Not only is Netflix picking up Orange is the New Black season 5, but we'll also get a season 6 and 7.
Ambitious is certainly one way to characterize Netflix’s programming strategy. Let’s throw brazen into the mix as well, considering the streaming service announced its renewal of Orange is the New Black for THREE more seasons. The renewal means creator Jenji Kohan has committed to Orange is the New Black season 5, 6, and 7.
Netflix has repeatedly said Orange is the New Black is its most-watched original series. The series has backed up that claimed with numerous awards over its first three seasons, including 12 Emmy nominations and three wins for season one alone. Season two earned four Emmy nominations, with Uzo Aduba winning for best supporting actress in a drama.
Via press release, Kohan expressed her gratitude to Netflix and her cast and crew:
“Three more years! Not quite a political term, but still plenty of time to do some interesting things. In some cultures, ‘May you lead an interesting life,’ is a curse, but I don't live in those cultures,” Kohan said. “And kudos and gratitude to the stellar cast and crew and writers and producers and editors and musicians and mixers and shleppers... with whom I have the pride and honor of crafting this show. Three more years! Three more years!”
Orange is the New Black’s cast has grown exponentially since season one, branching out from a story about Piper to a study on the diverse characters cooped up in Litchfield Penitentiary. The series stars Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Prepon, Laverne Cox, Dascha Polanco, Danielle Brooks, Selenis Leyva, Samira Wiley, Taryn Manning, Yael Stone, Jackie Cruz, Lea DeLaria, Adrienne C. Moore and Elizabeth Rodriguez.
Season four of Orange is the New Black left things on a pretty brutal cliffhanger. The inmates of Litchfield are rioting and Daya has retrieved a guard's gun and is pointing it directly at Officer Humphrey. It's a good bet that season five begins exactly at that point since the cliffhanger between seasons one and two was resolved nearly immediately.
Orange is the New Black Season 5 Release Date
Netflix has not confirmed a release date yet but each of the last three seasons of Orange is the New Black has debuted in June.
Orange is the New Black Season 5 Cast Update
Taryn Manning (Pennsatuckey) was rumored to be leaving the cast but then denied those rumors. Lori Petty's Whitehill is on her way to the psych ward though Petty has said she will be appearing.