Orange is the New Black

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 11, 2013
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 871 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 776 out of 871
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 871
  3. Negative: 44 out of 871
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. Spawnycat
    Jul 11, 2013
    10
    I have to admit, I didn't know quite what to expect from Netflix as a show producer, but if "Orange is the New Black" is representative of the caliber of the shows they're investing in, I'm really impressed! Both the writing and the casting are excellent, and the show manages to be really funny while also telling meaningful stories about a refreshingly diverse range of engaging andI have to admit, I didn't know quite what to expect from Netflix as a show producer, but if "Orange is the New Black" is representative of the caliber of the shows they're investing in, I'm really impressed! Both the writing and the casting are excellent, and the show manages to be really funny while also telling meaningful stories about a refreshingly diverse range of engaging and three-dimensional characters My friend and I decided to check out just the first episode, but ended up watching five in a row because we were so caught up in the different storylines. It's already one of my favorite new shows, and I'm thrilled that Netflix has already ordered a second season it's nice to know that they recognize a good thing when they see it!

    Side note: I would respectfully disagree with the reviewer who said the show made prison look not as bad as it really is, because the prison in the show is a medium security prison that does not house the most violent inmates. As such, it is actually a more realistic portrayal of life a typical women's prison than what we usually see on TV, though some of the characters may be unusually quirky!    … Expand
  2. CassioSanfelice
    Jul 16, 2013
    9
    Funny, tense, fresh, fast-paced and mesmerizing the episodes can surprise you over and over, even when they are lacking. The season finale opens a sea of possibilities for improvement.
  3. toliverjohn
    Jul 26, 2013
    7
    Well worth watching. I was expecting "women in chains". I was very pleased with the character development. You could almost smell the prison food and the bathroom looked as nasty as it should.
  4. mymedia
    Sep 30, 2013
    10
    I was quite surpirsed with the quality and caliber of 'Orange is the new Black' Jenji Kohan does a remarkable job and really connects with the viewer and takes you on an emotional journey with a good dose of humor. Great work Netflix!
  5. raviopatra
    Nov 16, 2013
    10
    I was not sure that the show was going to be good because the premise seemed too simple. But I checked it out anyway and, man!, I would've regretted it so bad had I never seen this show. The cast managed to make me feel all depressed, happy, and frustrated. A definite roller coaster road! And honestly, I never thought Jason Biggs could act like he does in Orange is the New Black. Kudos!
  6. rocketress
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    This show was the reason I joined Netflix. I have never been compelled to start an account with that site but after hearing a lot of rave reviews for this show, I decided to give it a shot. Now, not only am I hooked, I have become a die-hard fan in every aspect possible. The show embraces and showcases originality from start to finish. With a premise that has an all-female cast, most ofThis show was the reason I joined Netflix. I have never been compelled to start an account with that site but after hearing a lot of rave reviews for this show, I decided to give it a shot. Now, not only am I hooked, I have become a die-hard fan in every aspect possible. The show embraces and showcases originality from start to finish. With a premise that has an all-female cast, most of them unknown, it gives a breath of fresh air to the usual staple we get on network TV these days. On top of that, this unknown cast is beyond talented. It is a remarkable show that I hope does not end up going down the route of lacklustre plots in future seasons and continue bringing to the table fantastic story lines that keep you on the binge-watching bandwagon for long. Also, kudos to them for bringing women in TV shows to the forefront. It may be set in a women's prison but it does not stop short of showing a variety of women from different backgrounds, skin colour and sexuality.… Expand
  7. serieaddict
    Dec 23, 2014
    10
    Cette série est sensationnelle. Je suis très sélective et très compliquée sur les séries, il faut vraiment qu'elles me plaisent, mais Orange Is The New Black est une série hors du commun. Elle sort de l'ordinaire et est unique, globalement elle est parfaite. Je l'adore, mes amies l'adore, ma famille l'adore. J'esère que cette série comportera minimum 5 saisons, elle est génial, rendCette série est sensationnelle. Je suis très sélective et très compliquée sur les séries, il faut vraiment qu'elles me plaisent, mais Orange Is The New Black est une série hors du commun. Elle sort de l'ordinaire et est unique, globalement elle est parfaite. Je l'adore, mes amies l'adore, ma famille l'adore. J'esère que cette série comportera minimum 5 saisons, elle est génial, rend accro, et je n'ai en aucun cas envie qu'elle se termine, les personnages sont trop attachants. Les deux premières saisons étaient top. Tout est parfait, félicitations, continuez.… Expand
  8. 2DudesReviews
    Jul 11, 2013
    7
    Sharp, engrossing & funny, this “Oz" like Netflix original dramedy about life in a women’s prison is filled with characters & storylines worthy of a 12-hour binge. -MN
  9. DigitalGeth83
    Jul 15, 2013
    10
    Damn!! To begin with I was not sure this was for me, even before it was released I didn't get the trailer (I don't know why.) But I gave it a shot. One after another I watched every episode, i was completely addicted it took me by surprise how dark it actually got, that by the end I was wanting more.
    Cannot wait for season 2. Loved it. Go watch!!
  10. Netflixguy2
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    This show proves it can be serious and hilarious all at one time. An unpredictable journey through a women's prison that will give you characters that you love to hate or characters you hate to love.
  11. oliverjames
    Jul 19, 2013
    8
    Good show. It feels a little small, but maybe that will change with future seasons. Great cast. Interesting stories. Really different. Love the character back stories.
  12. SteveKDE
    Jul 26, 2013
    10
    I am truly puzzled by the critics of this excellent show. I am a forensic psychologist who has been in plenty of prisons, including some women's prisons, and this show is the real deal. Sure, it probably condenses and dramaticizes events that more realistically occur over a period of years, but they DO occur, and the inmates are pretty realistic (for a women's prison...in my experience,I am truly puzzled by the critics of this excellent show. I am a forensic psychologist who has been in plenty of prisons, including some women's prisons, and this show is the real deal. Sure, it probably condenses and dramaticizes events that more realistically occur over a period of years, but they DO occur, and the inmates are pretty realistic (for a women's prison...in my experience, the intelligence level is lower in men's prisons). The writing and acting are superb. Some professional critics are calling this the "new Mad Men" and I concur. I look forward to Season 2; it it keeps up with Season 1, the we are in for some phenomenal video-watching. Kudos to Netflix: two great shows (House of Cards being the other) in a year!!… Expand
  13. Carlosoriano
    Jul 26, 2013
    10
    Im from México and i only have a question, when start the second season. I totally loved this original series. Good work, i really need the second season now!!!!!! Really very good Job...!!!!:)
  14. joef123
    Jul 11, 2013
    10
    Great! its a heartwarming, funny, and well mad show! The one thing I don't like is how they make prison look not as bad than it looks. Other than that, its a great show!
  15. Tvpfreek
    Jul 16, 2013
    9
    Intelligent, provocative and at times downright hilarious. The cast is stellar and at the top of their game. The writing is nearly flawless and more importantly, I find, incredibly original. But what makes this fast-paced comedy-drama a cut above the rest its huge heart.
  16. kings7
    Aug 1, 2013
    10
    I don't write many reviews for this site, but I just wanted to add my two cents: this show is pretty spectacular. I would recommend it to anyone that likes any or all of Weeds, Dexter, Damages, or Breaking Bad due to the show's mix of dark humor and drama. It sheds light on some issues you don't see commonly covered, and the acting among the entire cast is incredible.... which is a veryI don't write many reviews for this site, but I just wanted to add my two cents: this show is pretty spectacular. I would recommend it to anyone that likes any or all of Weeds, Dexter, Damages, or Breaking Bad due to the show's mix of dark humor and drama. It sheds light on some issues you don't see commonly covered, and the acting among the entire cast is incredible.... which is a very rare thing to find!… Expand
  17. oniprenko
    Jul 26, 2013
    8
    Original, entretenida y con buen guión, buen reparto y roles interesantes rozando a veces lo grotesco.
    Muy recomendable si estáis cansados de series de policías, médicos, etc.
  18. Eon2323
    Dec 30, 2013
    10
    Great writing, amazing cast, intricate and compelling storytelling, Netflix has brought us one of the better shows of the year. Definitely can't wait to see what the next season dishes out.
  19. badfluffy
    Jul 17, 2013
    7
    The show takes several episodes to hit its stride so don't give up after the unimpressive pilot. It's mostly a comedy, not a very subtle one, at first and then they go deeper to reveal the characters behind the stereotypes and the stories take on a more dramatic turn instead of an SNL series of skit about ladies jails.
    Don't watch expecting the darkness or grit of Oz though, you won't    The show takes several episodes to hit its stride so don't give up after the unimpressive pilot. It's mostly a comedy, not a very subtle one, at first and then they go deeper to reveal the characters behind the stereotypes and the stories take on a more dramatic turn instead of an SNL series of skit about ladies jails.
    Don't watch expecting the darkness or grit of Oz though, you won't find it, but it's a pleasant watch once they exhausted all the clichés they could think of and start getting into the storytelling.    … Expand
  20. CMS80
    Jul 16, 2013
    9
    I was curious about this show due to Jenji Kohan's involvement but didn't have high expectations after Netfilx's last offering, Hemlock Grove. I immediately became hooked on this great new series. It somehow manages to be funny, outrageous, audacious, provocative, poignant, insightful, and frightening all in one episode. The back story of each character and the way the characters interactI was curious about this show due to Jenji Kohan's involvement but didn't have high expectations after Netfilx's last offering, Hemlock Grove. I immediately became hooked on this great new series. It somehow manages to be funny, outrageous, audacious, provocative, poignant, insightful, and frightening all in one episode. The back story of each character and the way the characters interact is so engaging and fun to watch. The acting is superb and the show's writing is extremely sharp. I love the Netflix format which allowed me to watch the entire season in four days. However I almost wish they would release individual or perhaps pairs of episodes at intervals to keep binge watchers like myself from using up a good thing too soon. Now I'm left to wait for season two. I hope it's not a long wait!!… Expand
  21. araT
    Jul 26, 2013
    10
    Orange is the New Black is one of the best things to have been broadcast, ever. If you don't watch this show, you're missing out on sheer brilliance. With the right balance of drama & comedy they broach real issues spanning from racism, to politics, to homophobia without boring or lecturing the viewers, and they have a stellar cast & a stellar crew to bring it to us & keep us on the edgeOrange is the New Black is one of the best things to have been broadcast, ever. If you don't watch this show, you're missing out on sheer brilliance. With the right balance of drama & comedy they broach real issues spanning from racism, to politics, to homophobia without boring or lecturing the viewers, and they have a stellar cast & a stellar crew to bring it to us & keep us on the edge of our seats right till the last second.

    TL;DR: WATCH THIS SHOW.    … Expand
  22. jonnybgoode
    Aug 7, 2013
    9
    Congrats Netflix! Best show of the summer. Great writing, amazing performances, and no agenda except to show that folks in prison are mostly unbalanced and/or good people who did dumb stuff. Neither group should be in prison. Its time to empty prisons of non-violent offenders and lower taxes.
  23. Arninetyes
    Aug 11, 2013
    9
    Impressive program. It started out a bit light, seeming like a light and fluffy version of prison dramas. But the characterizations were excellent, and the stories were well told. However, the season finale was quite surprising. I'm looking forward to season 2.
  24. geelscohssml
    Jul 25, 2013
    10
    One of the best cast of supporting characters I've ever seen. Similar to shows like Thrones and House of Cards, there really isn't an all good or an all bad character which helps make them compelling. Great mix of comedy and drama and hopefully a bright future for many new actresses in this series.
  25. GodReviews
    Feb 4, 2014
    10
    I was scared to develop a lot of my time watching this series but in the end, it was a great time spending with Piper, Alex, Red, and all the other memorable characters developed throughout this well-thought out drama. This isn't just a normal drama but has every single thing you would want in a hit TV-show premise. It's story, which doesn't dissappoint in it's twist and turns that alwaysI was scared to develop a lot of my time watching this series but in the end, it was a great time spending with Piper, Alex, Red, and all the other memorable characters developed throughout this well-thought out drama. This isn't just a normal drama but has every single thing you would want in a hit TV-show premise. It's story, which doesn't dissappoint in it's twist and turns that always leaves you in shock after each episode. Next, it's comedy, which was surprisingly not dull at any moment and always had me laughing. Finally, its romantic part. There were many parts of these romantic parts that always had me loving each bit of it suprisingly. Season 1 of Orange is the New Black was an original piece of entertainment that will be remembered for years to come.… Expand
  26. rocketpackpanda
    Jul 14, 2013
    7
    Unlike Oz, this show is actually watchable. It is more akin to the early years of Weeds. Heartfealt, story with actual meaning and depth. The first episode feels like a bit of fluff, but the show kicks it in to gear in episode 3 with characters and stories that really do make you feel, regardless if its centered around a junkie, murderer or one time retard.
  27. cdr_virus
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    GUTSY, in a realm of next generation of Drama escalation. Taylor Schilling quantifies her emotions in such a unique atmosphere as Federal Prison. That I got the feeling of loss, betrayal and epic powerful emotions, but on the same note soft laughs and humor to fill the gaps between downtime's. Jason Biggs brought me to even tears at his volumes of hardships to Taylor. That far surpass hisGUTSY, in a realm of next generation of Drama escalation. Taylor Schilling quantifies her emotions in such a unique atmosphere as Federal Prison. That I got the feeling of loss, betrayal and epic powerful emotions, but on the same note soft laughs and humor to fill the gaps between downtime's. Jason Biggs brought me to even tears at his volumes of hardships to Taylor. That far surpass his earlier work in anyway. The cast was magnificent and I could number them off. So I will, Kate Mulgrew really brings the sense of nourishment to others as well as the hate for betrayers. Michelle Hurst, with her dark and mirrored past, but holds her spite on the ones who don't piss her off. What an amazing cast, thank you Netflix!!!… Expand
  28. Sebas236
    Jun 8, 2014
    10
    Amazing show, It is funny and can also be serious and emotional. The characters are very interesting and make you want to learn more about them, Waaattcchh itttt.
  29. j1train
    Jun 30, 2015
    8
    When this season gets in its groove, Orange is still a delight. This one never reaches the heights of season two and is often disjointed (particularly in the Jenji Kohan-written episodes), but when it's good it's damn good. Piper takes a back seat in this season, which feels strange, but it's great to watch this cast flourish. Season MVP goes to Adrienne C. Moore as "Black Cindy."
  30. tehTrunk
    Aug 21, 2013
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyable prison series that breaks the usual character archetypes through a clever use of back story, and believable story-telling. For a series that's billed as a comedy, expect a lot more than just cheap laughs with great acting and a superb script. Netflix do it again, superb.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best TV Season of 2013
9
#9 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
13
#13 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 24, 2014
    80
    Quibbles aside, watching this superb cast working together remains a pleasure, and it makes Season 2 of Orange Is the New Black an irresistible summer viewing choice.
    Read full review
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Jul 18, 2013
    80
    Orange has graphic scenes that aren’t for kids. But they aren’t played for cheap gags, either, and that attitude serves the production well. With Schilling in top form, this Orange tastes fresh.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matthew Wolfson
    Jul 16, 2013
    75
    While it's not apparent that the show's personalities add up to anything more than themselves at first, they ultimately prove to be compelling studies of people trying to work through glaring mistakes and obvious limitations to fashion some sort of livable present.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »