Orange Is the New Black

Inmates navigate life in women's prison

Watch on Netflix
About Orange Is the New Black

Released: 2013

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 7 Seasons

Cast
Taylor Schilling, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Prepon, Jason Biggs, Natasha Lyonne, Michael Harney, Uzo Aduba, Danielle Brooks, Samira Wiley, Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva, Nick Sandow, Yael Stone, Taryn Manning, Lea DeLaria, Matt McGorry, Emma Myles, Vicky Jeudy, Laverne Cox, Pablo Schreiber, Lori Petty, Ruby Rose, Adrienne C. Moore, Jackie Cruz, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Jessica Pimentel, Laura Gómez, Dale Soules, Amanda Fuller, Henny Russell, Mackenzie Phillips, Vicci Martinez

About Orange Is the New Black

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About

Orange Is the New Black is a TV show based on the memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman. The show, created by Jenji Kohan, premiered in 2013 on Netflix and quickly became a critically acclaimed and popular series. It follows the story of Piper Chapman, a privileged woman who is sentenced to a minimum-security women's prison for her involvement in a drug trafficking operation ten years prior. The show explores Piper's struggles to adapt to prison life and the relationships she forms with other inmates.

The plot of the show delves into prison dynamics, social issues, and personal growth as Piper navigates the challenges of incarceration. It also sheds light on the lives of the diverse group of inmates, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds. The show combines drama, comedy, and social commentary to provide a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

Making / Production

Orange Is the New Black was developed for television by Jenji Kohan, known for her work on the series Weeds. The show is produced by Lionsgate Television and is primarily filmed in New York. The authenticity of the series is enhanced through the use of former prisoners as consultants and the inclusion of real-life issues faced by incarcerated women.

The production of Orange Is the New Black incorporates diverse storytelling methods and a large ensemble cast. Each season of the show is known for its narrative structure, often focusing on the backstory of different characters, providing a deeper understanding of their lives. The series has been praised for its strong writing, character development, and compelling storytelling.

Actors

  • Taylor Schilling as Piper Chapman - Schilling portrays the main character, Piper Chapman, who is sentenced to prison. She brings vulnerability and strength to the role as she navigates the complexities of prison life.
  • Laura Prepon as Alex Vause - Prepon plays Alex Vause, Piper's ex-girlfriend and former accomplice in the drug trafficking operation. Her portrayal perfectly captures the enigmatic and complex nature of the character.
  • Kate Mulgrew as Galina "Red" Reznikov - Mulgrew shines as Red, the formidable Russian prison chef with a mysterious past. She brings depth and charisma to the role.
  • Danielle Brooks as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson - Brooks delivers a powerful performance as Taystee, a witty and compassionate inmate who becomes one of Piper's closest friends.
  • Uzo Aduba as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren - Aduba's portrayal of Crazy Eyes is both heartbreaking and captivating. She skillfully portrays the complexities of mental illness within the prison system.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Orange Is the New Black is based on the real-life experiences of Piper Kerman, who wrote the memoir on which the show is based.
  • Several of the characters in the series are based on real inmates that Piper Kerman encountered during her time in prison.
  • The show has been praised for its diverse and inclusive representation, featuring characters of different races, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
  • Orange Is the New Black was one of the first successful original series released by Netflix, contributing to the rise of the streaming platform.
  • The show has received critical acclaim for its exploration of social issues such as race, class, and gender within the prison system.

Awards

Orange Is the New Black has received numerous awards and nominations since its premiere. Some of the notable awards include:

  • Four Primetime Emmy Awards
  • Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
  • Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting

Quotes

  • "I'm scared that I'm not myself in here, and I'm scared that I am." - Piper Chapman
  • "The world is better in black and white." - Galina "Red" Reznikov
  • "I threw my pie for you!" - Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren

Music

The TV show Orange Is the New Black features a variety of music throughout its episodes, with carefully curated soundtracks to enhance the storytelling. The music selection spans multiple genres and includes both popular songs and lesser-known tracks. The show effectively uses music to set the tone, evoke emotions, and capture the essence of specific scenes.

Soundtrack

Orange Is the New Black has released several soundtrack albums featuring songs that appeared in the show. These albums include a mix of original tracks and songs performed by the cast. The soundtracks provide fans with a way to further immerse themselves in the world of Orange Is the New Black and relive memorable moments through music.