Wentworth: Beyond Bars, the continuation of the iconic Australian prison drama, has landed at 5 via a deal brokered by Fremantle, which handles international rights to the brand.
5 and 5STAR aired the original series through 2021, delivering all eight seasons of a show that sold to more than 180 markets—including a pan-territory Netflix deal—and was remade in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Türkiye.
The new series picks up with Susan “Boomer” Jenkins now on parole, adjusting to life at the Sally Lee Halfway House. Katrina Milosevic, Nicole da Silva, and Kate Box return, with new cast members including Rachel Griffiths, Sophie Lowe and Alex King.
“Wentworth has become an enduring global drama franchise with an incredibly loyal fanbase, and Beyond Bars marks an exciting new chapter,” said Jamie Lynn, EVP of co-production and distribution for EMEA, commercial and international at Fremantle. “It takes the characters and world audiences know and love in a bold new direction, while retaining the edge and intensity that have always been at the heart of the series. We’re delighted to be working with 5 to bring the franchise back to UK audiences.”
Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at 5, added, “Katrina, Nicole and Kate have created globally iconic characters, and I am delighted they are returning to start a new chapter outside of Wentworth Prison, alongside brand new characters viewers will learn to love and hate. The ultimate prize is their permanent freedom. It’s not about getting out, it’s about staying out. Beyond Bars is intense and relentless in its twists and turns. Loyal Wentworth Prison fans and new viewers will be on the edge of their seats.”
5 is set to launch the series later this year. BINGE is the original commissioner and launches the series as Wentworth: Halfway Home later this year. It is produced by Fremantle Australia, with major production investment from Foxtel and Screen Australia and financed in association with VicScreen.
