News brief: Channel 5 buys Prisoner Cell Block H reboot

UK free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5 has acquired Wentworth, the upcoming reboot of Prisoner Cell Block H.

The 1980s cult Australian women’s prison drama is being remade and distributed by FremantleMedia International, which launched it at MIPTV. The story revisits the Wentworth Correctional Centre and some characters of the original series.

In Australia, the 10x1hr series will debut on pay TV operator Foxtel’s SoHo channel in May.

Katie Keenan, head of acquisitions, bought the show for Channel 5.