choice Awards and earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Drama Series and Best Actor for Wentworth Miller.

: Reviewers frequently compared the season to a high-stakes puzzle, with The Guardian noting it made audiences "long for ad breaks" just to get a respite from the tension.

The Rotten Tomatoes Critic Reviews highlight several key factors that contributed to the season's "Certified Fresh" energy:

As of May 2026, maintains its status as a high-water mark for mid-2000s television, holding a strong 79% Tomatometer score and an exceptional 95% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes .