Orange is the New Black

:

Season 5
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 11, 2013
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 183 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 183
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 183
  3. Negative: 35 out of 183
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User Reviews

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  1. Rtheom
    Jun 22, 2017
    5
    I think the writers needed to rewatch their own show between seasons. Some of the characters have had a complete personality flip in what is supposed to be only a few days. The idea of a riot was interesting, but went into the realms of just silly really quickly.

    This is not the same show we started with.
  2. MurrayT
    Jun 20, 2017
    0
    Loved it up until Season 5, and almost made it the end of Episode 5 before shutting it down for good. It jumped the shark with the ridiculous guards talent show, but I held out hoping for better. Nope. The storylines were weak and unrealistic, there were few if any characters to cheer for, and the constant bombardment that all white people are either stupid and/or racist while everybodyLoved it up until Season 5, and almost made it the end of Episode 5 before shutting it down for good. It jumped the shark with the ridiculous guards talent show, but I held out hoping for better. Nope. The storylines were weak and unrealistic, there were few if any characters to cheer for, and the constant bombardment that all white people are either stupid and/or racist while everybody else is a victim is so tiring. And by the way, Poussey wasn't murdered, she was killed by accident.… Expand
  3. kman5473
    Jun 12, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season 5 just barely makes it to 7/10. Things I loved: Tayste, Crazy Eyes, and Black Cindy finally come into the spotlight not as "funny side characters," but as, essentially, the primary characters. Everything is entirely dependent upon them to really move the plot forward. I loved that the more seasoned cast members get to have more coverage, as they are much more interesting than all the younger characters to be perfectly honest.

    Things that were just, "meh," - everything that has to do with Piper, Alex, and Dayanara. I think holding onto Piper and Alex as main characters at this point is a huge mistake. Essentially, everyone else around them is more interesting and has more of an impact on what is going on. Piper proposing to Alex? Could care less. Except we all know they're going to dedicate an entire episode to their wedding. Yuck. Dayanara; I'm just disappointed how lame her character has turned out to be is all. Is she gone? Is that it? A meh character is retired from the show in meh way?

    Where is Sophia? She was in like 2 episodes, and then poof. No more.

    Things that ticked me off, or just didn't make sense.
    Linda Ferguson's entire arc throughout the show was a damn faerie tale. Its only purpose was to play out the fantasy of someone who is a board member of MCC be put through the same trenches that all the inmates face because, obviously, she's going to get freed (pry mid-season 6 or at the end) and make change happen, despite the fact that the riot (essentially) failed.
    Everything involving the meth heads. That little gimme at the end where the burn all the records? Yeah, that still doesn't make up for all the other **** up **** they did this season. There is clearly one or two writers who are like, "But wait, I know we can make people love them!" No. You can't. Please, get rid of them. The actresses are fantastic, don't get me wrong, but their characters are just sickening to even look at on screen.

    This season, overall, was solid, but the parts that dragged were really tedious to get through. I like the idea of where this series headed, but the execution of it was off. It felt overly preachy about a lot of different sociopolitical issues, which also felt forced on top of that.    … Expand
  4. signe
    Jul 24, 2017
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In season 5 all hell breaks loose and the focus is on two of my least favorite characters - the 2 white trash girls with bad teeth. They are the most irritating of characters and as I was watching them wreak havoc, I'm thinking I wonder what Suzanne (crazy eyes) is doing right now? what is black cindy up to? what about piper and her girlfriend? the guard talent show almost made me leave for good but I stuck it out till the end.
    All other seasons I binged watched in one sitting. This season I just watched a few at a time - it wasn't that compelling. I want more character studies - less violence.    … Expand
  5. Winterflower
    Oct 16, 2017
    4
    The season takes place over the course of three days, that's very hard to pull off, and they didn't. If I had to describe this thing in 1 word, I'm having a had time between "boring", "pointless", "filler", or "obnoxious".
  6. pixelily
    Jun 17, 2017
    0
    This is by far the worst season of OITNB. I have suffered through 5 episodes and can't watch anymore. The sheer ridiculousness of the actions of the characters is too over the top. Since the entire season focuses on the riot, I'm done. Sorry to see this show deteriorate as it has for me.
  7. cstrang
    Jun 11, 2017
    5
    Over-acted, preachy melodrama afoot in season 5. Despite having a runtime of 13 hours, not a lot actually happens, which feels partially due to the now-bloated cast of characters and partially due to the decision to have the season take place over 3 days. The comedy this time around falls flat, the storylines are messy and rehashed, and the social commentary is along the lines of "whiteOver-acted, preachy melodrama afoot in season 5. Despite having a runtime of 13 hours, not a lot actually happens, which feels partially due to the now-bloated cast of characters and partially due to the decision to have the season take place over 3 days. The comedy this time around falls flat, the storylines are messy and rehashed, and the social commentary is along the lines of "white people are the worst, lol".… Expand
  8. kouvpan
    Jun 10, 2017
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Poor writing-Bad dialogues-Apathetic characters.I think it's probably the worst season so far because they decided to make an almost real time thing.The fact that there are so many people without developing on them and the feeling that you watch an endless same movie,makes a messy result and many times quite boring.In my opinion the facts could take place in 2-3 episodes and then get back to normal with the officers,the cliques,the topdogs,the new inmates etc.
    However there are some funny moments and sometimes the appropriate drama.In conclusion i'd say im disappointed by the result,i expected much more after the very good Season 4.It seemed like an effort to make something unique..Some might like it,dunno..    … Expand
  9. HeitorD
    Jun 9, 2017
    0
    Orange used to handle social problems with a golden star, that with a flattering humour mixed with a drama that could bring tears, but since season 4, they turned everything into the cheapest social justice they could. Poor dialogues, bad clap backs and characters who are going nowhere. An example of how they ruined a good show with no excuses.
  10. TVBug
    Jun 12, 2017
    10
    The most human and the most humane of the OITNB seasons. We see the inmates, the jailors, and the corporate drones as whole people. Check your soul if you aren't moved by this season. Watching it can make you a better person.
  11. wnvinson1972
    Jun 10, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Watched the first episode of Season 5 and was very much ambivalent about the direction this whole thing is taking. I suppose what bothers me the most is that having shot a guard in the leg - clearly in an artery (squirting blood for dramatic effect) which presumably would bring death within several minutes, they go through this whole charade of then beating him up, wheeling him around in a laundry basket, and then miraculously having him survive. Why couldn't the writers and the showrunner have the courage to either let him bleed out from an arterial "nick" and subsequently face the consequences, or make it a much less dramatic wounding? While an entire riot is going on, characters in turn stop to toss off unfunny one liners, presumably for humorous effect. It all left me feeling very undecided on whether or not I would continue watching the show. A more satisfying outcome, in my opinion, would have been for the wounded guard to have died within minutes, the SWAT team to arrive and "control the situation, with the requisite cleaning out of a number of characters who have long since become nothing but increasingly poor imitations of themselves. I think ONB is about to succumb to the same disease that afflicted The Wire and The Soprano's after Season 3, Dexter's final season, and the current season of Fargo - it's gotten old and shopworn and now constantly seeks to one up itself along a declining slope with diminishing returns.… Expand
  12. kaitgamer
    Jun 11, 2017
    2
    I could not get through the first episode.... the "dark" plot highlights the limits of the hammy overacting, and the limits of the whole OINB idea. i just kept going "ugh" at ever obvious trope and tic of each character... It's over...it's been over but last year I didnt want to admit it
  13. JorgeLestre
    Jun 11, 2017
    8
    OITNB is back but with a few downs this year. The covering of only 3 days in the prison after that sad event limited the creative's team work. The characters fail do develop as good as in the previous seasons, but the humor and the dramatic work is still there blossoming.
  14. DarthSaix15
    Jun 11, 2017
    6
    What would OITNB be without its drama and comedy? Season 5 shows that exactly; It lost its comedy features and stretched a 3 day event over a whole season. There was a major lack of character development after a heart wrenching season four. The story was too short to be expanded among 13 episodes. I hope if they decide on season 6 they go back to the roots of the show on what made itWhat would OITNB be without its drama and comedy? Season 5 shows that exactly; It lost its comedy features and stretched a 3 day event over a whole season. There was a major lack of character development after a heart wrenching season four. The story was too short to be expanded among 13 episodes. I hope if they decide on season 6 they go back to the roots of the show on what made it comical and dramatic.… Expand
  15. diamandiss
    Jun 12, 2017
    10
    Essa foi com certeza uma ótima temporada, tratando principalmente de temas como a humanidade. Assistindo essa série com a mente aberta, você com certeza irá se tornar uma pessoa melhor, muito obrigado OITNB por trazer mais uma temporada maravilhosa com ótimas reflexões.
  16. heyyou
    Jun 13, 2017
    3
    Que impotencia da haber esperado tanto esta nueva temporada y que haya resultado tan decepcionante. No encuentro similitud alguna con las temporadas anteriores. En ellas encontramos mucho dinamismo, alti-bajos, problemas reales carcelarios: alimentarios, de aislamiento, de amor, amistades, etnicos; esta nueva temporada parece su-real y monótona, ademas de que solo se desarrolla en 3 díasQue impotencia da haber esperado tanto esta nueva temporada y que haya resultado tan decepcionante. No encuentro similitud alguna con las temporadas anteriores. En ellas encontramos mucho dinamismo, alti-bajos, problemas reales carcelarios: alimentarios, de aislamiento, de amor, amistades, etnicos; esta nueva temporada parece su-real y monótona, ademas de que solo se desarrolla en 3 días (a diferencia de las otras que transcurre en tiempos mas prolongados) y se reitera en cada capitulo el problema del motín. Los nuevos personajes tienen mucho protagonismo, y no atrapan como los originales. Las escenas entre Piper y Alex son superficiales, salvo por sus flashbacks y la pedida de matrimonio, que seguramente hayan sido las escenas favoritas de todo fan de oitnb. Me hubiese gustado que haya más escenas entre ambos personajes, aprovechando el hecho de que poseen mas libertad que en las temporadas anteriores. Debo criticar también que las escenas de Suzanne ya empezaban a cansarme, y personajes como Red y Nicky no tienen tanto peso, a pesar de ser de los favoritos.
    Aun así destaco cosas positivas: el protagonismo de Leanne y Angie que siempre nos hacen reir, el hecho de que hayan incluido términos como Vauseman y Flaritza, nuevos flashbacks de Piper y Alex, la escena de la pedida de matrimonio, el excelente maquillaje en personajes como Humphrey y Maureen, los divertidos diálogos entre Flaca y Maritza.
    No hay mucho mas por decir. A esperar nuevamente un año para ver la nueva temporada que, espero, no nos decpecione nuevamente.    … Expand
  17. ShineDelaNoire
    Jul 3, 2017
    10
    Absolutely hilarious. This season is probably the funniest of them all, the comedy has always been good in Orange, but this time round they outdid themselves. As always, there's loads of whining from the purists, but don't be deceived, this season is as good as any other; yes, it does get a bit unrealistic at times, but it has always been that way, hasn't it? It's a TV show, not aAbsolutely hilarious. This season is probably the funniest of them all, the comedy has always been good in Orange, but this time round they outdid themselves. As always, there's loads of whining from the purists, but don't be deceived, this season is as good as any other; yes, it does get a bit unrealistic at times, but it has always been that way, hasn't it? It's a TV show, not a documentary. If you're fan, then you've already seen it, if you haven't, you definitely should. There's not much of Piper and Alex, however, so be forewarned, they really take a backseat this season, which is another potential point of criticism, though it did not bother me that much because there are loads of other really strong characters.… Expand
  18. jac1234567
    Jun 11, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The decision to make the season span 3 days was definitely intriguing as OITNB is trying a new formula for this season. I think the writing is just as sharp as prior seasons but it does drag a bit at some points because each episode covers only a few hours in the show universe. The flashbacks this season are a weak point. They don't really offer great insights into characters like the flashbacks in the previous seasons. It almost feels like they are just there to fill time. There are notable highlights though: Taystee, Cindy, Watson, and Soto are all grieving over the loss of Poussey and I think the show handles this excellently. The grief process is slow and realistic and the show does not shy away from using Poussey's death to shine a light on the institutional issues within the Litchfield prison system. Another interesting dynamic this season is the way the media covers the riot compared with the way the prisoners see the riot. It's definitely a timely season with sensationalization so rampant in the media. I have three episodes left of this season and I recognize that it's not the best OITNB has been, but I certainly think it's still an extremely watchable and important show.… Expand
  19. shoulderoforion
    Jun 9, 2017
    2
    After feeling they ruined the series with pablum & quirk, I tuned in to the first episode to see if they'd taken a different course, they hadn't, made it through 20 minutes of the first episode then shut it off. Shame, it was a great show in it's first two seasons, now it's a zombie series waiting to be put out of it's misery.
  20. jayw654
    Jun 12, 2017
    0
    OITNB season 5 was a serious disappointment and I love this show and typically ranks high as one of my top 3 TV shows. The issue is no real progressive as the entire season is stuck on the whole riot thing which could’ve been wrapped up in 6-7 episodes but instead it had to be endured for the whole season. I found myself fast forwarding to get through the season as a ton of worthlessOITNB season 5 was a serious disappointment and I love this show and typically ranks high as one of my top 3 TV shows. The issue is no real progressive as the entire season is stuck on the whole riot thing which could’ve been wrapped up in 6-7 episodes but instead it had to be endured for the whole season. I found myself fast forwarding to get through the season as a ton of worthless points or too much character background info was in the season. However, I like to say I enjoy background info/history of characters but too much was added and made it seem desperate for content and more a filler than an insight to the characters. Kate Mulgrew’s performance was a great one but the part of the story she had to play like the rest of the season was dragging on into pointlessness and this was not her fault as it was more of the script writer’s fault who scripted it. Please to the folks that make OITNB never again create an entire season out of 3 days as it is moronic and stupid. Please give us more progression in the story. Season 5 is a mess and nothing more.… Expand
  21. pixelcraftables
    Jun 10, 2017
    6
    A season that is entertaining but fumbles to have a real sense of purpose to the series as a whole, instead seemingly not going anywhere plot wise throughout
  22. dead_dog1
    Jun 10, 2017
    0
    Sad, Sad, Sad. Season 5 SUCKED ! ! ! Previous seasons were great. Get back to your roots. WTF, if you want to court the Spanish viewers then do the show in Spanish. I HATED all the **** subtitles in this season. Keep with originals actors that are in the first seasons. Too many new actors who can't act or speak so that you can understandSad, Sad, Sad. Season 5 SUCKED ! ! ! Previous seasons were great. Get back to your roots. WTF, if you want to court the Spanish viewers then do the show in Spanish. I HATED all the **** subtitles in this season. Keep with originals actors that are in the first seasons. Too many new actors who can't act or speak so that you can understand them. This season hasn't grabbed me like the previous seasons have.… Expand
  23. Gamexpert
    Jun 13, 2017
    10
    Well, i really liked it.
    I really dont see why this season isnt well received.
    It is something different, but the essence of OITNB is still there.
    I didnt like how they handled the Piscatella-Part, but the rest was pretty good.
  24. wytche
    Jul 19, 2017
    0
    I love this show and really couldn't wait to see season 5. I had no idea the whole season would be set within a riot, since I don't like to see spoilers or for anyone to tell me beforehand. All I can say is "Oh Dear". I didn't get through all of episode 1 and have decided to watch something else. What were they thinking? How boring, I guess imagination is running a bit thin on the ground,I love this show and really couldn't wait to see season 5. I had no idea the whole season would be set within a riot, since I don't like to see spoilers or for anyone to tell me beforehand. All I can say is "Oh Dear". I didn't get through all of episode 1 and have decided to watch something else. What were they thinking? How boring, I guess imagination is running a bit thin on the ground, I suppose there are only so many scenarios that can take place within the confines of a prison and after 5 seasons, that's it.… Expand
  25. drlowdon
    Jan 3, 2018
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Orange is the New Black deserves credit for following through on the events of the season four finale, rather than pressing the reset button, but the balance between comedy and drama that the show has (mostly) successfully struck up to this point feels rather jarring here.

    That's not to say that there weren't still scenes that had an emotional impact but, every time the show started to build tension or tried to up the stakes it was all undercut by the comedy elements and I was never quite sure how seriously I was supposed to be taking the events that unfolded.    … Expand
  26. brockcheese
    Jul 26, 2017
    7
    This season is definitely the worst one yet but the show still shines through in all of the brief glimpses of humanity. I only wish that this season took itself a little more seriously.
  27. marcmyworks
    Jun 25, 2017
    7
    This seasons had a lot of potential and a great amount story to tell; however it falls short towards the end. The prison is in a riot and we see our characters over the span of three days try and survive, understand and enjoy what little freedom they have. It starts off with good enough intentions but lacks the payoff we all desire.
  28. CPD98
    Jun 18, 2017
    9
    Si eres fan de la serie es difícil resistirse a esta temporada. Es de lejos la más alocada y divertida de las 5 y es tan entretenida como siempre. Una temporada diferente, pero para bien.
  29. Fonke
    Feb 24, 2018
    5
    Season 5 is completly different to all other seasons. I didn't really enjoy watching it, it's gotten stale and boring, the humor is completly gone. Deffinetly not a good ending to the show.
  30. Vitor007
    Sep 2, 2018
    5
    Perhaps "Orange Is The New Black" has lost public and credibility, but is not unloved. Changed but not to a side 100% attractive
  31. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 3, 2022
    6
    The riots continue to conflicting results. On one hand it's correctional officer "talent show" is a comedic gem and the power shift into chaos is a nail biting experience . But majority of it loses it's steam and feels monotonous in the backdrop of the riots which go on for way too long.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Sara Stewart
    Jun 16, 2017
    63
    Viewers are likely to be just as polarized by the riot, which undermines the humanity of some of Litchfield’s inmates by showing them embracing violent vengeance. Like it or hate it, though, this season of the award-winning show manages to feel more relevant than ever.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jun 12, 2017
    70
    This season of Orange gets better and better the longer it goes (though, weirdly, the slasher homage is dropped into the middle of the otherwise very good back half of the season), and the final three episodes go from strength to strength. ... There are a lot of plot holes and missteps along the way. But that doesn’t negate the power of the closing passages of the season.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jun 9, 2017
    50
    Even the best performances and moments suffer from the season’s lack of focus, inability to shift tonal gears smoothly, and Netflix bloat (the siege might’ve worked better as a more compact arc rather than a 13-episode extravaganza). Points for audacity notwithstanding--this is another instance of an ambitious and unusual series writing conceptual checks that its storytelling prowess can’t cash.
    Read full review
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