The gripping prison drama Wentworth is becoming a hit with UK viewers, even though it first aired in Australia five years ago. Now available on 5, the show is set inside a women’s prison and follows the lives of the inmates. Many people are comparing it to the popular Netflix series Orange Is The New Black.
Inspired by the classic Australian series Prisoner, Wentworth Prison follows Bea Smith, played by Danielle Cormack, as she navigates life in prison after being accused of trying to kill her husband. While awaiting trial, Bea quickly becomes a powerful figure within the prison walls, and the show also explores the stories of the other women inmates.
Nicole da Silva plays Franky Doyle, a character who starts as the main villain in the early seasons but later develops into a key hero.
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You can now watch all nine seasons of Wentworth Prison on Channel 5 in the UK. The show is proving popular, currently ranking as the eighth most-watched programme on the platform.
Critics have highly praised the acting in the series, calling it superb. The cast includes Cormack and da Silva, as well as Kris McQuade, Libby Tanner, Leeanna Walsman, Kate Atkinson, Celia Ireland, and Shareena Clanton.
Fans of Wentworth have praised it as a well-written, realistic, and compelling drama with a fantastic cast. Many reviews also acknowledge comparisons to Orange Is the New Black.
One critic described Wentworth as a raw and realistic look inside a women’s prison, comparing it to Orange Is the New Black but with more intense drama and danger.
You know, I think I actually like this show even more than Orange is the New Black! It just feels so much more layered and the characters are so well-developed. It’s really raw and realistic – it reminds me a bit of Oz, honestly. It doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff.
I’m totally hooked on this show! Someone else commented, “I can’t even rewatch Orange is the New Black after seeing it the first time,” and I totally get what they mean. It really stays with you.”
All episodes of Wentworth Prison are streaming on 5 in the UK.
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2026-02-18 23:50