Orange is the New Black

:

Season 3
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 11, 2013
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 326 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 251 out of 326
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 326
  3. Negative: 35 out of 326
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  1. ViniciusPaiva
    Jun 20, 2015
    8
    Don't listen to the naysayers. While this season isn't the show's best, I must admit that I was blown away by some side character's stories, specially Big Boo. The character development this year was strong, and while Piper's story sucked (seriously, it looked like a parody of the show), we had characters we never thought of getting attention.

    All in all, it was a fine season. Hilarious    Don't listen to the naysayers. While this season isn't the show's best, I must admit that I was blown away by some side character's stories, specially Big Boo. The character development this year was strong, and while Piper's story sucked (seriously, it looked like a parody of the show), we had characters we never thought of getting attention.

    All in all, it was a fine season. Hilarious and a delight to watch, I only hope that next year is similar to the second season though, with a villain and more focus.    … Expand
  2. Miljac
    Jul 18, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show continues to be awesome! Although, this season saw a small drop in story quality compared to the first two seasons. The beginning of the season was not too exciting, as I felt the story being watered down by so many different small plots, which centered on so many people, while Piper for a while became a complete side character. I didn't love (in the beginning) the fact that guards are getting so much focus now, because for me they worked well as supporting characters to the prisoners' storylines, but not so much being the carriers of their own stories. Although, Caputo's story (with flashbacks and all) really won me over by the season finale. As the season progressed, my interest was picked up and I was loving it fully by the end. I was really into the Sophia/Gloria feud, Daya's story, even the Norma story and Suzanne's novel story were a nice comic relief. I didn't LOVE Piper's storyline of becoming "a mob boss", but I didn't hate it either. It just felt like it came too quick and became way too serious. Piper making such a turn in her character was something that left me bothered as I didn't see any reason why she was doing this. Her reasons for being so nasty to Alex were somewhat not sufficient to me and just depicted Piper as spoiled, self-centered, cheating **** Also, the fact that she got so power-drunk in such a short time over her panty business, that she would fire Flaca and frame Stella was just horrible. That part for me was not enough explained, her transition into this person. But I still adore this show, it was a great discovery for me this year and I cannot wait 2016 to see what happens next.… Expand
  3. MatthewDon2002
    Sep 9, 2015
    10
    Many are disappointed with the magnificent ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK's third season, but I am definitely not one of them. OITNB is a wonderful show, overall, and this new season is decidedly smaller, more focused on intimate flashbacks and light humour than its (better) predecessors, but it is still a brilliant show, and the ensemble are terrific. If you are looking for a better showMany are disappointed with the magnificent ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK's third season, but I am definitely not one of them. OITNB is a wonderful show, overall, and this new season is decidedly smaller, more focused on intimate flashbacks and light humour than its (better) predecessors, but it is still a brilliant show, and the ensemble are terrific. If you are looking for a better show nowadays, you will struggle. Piper (Taylor Schilling)'s descent into GODFATHER-esque underwear seller is sociopathically awesome. OITNB is known for its finales, and while this is maybe the worst, it is also still a beautifully poignant scene, just like the rest of this season. Where season 4 at? Addicting, addicted, gone.… Expand
  4. OpinionatedGuy
    Jul 9, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While the season is not as powerful and impactful as the previous season, the third season of Orange is the New Black is still entertaining with its complex character development and excellently well-written plot arcs.

    Rating: 9/10

    Pros:
    +In terms of how the show has handled character development, the third season is where the peaking point is.
    +The character development has made some of the previously unlikable characters like Soso and Pennsatucky into lovable characters while the unlikable characters like Healey and Piper remain more hated than usual.
    +Most of the plot arcs this season are well-executed by great writing.
    +The flashbacks this season are always on point as it gives the characters more depth about their backstories.
    +The show keeps reminding its viewers that good and bad is not always black and white.

    Cons:
    -Lack of an arch-villian like Vee is the reason why this season does not feel powerful or impactful as the previous season. Whether you hated her or not, you have to admit she does a pretty good job as a villian.
    -A potential romance between Healey and Red feels really awkward and it downgrades Red as a character.    … Expand
  5. alaaa
    Jul 6, 2015
    8
    I feel like it's gotten funnier each season. Seasons 1 and 2 were more dark and dramatic with a few light and funny moments and season 3 was the opposite - mostly comedic with a few dark moments.
    My opinions of the characters also changed in unexpected ways. Piper, Leanne, Aleida, and Cindy have become really annoying and unlikable this season. Their attitudes ruined their once    I feel like it's gotten funnier each season. Seasons 1 and 2 were more dark and dramatic with a few light and funny moments and season 3 was the opposite - mostly comedic with a few dark moments.
    My opinions of the characters also changed in unexpected ways. Piper, Leanne, Aleida, and Cindy have become really annoying and unlikable this season. Their attitudes ruined their once interesting storylines to the point where I hope those storylines end soon and I don't care what happens to these characters. I also started to feel bad for characters I either hated so much I wanted them dead (Pensatucky and Brook) or felt neutral about (Sophia and Daya). Another thing that ruined the whole season was Nicki leaving. She and Lorna were two of my favourite characters and I loved their friendship but now that Nicki is gone I don't care much about Lorna anymore.
    Things that made season 3 worth watching - Pensatucky and Big Boo's friendship, Taystee and Poussey's friendship (as always), Suzanne's erotica (although that girl who wanted to sleep with her in the broom closet ruined it), Taystee being the mother figure of the group, Stella's accent, and Alex breaking up with Piper (not that I didn't like them as a couple - Piper deserved it since she was being a **** about the used panty business).    … Expand
  6. MayzioCortez
    Jun 21, 2015
    8
    not as good as seasons 1 & 2 you feel like they are stretching things out - is season 4 worth waiting for maybe but they could have done it all in season 3 lack of effort
  7. anthonymca
    Jul 1, 2015
    5
    Season 3 of Orange is the New Black has left me disappointed,still, I ended up binge watching it like the other two seasons so I guess they won either way.
    The season started on it's left foot when it started off by ignoring major character development from season two. After watching the first episode I felt like the writer got the most popular story lines form season 1 and 2 and tried to    Season 3 of Orange is the New Black has left me disappointed,still, I ended up binge watching it like the other two seasons so I guess they won either way.
    The season started on it's left foot when it started off by ignoring major character development from season two. After watching the first episode I felt like the writer got the most popular story lines form season 1 and 2 and tried to recreate them. Piper and Alex again? Red being bossy? But news of the prison closing recaptured my interest, thus Caputo's importance . That is till the use of humor started to dominate. (I think they did in response to the Emmy's classifying them soley as a Drama). They devoted so much time to the humor that the drama came out as forced and non-enticing. e.i. Piper and Stella, Cindy's conversion to Judaism, and the alienation of Sophia. All of this would have been excusable if they had a strong finish. This was impossible without the existence of an major overarching conflict. They many potential ones like the new "Warden" Danny's proprieties or Piper's darker side. They weren't given enough attention and they climaxed too early. Some lack of the flashbacks lacked relevance to the presence. Finally it was too crowded. There were too many characters and story lines to fit into a single episode, so some stories took turns from episode to episode.
    In conclusion, season was entertaining but the writers off more than they could chew and some of it got spit out.    … Expand
  8. undercontrol
    Jul 24, 2015
    10
    One of my favourite Netflix shows. Every season it just gets better and better. Only thing that bothered me this season: Taylor Schilling is acting like she's in a B-Movie, what is happening with her? The rest as always splendid.
  9. MikeB618
    Jun 23, 2015
    4
    Right out of the gate the show falters by setting up potentially interesting story lines just to fall completely flat. The removal of one of the most interesting characters is really felt as well the introduction of the new ones is extremely lack luster. The show has become a feminists wet dream, every male portrayed as either and idiot or an a** hole and all the ladies becoming so chummyRight out of the gate the show falters by setting up potentially interesting story lines just to fall completely flat. The removal of one of the most interesting characters is really felt as well the introduction of the new ones is extremely lack luster. The show has become a feminists wet dream, every male portrayed as either and idiot or an a** hole and all the ladies becoming so chummy and intimate that by the end they're all besties frolicking on a beach. Season 3 was a pill, so tough to swallow in fact that the ridiculous story lines surely left viewers feeling like So So by the end.… Expand
  10. kf-1
    Jun 14, 2015
    2
    This has really devolved from the fresh concept & clever plotting/flash backs of the first series into a soap opera-esque chore to sit through in this third series. Didn't work for me on any level.
  11. Canisrah
    Jun 18, 2015
    3
    Well I found season 1 entertaining and season 2 was watchable but gah, season 3 is so damn boring. It's like they decided to abandon any real plot and just go for introspective conversations where characters talk in mind numbing details about their histories... and the view doesn't care so it's just artsy fluffy wannabe edgy borderline social justice warrior self indulgent pretentious bullWell I found season 1 entertaining and season 2 was watchable but gah, season 3 is so damn boring. It's like they decided to abandon any real plot and just go for introspective conversations where characters talk in mind numbing details about their histories... and the view doesn't care so it's just artsy fluffy wannabe edgy borderline social justice warrior self indulgent pretentious bull **** Almost as if the show is so taken with itself that it's forgotten about the viewers.

    As I said - was OK with the social programming in the first 2 seasons as there was some sort of plot there that was interesting enough to warrant the slog... but now... its lost it. Time to move on.    … Expand
  12. Helloimlouisb
    Jun 19, 2015
    2
    I dont know what happened to this show. In season 3 i feel like there was no central plot. Just a bunch of subplots ranging from boring to mildly interesting. I feel like there was a ton of filler throughout, almost as if they knew people would binge watch, all they had to do was throw in some wow moments on occasion. I actually felt very bored for MOST of any given episode. I think ifI dont know what happened to this show. In season 3 i feel like there was no central plot. Just a bunch of subplots ranging from boring to mildly interesting. I feel like there was a ton of filler throughout, almost as if they knew people would binge watch, all they had to do was throw in some wow moments on occasion. I actually felt very bored for MOST of any given episode. I think if each episode was released once a week, the flaws of this season would be a lot more pronounced. All this season was just a ton of poorly developed subplots put together to form a tv show. Season 2 was very good and i expected big things from 3. It was very disappointing, and i hope it hurts the shows reputation so they actually show up to play for season 4.… Expand
  13. javaman
    Jun 14, 2015
    5
    This season lacks the excitement in my opinion. Are the writers getting lazy ? I watched one episode and I am getting bored....I'll give it another chance by watching a couple of more episodes. So far this show is a real downer. for me. I expected so much more.
  14. JAB0129
    Jun 12, 2015
    9
    Orange is the New Black season three is one big blur for me right now. I went through it so fast it felt like a 12 hour movie. This year it took so many unexpected turns and developed character to so many people you thought you already knew. I am glad to say that the drama was much lighter this season. The jokes hit the ear so naturally they feel like something you would hear you or yourOrange is the New Black season three is one big blur for me right now. I went through it so fast it felt like a 12 hour movie. This year it took so many unexpected turns and developed character to so many people you thought you already knew. I am glad to say that the drama was much lighter this season. The jokes hit the ear so naturally they feel like something you would hear you or your friends say. I also thought it was a great directional move to focus almost completely on the conflict that happens within the prison. It makes sense that characters that have never spoken to each other previously would engage in normal human fray. There being only about 250 people there it would be crazy not to. The best thing that the show has to offer is of course back. Yes, the back stories. Except this year they don't just focus on how an inmate got into prison, they even add to some characters back stories to show why they act and respond the way they do. I am disappointed that since a writer can only do so much with Piper(since it seemed everything we needed to know about her was already revealed)she is now pushed out of the spotlight and she and what she's involved with seem more like a side story that we mildly care about than more the main arc that supposed to hold the show together. Also, since there are even more additions to an already hefty cast multiple back stories need to be fit into one episode to the point where it starts to feel cluttered with intention of a 50 minute runtime which takes me out of it. But, nothing can take away from one of the best season finales I have have ever seen. Sorry about the hype but it left me with fulfillment and wonder without the gimmick of dread that most TV shows use to make me come back(okay just a little). This will be another year with much anticipation, but in the end a guaranteed pay off.
    92/100    … Expand
  15. PaulCharles
    Jul 19, 2015
    0
    loved season 1, season 2 was okay, but season 3 was HORRIBLE. I cannot believe how downhill the show went. The season finale was one of the worst episodes of television ever in my opinion. DO NOT WATCH THIS!!!!!!!
  16. Prosmooth
    Jun 17, 2015
    5
    House of Cards and this show both went down the toilet in their third season. At least House of Cards still had Kevin Spacey. Couldn't even fall back on nudity for entertainment this year--aside from the new girl (Ruby Rose) letting us see her goodies in one pretty good scene.
  17. shooter17
    Jun 26, 2015
    2
    So very disappointing vs seasons 1 & 2. Not sure what happened to the writing team - did they go on strike or maybe the summer interns took over? It was boring and painful to sit through 13 episodes (and each episode was longer to make it even worse). Almost stopped watching when Donut guard raped one of the prisoners - please writers, you don't need to write in a rape scene into thisSo very disappointing vs seasons 1 & 2. Not sure what happened to the writing team - did they go on strike or maybe the summer interns took over? It was boring and painful to sit through 13 episodes (and each episode was longer to make it even worse). Almost stopped watching when Donut guard raped one of the prisoners - please writers, you don't need to write in a rape scene into this show - there is enough of them on TV as it is and I'm raped out. And what happened to CO Bennett? Just left and no update at all? WTF? Last scene was silly.… Expand
  18. JadeSa11y
    Jun 15, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After a successful start to OITNB it carried through to Season 2 leaving us hanging on desperately for the Third Season. Only being proven that OITNB is always gripping yet humorous, Season 3 proceeded to take a different turn, with a simpler outcome to the show. Humor seemed to step up it's game this season with less noticeable jokes however still very well played but finding itself less memorable this season as i found myself personally not wanting to or even remembering to revisit these moments like i did after Season One's "Wac Pack" episode. I also found myself watching the first 6 episodes over again 3 times after as i was confused by the start of Ep1 plus the story was slow throughout.

    The 3 that resembles Season 3. - Guards, Sex, & Panties.
    If you have watched S3, you know this was borderline storyline throughout.
    [SEX] : It's like Prison Panties, Sex & Suspicious Guards without the entertainment value. Sex happened in variety and way to much this season and one thing the sex didn't do for fans [Or in my opinion] was sell, and if it did somewhat sell, it sold me down the river of doubts. My hopes on the future of OITNB seem to be lacking, but this is a tiny bump in the road which i'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt; whether that is a personal preference of opinion i'm not sure. (plus, Susan's novel? somewhat cute in a weird way)

    [Going, Going Guards not Gone.] Guards losing there jobs because Litchfield's closing? Unlikely; and i'm not sure where the story went with this background plot and well, if it closed they'd move prisoners or it'd be the end of the show. Realistically for this to be included in season 3 does this really mean we're easing into the end all or are we carrying on like it's 99.9% going to do anyway into reGUARDS of where they are, it really won't matter. - It'll carry 4, it's already confirmed we'll have a season 4 so what was the point in this plot?

    [Patience with the Panties] I see how this plot worked, it betrayed Piper in a new light which i enjoyed also introducing a new Female friend played by Ruby Rose it had it's moments, i could never really hate this part however some scenes seemed pointless with the panty line of things but was only something to remember since it's a new job, and view of life in prison.

    Overall Fan Favorites were Backstories! I never doubt the amazing back stories (they're the best parts!!!) which we get to see as seasons progress; especially the ones of a few characters we love or never really knew (BUT, hold on i still don't doubt it) but it somehow doesn't sit right in this season as it seems back stories were placed at random.

    Overall my opinion of this Season is 6/10 a lot was missing, what happened to bennett? Why did Pornstache lose his Pornstache? (Maybe i know that answer already) but whats the deal with the fraudster on tv coming to Litchfield? Why did Norma after all this time start a cult, people randomly decided to bully-hate on Soso? Things just seemed to disappear and reappear, people where suddenly on then off!

    - and what's the deal with Red Velvet doughnuts? Who Knows.

    Orange Is The New Black Now Streaming On Netflix.    … Expand
  19. Minna
    Jul 25, 2015
    10
    I don't understand the criticism of some people towards this third season. This season is a continuation of the other two , that is to say as much. If you like the prison world , characters and previous seasons , there is no reason why you did not like this season. The filmmakers are added flashbacks of the life of some secondary characters . Ceuci help explain why the characters react inI don't understand the criticism of some people towards this third season. This season is a continuation of the other two , that is to say as much. If you like the prison world , characters and previous seasons , there is no reason why you did not like this season. The filmmakers are added flashbacks of the life of some secondary characters . Ceuci help explain why the characters react in this way. Moreover , There are some characters that I did not like before and I enjoy today. I hope the directors will continue in the same vein and stop at the right time , such as: breaking bad… Expand
  20. Nedloh94
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    The third season of Orange Is the New Black is quieter, has smaller stakes, and is decidedly less interested in big, "Dun-dun-DUN!!!" moments. That is not to say this season of the show is unable to surprise, or take sharp turns, but the show is subtler, more willing to let the silences speak. One would be remiss to mistake this series as resting on laurels. Orange Is the New Black couldThe third season of Orange Is the New Black is quieter, has smaller stakes, and is decidedly less interested in big, "Dun-dun-DUN!!!" moments. That is not to say this season of the show is unable to surprise, or take sharp turns, but the show is subtler, more willing to let the silences speak. One would be remiss to mistake this series as resting on laurels. Orange Is the New Black could live in the moment, and make a show that would plug variables into a formula, get in a few shocking moments, and still be pretty good. Instead, Orange Is the New Black aspires to be better than that, and aspires to be richer than that. This time around, the show is fun, engaging, and hilarious. The show is also smarter, more emotionally resonant, and more rewarding than previous seasons, and though the season is not flawless, with handful of uneven storylines, Orange Is the New Black has never been better.… Expand
  21. ajone
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    This season does not come close to the previous two. The plot is scant and they are just various stories that really dont tie into each other like S1 and 2. Also SO much more drama in S1/2. I was really worried about piper and others in first 2. Season 3 meh, didn't worry about anyone.
  22. aceerk
    Jun 17, 2015
    0
    ok so i watched season one and season 2 , but 3 seemed to have more or a spanish touch and more parts where you just wanted to cringe , especially when is seems to me its either more dark or getting more male dominating women ( owen and alex in the garden shed ) i really liked this show was so glad it was back on for it to fall flat

    im sorry after 1 episode i was bored and so i gave it    ok so i watched season one and season 2 , but 3 seemed to have more or a spanish touch and more parts where you just wanted to cringe , especially when is seems to me its either more dark or getting more male dominating women ( owen and alex in the garden shed ) i really liked this show was so glad it was back on for it to fall flat

    im sorry after 1 episode i was bored and so i gave it more tries now it just seems like men are gona domme lesbians no one got time for that and no one wants to watch it

    also with them ambushing Sophia Burset in the salon im sorry had to turn it off it made me cringe that badly

    i will not be watching this again and had so much high hopes for it ............ time to hang it up ladies

    you gave it a good shot , unfortunately it not something im planing on watching again

    hope you do well but for me its turned into a men watch this show while the lesbians out there will turn it off

    sorry this season went from great to bad to worst to never watching it again

    it made me physically cringe that badly , sorry was a brave move its not for me    … Expand
  23. Raven25
    Jun 15, 2015
    7
    Not as good as the first couple of seasons but still pretty decent. The flashbacks are a good concept but in my view are too drawn out and they seem to be recycling some concepts.
  24. MlleChichi
    Oct 2, 2015
    4
    As a fan of OITNB, I can tell you that Season 3 annoyed me very much. Season 1 and 2 were enjoyable, but now, you lost me. I watched about 18 episodes of Season 3, hoping it would get better... It didn't.

    I don't know what happened, but Piper is waaayyyy over the top & annoying in this season. Her character is honestly just insupportable. Also, all the side stories of secondary chars.    As a fan of OITNB, I can tell you that Season 3 annoyed me very much. Season 1 and 2 were enjoyable, but now, you lost me. I watched about 18 episodes of Season 3, hoping it would get better... It didn't.

    I don't know what happened, but Piper is waaayyyy over the top & annoying in this season. Her character is honestly just insupportable. Also, all the side stories of secondary chars. are kind of thrown all over the place & there is no real plot or purpose to anything.

    I felt like this season was a mish-mash of random drama/comedy/action that made no real sense (and were boring). I felt lost and irritated. Would not watch again.    … Expand
  25. roinujrino
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    People who think that this season wasn't good, YOU KNOW NOTHING! That was the best season of the show, it made like OITNB even more, the story has improved.
  26. MrWinklestein
    Jun 17, 2015
    6
    This season didn't really have much going on. A new girl is introduced, Piper takes on a new business, and pretends like she's becoming a gangster. There's also a pregnancy story filled with family drama that plays out like a Mexican soap opera.

    My major complaint would have to be this... Just because you put a wig and lipstick on a 50+ year old woman, it doesn't make a flashback    This season didn't really have much going on. A new girl is introduced, Piper takes on a new business, and pretends like she's becoming a gangster. There's also a pregnancy story filled with family drama that plays out like a Mexican soap opera.

    My major complaint would have to be this... Just because you put a wig and lipstick on a 50+ year old woman, it doesn't make a flashback believable. It looked like 60 year old women pretending to be in their 20s, so much so, that you couldn't really even focus on their actual acting.

    However, it looks like the introduction of the new character at the end of season 3 should make for a very pleasing 4th season.    … Expand
  27. reviewf00
    Jun 17, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This season wasn't as engaging as the previous two. I agree with another reviewer inasmuch that this and House of Cards both were mediocre this season.

    Anyway, at times the show was too heavy-handed with the political correctness of its plotlines. It almost felt like preaching to the choir in a lot of cases; I don't think many watchers of OITNB have problems with the concepts of abortion, transgender or lesbian issues, and yet we got monologues about how we should feel about these things akin to one of those teen Afternoon Specials; that these concepts are "okay". Yeah I know they're okay, that's why I watch the show.

    I think OITNB feels a responsibility to these issues because of what it's about and what characters are central, and that's fine, but making it preachy really takes me out of the experience.

    It was trying too hard to tell us how we *should* feel about rape, abortion and transgender topics, rather than just *telling us a story*.

    The Piper/New Girl romance felt extremely rushed and ham-handed as well. There was very little build up or sexual tension created with those clandestine sewing machine conversations, they just kind of had a half-assed "tense" encounter on a bed. It felt sudden.

    There were good aspects to the season, Crazy Eyes' romance and creative writing were hilarous, as was the whole dirty panties business. Big Boo is usually pretty funny when she's not given political speeches. Poussey's alcoholism was actually the most real and touching issue to me, because it was more subtly done and realistic. I also liked how they are tackling the issue of prison privatization, because I feel that's actually something a lot of people don't know about.

    In any case, this season wasn't awful, but it wasn't the best either. Here's to hoping though, right?    … Expand
  28. drlowdon
    Jul 13, 2016
    7
    Some of the plots where a little on the nose and lacked the high stakes of seasons one and two but overall Orange is the New Black's third season still made for an entertaining watch.
  29. HenryD
    Jul 28, 2015
    1
    The critics reviews for season 3 once again demonstrates how critics are unwilling to admit when a good show tanks a season. Season 1 was fantastic. Season 2 had its ups and downs, but was still good. Season 3 has bored the hell out of me. I have to admit, I didn't actually finish the season, but after watching 5 episodes, I just couldn't bring myself to watch any more. I'll tune inThe critics reviews for season 3 once again demonstrates how critics are unwilling to admit when a good show tanks a season. Season 1 was fantastic. Season 2 had its ups and downs, but was still good. Season 3 has bored the hell out of me. I have to admit, I didn't actually finish the season, but after watching 5 episodes, I just couldn't bring myself to watch any more. I'll tune in again in hopes that season 4 gets back on track, but this one was just bad, the writing, the acting, the lack of conflict... so disappointing. And what happened to Uzo Aduba? She was so amazing in season 1 and completely deserved the Emmy and now I think she's not at all believable. I can barely watch her scenes. Man, I'm so bummed.… Expand
  30. marcmyworks
    Jul 15, 2015
    8
    Season 3 really backed off from its incredibly dark predecessor, instead incorporating dark humour and more intimate details of the inmates at Lichfield. The progression of Piper's sociopathic behaviour is very interesting and I'm curious to see the developments in Season 4.
  31. HarlanSaysSo
    Jun 20, 2015
    7
    Before I start this, let it be known that I am a fan of this show. I really have come to love the characters of OITNB.......but I cant help but feel like this season took a step back for season 3. Especially after such a great season 2. All of the characters are still fantastically portrayed and the comedic elements are still just as spot on as ever......But all of this seems so wateredBefore I start this, let it be known that I am a fan of this show. I really have come to love the characters of OITNB.......but I cant help but feel like this season took a step back for season 3. Especially after such a great season 2. All of the characters are still fantastically portrayed and the comedic elements are still just as spot on as ever......But all of this seems so watered down after watching the first two season. If you are looking for a GREAT GREAT GREAT **** SHOW....... I would highly check out Wentworth on Netflix. Its another prison drama featuring women, but there are little to no comedic elements . It resides in the darkside of prison life and it is just absolutely addicting. I mean, ADDICTING! This could also be the reason why I am not so thrilled with this season... maybe I am being a little bias.....I don't know. Still love me some Orange though, but Wentworth beats this show hands down. Do yourself the favor, watch Wentworth ......treat yourself. You wont be disappointed… Expand
  32. Ripandread
    Oct 27, 2015
    6
    My wife and I have been watching Orange is the New Black on Netflix and I have to honestly say that after viewing the first four episodes, as far as I am concerned, Piper could remain in prison for the rest of her life and I could care less. While my wife likes the show I'm actually depressed watching this program, maybe because of its depiction of prison life.
  33. Alausim
    Jun 8, 2016
    3
    This series suffered from Jenji Cohen's (writer/creator) inability to keep things realistic. I couldn't even finish season three because I stopped caring about the characters. And the series never fully knows or commits to what it wants to be - the tone it wants to set; sometimes it wants to be a drama, other times a comedy, other times even a romantic comedy and the musical score forcesThis series suffered from Jenji Cohen's (writer/creator) inability to keep things realistic. I couldn't even finish season three because I stopped caring about the characters. And the series never fully knows or commits to what it wants to be - the tone it wants to set; sometimes it wants to be a drama, other times a comedy, other times even a romantic comedy and the musical score forces these tones on the viewer during times that were set up to be something completely different - i.e. a seemingly serious scene is reduced to a comedic one because the music in the background is lighthearted and mildly silly forcing the viewer to adopt a different view on the action on screen than what was expected due to the writing. This show ended up being like Cohen's other show Weeds where it just got dumber and dumber each season.… Expand
  34. Fonke
    Feb 11, 2018
    7
    I enjoyed this season more than the first one. It's still not as fun as exciting as the first season, but it's worth a watch.
  35. Writingreviews
    Nov 22, 2017
    0
    This is where the show lost me. I could only make it halfway through. There is just something lacking. I feel like the soul of the show is lost and they are just flinging characters back and forth in an effort to keep the show running.
  36. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 3, 2022
    7
    Scattered and lost this season loses itself in uneven storytelling, uncharacteristic choices and a decrease in humour. It aims for more drama which creates a suffocating atmosphere of claustrophobia & hopelessness.
  37. BM85
    Apr 9, 2020
    7
    Great character driven minimum-security prison drama-comedy, with a few moments of romance, set in the 2000s. Not as compelling as the first two seasons but still entertaining.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best TV Season of 2015
39
#39 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Jun 23, 2015
    75
    This is still a quality, provocative series that’s unlike any other and has already been renewed for Season 4. But much work needs to be done during the off-season--beginning with restoring an ominous sense of disorder and peril in a place that’s gone more than a little too soft and soapy.
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  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jun 16, 2015
    90
    It wasn't as immediately satisfying as season two, but it was, in some ways, even more important to the run of the show as a whole, and it built to a final set of episodes that are as good as anything Orange has attempted so far.
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Justin Clark
    Jun 16, 2015
    75
    Fortunately, the series is able to carry on making the ebb and flow of life at Litchfield matter even in spite of the writers' efforts to keep Piper at the center.
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