Wentworth Beyond Bars Confirmed for Channel 5 UK in 2026

British fans of Wentworth finally know where they will be able to watch its long-awaited sequel. Channel 5 has acquired the UK rights to Wentworth: Beyond Bars, the new Australian drama that has been promoted at home as Wentworth: Halfway Home, with the series expected to arrive before the end of 2026.

The announcement on Thursday 29 October ends months of uncertainty about the show's British home. Channel 5 previously broadcast the original Wentworth in the UK, making the acquisition a return to familiar territory for the franchise, although the exact premiere date remains unannounced.

Why does Wentworth have a different UK name?

Wentworth: Beyond Bars and Wentworth: Halfway Home are the same new series, rather than two separate spin-offs.

Halfway Home is the Australian title used by streaming platform BINGE, while international distributor Fremantle is marketing the drama as Beyond Bars outside Australia.

That distinction is important for UK viewers who have already seen Australian teasers and cast announcements. The title change does not indicate a different storyline or a new production made specifically for British television.

Boomer, Franky and Lou return for a new chapter

Katrina Milosevic reprises her role as Susan 'Boomer' Jenkins, who has been released on parole and arrives at a halfway house determined to regain custody of her daughter. However, the discovery of a body puts her hopes for a fresh start under threat, while someone she previously informed on has also been released and wants revenge.

Nicole da Silva returns as Franky Doyle and Kate Box as Lou Kelly. The wider ensemble includes Rachel Griffiths, Sophie Lowe, Nadine Garner and Elaine Crombie, among others, bringing new faces into a world where life outside prison may prove just as dangerous.

Channel 5 welcomes Wentworth back

Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at 5, welcomed the return of the three established characters alongside newcomers. He described the central challenge as staying out of prison after being released, emphasising that permanent freedom is the real prize.

The acquisition gives Channel 5 a continuation of a drama with an established British following. For viewers drawn to the original show's complicated friendships, betrayals and queer characters, the sequel's returning cast is a significant part of the appeal, although promotional information does not yet confirm specific romantic storylines.

When can UK viewers watch Wentworth Beyond Bars?

The confirmed UK broadcaster is 5, with a premiere planned for later in 2026. Neither an exact broadcast date nor a detailed weekly schedule has been announced, and no further UK streaming arrangements should be assumed beyond the broadcaster's confirmation.

In Australia, the series remains titled Wentworth: Halfway Home and is expected on BINGE in late 2026. SoaplandTV's earlier coverage of the show referred to UK viewing rights as unconfirmed; the new Channel 5 announcement supersedes that information.

Image credit: Fremantle/BINGE