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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User Reviews

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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. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
    Read full review
  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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