If Netflix’s decision to renew House of Cards shortly before the premiere of season 4 raised a few eyebrows, then the streaming giant issued a resounding vote of confidence to fellow original series Orange is the New Black, confirming that the prison drama will return for not only season 5, but also 6 and 7 as well.
First hatched by series creator Jenji Kohan in 2013, Orange is the New Black has gone from strength to strength since its humble debut, often sweeping the board at the annual Critics’ Choice awards, with Lorraine Toussaint recently nabbing the gong for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
In light of today’s announcement, Kohan expressed her excitement in an official statement, and why she can’t wait to see how the future pans out for the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary.
“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. Here’s to keeping it interesting. Thanks Netflix! Both thanks and you’re welcome Lionsgate! 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!”
Among the cast returning for season 4, fans can look forward to seeing series stalwarts Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Prepon and Toussaint hit the small screen once more. Sadly, Matt McGorry and Natasha Lyonne have parted ways with the show, though Jenji Kohan has teased the introduction of new blood ahead of OINTB‘s return.
Get comfortable, folks, Orange is the New Black isn’t going anywhere, and the wonderful women of Litchfield return when season 4 debuts on Netflix come June 17.