Australian paynet Foxtel has commissioned a third season of Wentworth, the drama set in an all-women prison, from FremantleMedia Australia (FMA).
A reimagining of the 1980s cult hit known internationally as Prisoner: Cell Block H, the second series is shooting in Melbourne until mid-February. Production of the third season of 12 episodes will start in March.
The show has sold to more than 20 broadcasters including the UK’s Channel 5, Ireland’s TV3, Africa’s MNET, TVNZ and Sweden’s TV4.
A German-language remake has been commissioned by German network RTL, owned by Fremantle’s parent the RTL Group.
Channel 5 and TVNZ committed to two series. “We are hopeful the additional series will continue to receive the same support from our existing international broadcasters and that the increase in total episodes available will attract new players who can see and trust the longevity of the series,” FMA spokesman Steve Murphy tells C21.
The premiere on Foxtel’s SoHo channel in May 2013 was the most watched non-sports program on Australian pay-TV. Across the 10 episodes Wentworth reached 1.868 million unique viewers – 26% of Foxtel subscribers.
“Wentworth’s first season was a triumph with its remarkable performance and production qualities which enthralled our Australian audience and achieved such great international recognition,” said Foxtel executive director of television Brian Walsh.
FMA director of drama Jo Porter said: “Foxtel have been the perfect broadcast partner and have given Wentworth the ideal platform for it to achieve such success both domestically and then internationally. The commissioning of series three is such a compliment to the hard work and talent of the writers, directors, our outstanding cast and the crew, most of whom have been with us since series one.”
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