The reason for that was because when the series was first seen in the UK, it went out at different times, in different regions across the United Kingdom. Without going into too much detail, the ITV network actually consisted of a collection of regional TV stations, each having some autonomy over their schedules. Thus, when (or whether) you saw a programme was often dependent on the regional scheduler. The new station, Channel 4, launched in late 1982, had the same schedule for the whole country (except for Wales, which had its own fourth channel, S4C). It was originally intended to be a minority-interest channel, funded mainly by those ITV regional companies, and with the ironic exception of Wales (where Portmeirion is, the location setting for 'The Village') it was on this station that 'The Prisoner' got its first national screening in the autumn of 1983.
For those who have no idea what this show is about, or why it is so significant, I'll attempt to sum it up. However, there have been many books and a lot of other literature written on this one television series, and it still attracts a following to this day!
Essentially, the series follows an unnamed man who, it is implied, worked for the British Government in a very high-ranking role. He is seen to resign from his post and return home, intending to take a holiday - but is instead followed home, whereupon he's knocked unconscious with gas and when he wakes, he finds himself not in his London flat but in a strange, mysterious location - The Village. From there he is given a number (6) and is identified only by that number from then on, throughout the series.
The programme was a vehicle for its star, Patrick McGoohan, at one time the highest-paid actor in Britain. He was sufficiently popular and influential to be given a virtual free reign to make the programme as he saw fit, by his backer Sir Lew Grade of television producers ITC. McGoohan took the opportunity to touch on many themes in the series; ostensibly a spy thriller there were elements of science fiction, fantasy, action and adventure and all centred around the theme: who is this man and why did he resign from his high-ranking position?
By the time of this 1983 screening, McGoohan had long since left the UK to live and work in the United States, taking work only when he felt it worthwhile and refusing to be drawn on the themes made in 'The Prisoner'. An intensely private man, he resisted many calls for interviews but did agree to make a short film which was supposed to help clarify things regarding 'The Prisoner'. However, the film he produced, known as 'The LA Tape' only raised more questions, shown partially in a documentary commissioned by Channel 4 which was shown in early 1984, after the concluding episode of 'The Prisoner'.
The programme's cult following received a huge boost as a result of this screening however, and membership of the fan club blossomed. Nowadays, with this and many other TV series readily available on DVD or Blu-Ray, or even on YouTube, there is not quite the same cachet about watching this unique series as there was when it was rarely seen. The 1983 screening of 'The Prisoner' was a significant TV event, at least for one 18-year old viewer who had always been fascinated by the programme and its imagery. 1983 was the first time I'd seen the entire programme in full, from the start, and despite Channel 4 mucking up the episode order (a debate which has itself seen many pages printed!), it hooked me instantly and I remain a fan of the series to this day.
With the uncertain state of the world in 2013, it is worth watching this series made almost 50 years ago to see just how many predictions made back then came true, or are becoming true even now. If you haven't seen it, you may be surprised just how relevant much of it remains.
For viewers who want to know more about 'The Prisoner', including locations used in filming, there is a lot of content available here:
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