---
title: "Taken"
year: 2017
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/taken-2017"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 68006
imdb_id: "tt5052460"
status: "Canceled"
seasons_count: 2
episodes_count: 26
runtime_minutes: 42
community_rating: 6.5
vote_count: 272
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Taken (2017) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/taken-2017

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Taken is an action-thriller television series based on the Taken film franchise. Created by Alexander Cary and Luc Besson, the show serves as an origin story for the character Bryan Mills, who was portrayed by Liam Neeson in the original film trilogy. The series was commissioned with a straight-to-series order in September 2015 and premiered on NBC on February 27, 2017. Clive Standen stars as a younger, hungrier version of Bryan Mills, a former Green Beret. The plot follows Mills as he navigates a personal tragedy that shakes his world. In his quest to overcome this incident and exact revenge, he is recruited into a career as a deadly CIA operative. This professional path awakens the character's very particular and dangerous set of skills. The television series, which ran from 2017 to 2018, also features cast members Jennifer Beals, Adam Goldberg, and Jessica Camacho. The narrative focuses on the development of Mills's capabilities as he transitions into his role within the intelligence community.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A young Bryan Mills begins his transformation into a lethal CIA operative following a personal tragedy."

### Why Watch
- explores the origins of a iconic character
- fast-paced tactical sequences

### Caveats & Content Note
- features intense themes of vengeance
- Tone & Suitability: The series contains depictions of violence and themes related to personal trauma.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: action, thriller, gritty, suspenseful

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus | The CW | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (10 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 26
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 4 (15%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 22 (85%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Alexander Cary
- **Networks / Studios**: NBC

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Clive Standen** as *Bryan Mills*
- **Jennifer Beals** as *Christina Hart*
- **Adam Goldberg** as *Kilroy*
- **Jessica Camacho** as *Santana*
- **Gaius Charles** as *John*
- **Jose Pablo Cantillo** as *Bernie*
- **Monique Gabriela Curnen** as *Becca*
- **James Landry Hébert** as *REM*
- **Michael Irby** as *Scott*
- **Brooklyn Sudano** as *Asha Flynn*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is this show about?
It follows the early life of Bryan Mills as he enters the world of intelligence work.

### Q: Is this a prequel?
Yes, the series serves as an origin story for the character Bryan Mills.

### Q: What is Bryan Mills' background?
He is a former Green Beret.

### Q: Does he work for the government?
Yes, he is recruited to work as a CIA operative.

### Q: What drives the main character?
He is motivated by a personal tragedy that leads him to seek revenge.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Taken (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taken_(film))
- [Taken (2017 TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taken_(2017_TV_series))
- [Taken (2008) - IMDb](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0936501)
- [Taken (TV Series 2017-2018) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5052460/)
- [Watch Taken | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70101374)
- [Taken (TV Series 2017-2018) - The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/68006-taken/cast)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*