Wentworth Prison Available to Watch Free in UK Ahead of New Spin-Off

British Wentworth viewers can revisit the Australian prison drama for free on Channel 5's streaming service ahead of the arrival of the new spin-off Wentworth: Beyond Bars later this year.

The original series, which introduced audiences to Bea Smith, Franky Doyle, Boomer Jenkins and Joan Ferguson, is available through 5, formerly known as My5, with episodes from across its eight-season run listed on the service.

It gives UK audiences an opportunity to revisit the friendships, rivalries and relationships that made Wentworth an international success before three familiar characters return for a new story set beyond the prison walls.

Where can UK viewers watch Wentworth Prison for free?

Wentworth Prison is available through Channel 5's free streaming service, which can be accessed online, through compatible smart televisions and through the 5 app on supported devices.

Unlike subscription services such as Netflix and Prime Video, Channel 5 does not charge viewers to watch programmes in its streaming library, although a free account may be required to access episodes.

The broadcaster currently lists episodes from multiple seasons, including the later storylines involving Franky, Rita Connors, Lou Kelly and Boomer. Episode pages show availability extending into July 2027, although streaming rights and individual episode availability can change.

Watch Wentworth Prison free on Channel 5

Viewers can also open individual season pages to find their preferred episodes, including series two, series five and series six.

Channel 5's online listings divide the later episodes differently from the original Australian eight-season classification, so viewers may notice a ninth season displayed when browsing the streaming library.

Why Wentworth is worth watching again

Wentworth first aired in Australia in 2013, reimagining the original Prisoner television drama with a darker approach to prison life and the complicated relationships between women living behind bars.

The series originally followed Bea Smith, played by Danielle Cormack, whose arrival at Wentworth Correctional Centre introduced viewers to a dangerous world of shifting alliances, institutional power struggles and rivalries between prisoners.

Nicole da Silva's Franky Doyle became one of the programme's most popular characters, with her sexuality and relationship storylines contributing to Wentworth's particularly strong following among LGBTQ+ audiences.

The drama continued for eight seasons before concluding in October 2021, eventually reaching audiences across more than 170 territories and becoming one of Australia's most successful television exports.

Revisiting the original episodes also provides important background for the forthcoming spin-off, particularly for viewers wanting to remember how Boomer, Franky and Lou's stories developed before the prison drama ended.

Boomer and Franky return in Wentworth Beyond Bars

Channel 5 confirmed on Thursday 29 October that it had acquired the UK rights to Wentworth: Beyond Bars, the new continuation of the Australian drama that will be released under the title Wentworth: Halfway Home in Australia.

Katrina Milosevic returns as Susan 'Boomer' Jenkins, who is attempting to rebuild her life after leaving prison and hopes to regain custody of her daughter.

She moves into a halfway house alongside other former prisoners, but her hopes of a peaceful new beginning are threatened when a body is discovered and a familiar enemy resurfaces.

Nicole da Silva also reprises her role as Franky Doyle, while Kate Box returns as Lou Kelly, bringing three established characters into a new story exploring life after imprisonment.

The returning actors are joined by Rachel Griffiths, Nadine Garner, Sophie Lowe and Elaine Crombie, with the production moving beyond Wentworth's prison setting while retaining the difficult relationships and suspense that defined the original.

When will Wentworth Beyond Bars air in the UK?

Channel 5 has confirmed that the new series will premiere in the UK before the end of 2026, although an exact transmission date has not yet been announced.

Australian audiences will see the drama on BINGE and Foxtel under the title Wentworth: Halfway Home, with the original Wentworth also receiving a complete rerun through Australian services from Wednesday 11 November.

That Australian rerun date does not apply to the UK, where episodes of the original Wentworth Prison are already listed on Channel 5's streaming service.

For British viewers, the free streaming library provides an opportunity to revisit the earlier stories while awaiting confirmation of when Boomer, Franky and Lou will return.

Watch Wentworth Prison on Channel 5

Streaming information checked as of Friday 30 October 2026. Programme availability may change.

Images: Fremantle/Foxtel/Channel 5.