Foxtel reboots Wentworth with spin-off series on streamer Binge

Wentworth was originally commissioned by Foxtel in 2013

Australia’s Foxtel Group is resurrecting one of its most successful series, women’s prison drama Wentworth, with a newly commissioned reboot set outside of the penitentiary.

The reboot was revealed at the 2026 AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast in Queensland by Wentworth’s former lead actress Danielle Cormack.

The Fremantle-produced series was originally commissioned by Foxtel in 2013 and sold into 170 markets globally, becoming one of Australian television’s most iconic dramas.

Lana Greenhalgh, Foxtel Group’ director of scripted originals, confirmed the new Binge original series will feature characters and draw elements from the established Wentworth universe, while creating a new narrative about the inmates as they adjust to the reality of life on parole.

“We’re incredibly proud of the legacy of Wentworth and excited to reveal what we’re creating in this bold new chapter. The next iteration honours everything fans loved about the world, while opening the door to a new era of formidable and compelling characters driven by fresh, provocative storylines. The project is at an exciting stage of development, and we look forward to sharing more details soon,” Greenhalgh said.

The drama started on rival Network Ten as Prisoner, broadcast from 1979 to 1986 and produced by Reg Grundy. The original also had international success and was known as Prisoner: Cell Block H in the UK and US and Caged Women in Canada.

In 2012, Foxtel’s then executive director of television Brian Walsh announced a reimagining of the Prisoner series against the backdrop of the prestige TV boom.

Lara Radulovich and David Hannam developed the Wentworth concept with Fremantle based on Watson’s original, which was inspired by 1970s UK drama Within These Walls.

Wentworth ran for eight seasons, ending in 2021 and featuring an ensemble cast drawn from Australia and New Zealand.