Prison Diary

A young Russian student named Maria Zhukova travels to the United States to study but becomes entangled in a political conspiracy that leads to her wrongful arrest on espionage charges. Thrown into an American prison far from home, she faces psychological pressure, interrogation, and isolation while struggling to prove her innocence. As she confronts both her captors and her inner fears, Maria’s fight for freedom becomes a battle for identity and survival in a world where truth and manipulation are fatally intertwined.

The show is inspired by Maria Butina’s autobiographical book, where she recounts her 467 days in a U.S. prison.

According to Butina, about 98% of the events shown are based on real experiences, though some scenes were dramatized for storytelling.

Filming began in July 2024 and took place in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kirov, with some scenes shot in real detention facilities.

The series was presented at Russia’s Ministry of Justice, attended by American businessman Patrick Byrne, who had personal ties to Butina’s real-life story.

Actress Maria Lopatina, who portrays Maria Zhukova, was praised by Butina for creating a new interpretation of her character rather than a literal imitation.

The series’ slogan, “She cannot be broken,” encapsulates its central theme — the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and isolation.