Five years after a tearful Wentworth finale, the beloved Australian drama will return to screens with a whole new storyline but some familiar faces.
The 2013 premiere of the cult prison drama, set behind the bars of Wentworth Correctional Centre, was a defining moment in Aussie television. It aired for eight seasons, 100 epic episodes, and screened across 173 territories globally.
Foxtel initially axed the show after the seventh season, but a mass outroar from fans led to its return. Despite a “finite budget,” the network wanted the show to leave on a high note and tell some new stories. But even then, fans wanted a spin-off.
To that question, Foxtel’s former Executive Director of Television Brian Walsh told TV Tonight: “We need to have a break. I don’t think necessarily, we’d recreate Wentworth Correctional Centre but I think that world is still tantalising and attractive.”
The spin-off titled, Wentworth: Halfway Home, sees the return of Katrina Milosevic as Susan ‘Boomer’ Jenkins, Nicole da Silva as Franky Doyle, and Kate Box as Lou Kelly.
There are, however, some new faces spicing up the drama. Six Feet Under’s Rachel Griffiths joins as Moira, convicted of fraud and out on parole after serving three years of a five-year sentence. Her world came crumbling down when her second husband died, exposing the truth behind their luxurious life of penthouses and champagne.
“Moira is a delicious character to bring to life and is going shake things up at the house. I am so excited to be working with such an amazing group of actors and creatives and being part of the iconic Wentworth world is going to be a lot of fun,” Rachel said of joining the cast.
Also joining the cast is Sophie Lowe, best known for Beautiful Kate and Blow The Man Down, as Sam. Now out on parole, Sam was a stalker, obsessed with a broken relationship, leading to a break-in and assault.
Other cast members include Alex King as Dee, and Chenile Chandler as Lily.
What is the plot of Wentworth: Halfway Home?
The title certainly gives the plot away! But the spin off follows newly paroled Boomer who arrives at Sal’s Halfway House.
Boomer is determined to get custody of her daughter and build a life for them. Until a dead body is discovered… In a house of ex-cons, is there really anyone she can trust?
Staying out of prison might just be Boomer’s hardest challenge.
When does Wentworth: Halfway Home release?
An exact date has not yet been revealed. We do, however, know Wentworth: Halfway Home will premiere on Binge and Foxtel in late 2026.
Production is currently underway in Melbourne, so keep an eye out for our original favourites!
