97 years ago the Earth was destroyed due to a series of nuclear strikes. The only hope for human survival were the 12 stations that orbited the earth known as the ark. The citizens believe they can live there forever, but little do they know their time in space is coming to an end.
To save his people Chancellor Jaha initiates a plan called "The 100". The plan calls for 100 teen criminals to be sent down to Earth to see if its survivable after all this time.
"Prisoners of The Ark, hear me now. You've been given a second chance, and as your Chancellor, it is my hope that you see this as not just a chance for you, but a chance for all of us, indeed for mankind itself. We have no idea what is waiting for you down there. If the odds of survival were better, we would've sent others. Frankly, we're sending you because your crimes have made you expendable."
This is where our story begins...