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Wentworth (TV series)

Wentworth is an Australian television drama series set in a women’s prison and centred on inmate Bea Smith and prison staff.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wentworth is an Australian television drama series set in a women’s prison and centred on inmate Bea Smith and prison staff. It premiered in 2013 as a modern reimagining of *Prisoner* and ended in 2021 after 100 episodes.

Premise

The series focuses on the lives, conflicts, and power struggles of women inside Wentworth Correctional Centre. Its early storyline centres on Bea Smith as she adjusts to prison life after being remanded in custody.

Production and broadcast

Wentworth was developed by Lara Radulovich and David Hannam from Reg Watson’s original concept. It premiered on SoHo in 2013 and later aired on Fox Showcase, ending in 2021.

Relationship to *Prisoner*

The show is a modern adaptation of the 1979–1986 Australian series *Prisoner* (also known internationally as *Prisoner: Cell Block H*). It updates the setting, characters, and themes for a contemporary audience.

Reception

The series was described by BBC Culture as an international success and was praised for its gritty, naturalistic prison setting and performances. It attracted comparisons with other prison dramas while developing a distinct Australian identity.

Key facts

  • The series is a contemporary reimagining of the Australian prison drama *Prisoner*.
  • It first aired on SoHo on 1 May 2013 and ended on Fox Showcase on 26 October 2021.
  • The story follows inmates and staff at Wentworth Correctional Centre in modern-day Australia.
  • The series ran for 100 episodes across eight seasons.
  • It received strong critical and audience attention, and its debut episode was widely noted as a major premiere for Foxtel.
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Canadian context

The series has Canadian relevance through international streaming and global prison-drama fandom, but it is an Australian production with no major specifically Canadian setting or production base in the supplied sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is *Wentworth* about?
It is a prison drama about women inmates and staff at Wentworth Correctional Centre in Australia, with early focus on Bea Smith.
When did *Wentworth* first air?
It first aired on SoHo on 1 May 2013.
When did *Wentworth* end?
It ended on Fox Showcase on 26 October 2021 after 100 episodes.
Is *Wentworth* based on another series?
Yes. It is a contemporary reimagining of the Australian series *Prisoner*.
Who developed *Wentworth*?
The series was developed by Lara Radulovich and David Hannam from Reg Watson’s original concept.
How many seasons does *Wentworth* have?
Available sources list eight seasons.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wentworth_(TV_series)
    Supports: Premise, original broadcast date, end date, episode count, setting, and basis on *Prisoner*.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wentworth_episodes
    Supports: Developers and series overview, including contemporary reimagining and main premise.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2433738/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot premise, Bea Smith focus, and modern adaptation description.
  4. BBC Culture — https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190219-wentworth-the-gripping-ground-breaking-australian-drama
    Supports: Reception, international success, and comparison to *Prisoner*.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/wentworth/1000490357/
    Supports: Series run, season count, and basic premise.