Featured Image Credit: Fremantle
Topics: Netflix, Film and TV
Michael Slavin
Now, I know you’ve read that headline and you’re thinking, ‘how on earth could that be true?’
Yes, it’s true - there is a show on Netflix set in a prison so good that fans are calling it a ‘masterpiece’ and deeming it ‘better than Prison Break’.
Before you say it, no we’re not just pretending to tell you about Orange Is the New Black like it’s some secret show.
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The series is an Australian contemporary reboot of a prison drama from the 80s called Prisoner.
Despite the fact that many of you won’t have even heard of it, it ran for eight seasons to stellar reviews.
Below and before you decide it doesn’t live up to Prison Break or Orange is the New Black check out the trailer below to see what you think.
The show in question is called Wentworth, and to say it was well-reviewed is perhaps an understatement.
With an average IMDb rating of 8.6, the show has a similar score to The Bear, Battlestar Galactica, and Mr Robot - all of which are TV classics.
The premise is remarkably similar to Orange Is the New Black, except Wentworth first aired just two months prior.
Running form 2013 to 2021, Wentworth was a hit in Australia to the point that it was picked up in various countries - including in the US on Netflix.
A post in the Netflix Bangers Facebook group recently asked for ‘a series so good that you can’t stop recommending. Give me your best Netflix series pls’.
One of the most upvoted answer was Wentworth, and going off fan reviews its not surprising.
A review on IMDb gave the show 9/10, saying: “I absolutely loved Wentworth. I don't think I've ever been more surprised by how much I've liked a show quite like this one. Every episode of every season is good. It's addicting.
“I binged the entire series as quickly as I could and I would dare to bet you would too if you haven't seen it yet.”
One Reddit post called it ‘the best series you’ve never watched’, while another praised it as a ‘masterpiece’.
The comparisons to Prison Break and Orange Is the New Black were natural, though Wentworth viewers think there’s one clear winner.
One fan commented: “Wentworth is by far the best. I love OITNB and think it has great writing and acting, but I prefer the tone and story of Wentworth more.
“I think Prison Break would be last on the list simply because I don't think the acting and writing is up to par. It had an AMAZING first season but then the rest of them never lived up to the bar that one set. I still love the show and am excited about the reboot, but it doesn't come close to Wentworth.”
There you have it folks, pause the yearly Prison Break rewatch, and get watching Wentworth.
Wentworth seasons one to eight are available to stream on Netflix in the US.