Netflix orders up a triple batch of Orange is the New Black

Not only is Orange is the New Black guaranteed another 39 or so episodes, but showrunner Jenji Kohan will remain at the helm.

The popular show, which follows the life of upper-class white girl Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) in a minimum security prison on drug charges, is an addictive fish-out-of-water story that follows Chapman’s run-ins with characters from all walks of life. The show, and its roster of stellar actors, has received critical acclaim and several award nominations through its run as well.

Uzo Aduba, who plays the hilarious Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for the show’s second season. This past weekend, for the second year in a row, Aduba picked up a SAG Award for her role and the show won for comedy ensemble. Other key actors in the largely female cast include Laura Prepon (That ‘70s Show), Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager), Natasha Lyonne (American Pie), and Taryn Manning (Sons of Anarchy).

It will be interesting to see how the story can be drawn out over such a long period of time. Piper was originally only sentenced to one year in prison. The story is based on the life and book of Piper Kerman, who herself spent a year in jail after making some bad choices. Already, those “12 months” have been drawn out over three seasons. Will Piper end up with an extended sentence thanks to new crimes committed while behind bars? Or might she eventually be released and we follow the story of the other ladies that have become integral to the plot?

“We are eager to see where three more seasons will take them,” is all Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content for Netflix would say.

Orange is the New Black has already run for three seasons. The fourth season will become available on Netflix on June 17. The show is produced by Lionsgate.