Wentworth Returns in 2025: A Shocking Revival for the Australian Prison Drama
After wrapping its explosive eighth and final season in 2021, few expected to see the return of Wentworth, one of Australia's most acclaimed and internationally beloved television dramas. But in a surprise announcement from Foxtel, Wentworth is officially coming back in 2025, reigniting excitement among longtime fans and promising a darker, more intense chapter in the legacy of the iconic prison saga.
Originally debuting in 2013 as a modern reimagining of the classic Australian series Prisoner, Wentworth evolved into a powerhouse of storytelling, known for its gripping plots, complex characters, and bold, often brutal themes. Set in a women’s correctional facility, the show explored power struggles, loyalty, redemption, and survival behind bars. Over eight seasons, Wentworth developed a loyal fanbase and earned critical acclaim not just in Australia but across the globe, particularly in the UK, Canada, and the United States via streaming platforms.
Now, four years after its dramatic finale, Wentworth is preparing to reopen the gates.
Titled Wentworth: Redemption, the 2025 revival is not a reboot but a direct continuation of the original series. Foxtel confirmed that the new chapter will pick up several years after the events of Season 8, in a restructured facility with new leadership—and new inmates. However, familiar faces will return, including Kate Atkinson (Vera Bennett), Jacqueline Brennan (Linda Miles), and fan-favorite Katrina Milosevic (Boomer), whose arcs were left somewhat open-ended. The return of Pamela Rabe as Joan “The Freak” Ferguson remains unconfirmed, but rumors suggest her legacy will loom large over the upcoming storyline.
The show’s original creators, including executive producer Jo Porter, are involved in the revival, ensuring continuity in tone and quality. Porter described the new series as “a bold next chapter that explores the generational impact of the prison system on women—how trauma, justice, and legacy play out in an environment built to break them.”
Wentworth: Redemption is expected to introduce a new generation of characters, including both correctional officers and inmates. Among them is a mysterious young woman reportedly connected to a former inmate from earlier seasons, which has sparked speculation about possible ties to characters like Bea Smith or Allie Novak. The season will also explore political pressures on the prison system, including privatization and corruption, adding a modern socio-political edge to the narrative.
Visually and thematically, the series promises to be as raw and uncompromising as ever. Foxtel released a teaser showing flickering prison lights, a bloodied hallway, and the haunting phrase: “You can leave Wentworth, but it never leaves you.”
Production began in early 2025 in Melbourne, with a premiere date set for late fall. International distribution is expected to follow soon after, with Netflix and Acorn TV reportedly interested in acquiring the new season.
For fans who thought they had said their final goodbyes to Wentworth Correctional Centre, 2025 offers a second chance—a return to the blue-uniformed battleground where alliances shift like shadows and no one is ever truly safe.
