Wentworth is officially returning to UK television, with Channel 5 confirming it has acquired the Australian prison drama’s long-awaited sequel, Wentworth: Beyond Bars. The new series will follow fan favourite Susan ‘Boomer’ Jenkins as she attempts to rebuild her life following her release from prison, with Katrina Milosevic returning to the role alongside Nicole da Silva and Kate Box. The drama is expected to premiere in the UK before the end of 2026, although an exact release date has yet to be announced.

The announcement brings the franchise back to a familiar home, with Channel 5 and 5STAR having previously broadcast all eight seasons of Wentworth Prison in the UK until its conclusion in 2021. The original Australian drama developed a devoted international following for its gripping storylines, complicated relationships and unforgettable characters, and now fans will finally get to see what life looks like for some of those familiar faces beyond the prison walls.

What Is Wentworth: Beyond Bars About?

The sequel picks up with Boomer finally released on parole and determined to reunite with her daughter. Hoping to leave her prison life behind, she moves into the Sally Lee Halfway House, where she finds herself surrounded by women dealing with their own troubled pasts and uncertain futures. However, her hopes of starting over are thrown into jeopardy when one of the residents is found dead, leaving Boomer caught up in another dangerous situation.

To make matters worse, someone Boomer previously informed on to secure a shorter prison sentence has also been released and is looking for revenge. With her freedom and the possibility of rebuilding her family life now at risk, Boomer faces another fight to protect everything she’s worked towards.

Milosevic will be joined by returning Wentworth stars Nicole da Silva as Franky Doyle and Kate Box as Lou Kelly. The new series also welcomes Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under), Sophie Lowe, Alex King and Chenile Chandler, alongside Nadine Garner, Elaine Crombie, Daniel Henshall and several other additions to the cast.

Speaking about the sequel, Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at 5, said: “The ultimate prize is their permanent freedom. It’s not about getting out, it’s about staying out.”

Production began in Melbourne in July 2026, with Fremantle Australia producing the series. Australian viewers will know the sequel as Wentworth: Halfway Home, which is set to premiere on BINGE, although it will be released internationally under the title Wentworth: Beyond Bars.

When Will Wentworth: Beyond Bars Air in the UK?

Channel 5 has confirmed that Wentworth: Beyond Bars will premiere exclusively on 5 later in 2026. An official broadcast date and schedule have not yet been announced, with further details expected closer to release.

For CultureCues, seeing Wentworth return after five years is brilliant news, especially with Boomer, Franky and Lou all coming back. Wentworth was always a favourite in our household, especially with my mum, so we can’t wait to see what the sequel has in store. Boomer finally getting her freedom should have been the beginning of a happier chapter, but of course, this is Wentworth, and nothing was ever going to be that straightforward. Five years later, and it looks like Wentworth is finally breaking free!

Wentworth: Beyond Bars will premiere on Channel 5 in late 2026, with an exact UK release date still to be announced.

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