Prisoner, also known as Prisoner: Cell Block H in some countries, aired from 1979 to 1986 and became a cultural phenomenon in Australia. The show focused on the lives of the female prisoners and the staff at the Wentworth Detention Centre, tackling issues such as domestic violence, drug addiction, mental health, and corruption within the justice system.
The central character of the show was Bea Smith, played by actress Val Lehman, who started as a naive and vulnerable inmate but later became a powerful and respected figure within the prison. Other memorable characters included tough lesbian Franky Doyle, drug-addicted prostitute Doreen Anderson, sadistic officer Joan Ferguson, and compassionate prison social worker Meg Jackson.
The show was groundbreaking in its depiction of lesbian and bisexual relationships, and was also one of the first to showcase strong female characters who were not defined by their relationship to men. It tackled controversial topics and sparked debates about the treatment of female prisoners in Australia.
Prisoner was exported to over 50 countries and became an international sensation, with fans tuning in to see the latest drama and tension inside the walls of Wentworth. Today, it is remembered as a landmark in Australian television history and remains a cult classic for its portrayal of complex women and gritty realism.