Orange is The New Black Season 8: Everything We Know So Far
“Orange Is the New Black” is a Netflix series that originally aired from 2013 to 2019. The show is a comedy-drama that was telecast for seven seasons. It is a critically acclaimed dramedy created by Jenji Kohan, based on the memoir of Piper Kerman.
The show revolves around Piper Chapman, played by Taylor Schilling, who is sentenced to prison for her involvement in a drug trafficking operation she participated in years earlier. The series primarily takes place in the Litchfield Penitentiary, where Piper encounters a diverse cast of fellow inmates, each with their own stories and struggles.
The ensemble cast includes Kate Mulgrew as Red, Uzo Aduba as Crazy Eyes, Laverne Cox as Sophia Burset, Danielle Brooks as Taystee, and many others. ”Orange Is the New Black” received widespread critical acclaim for its groundbreaking portrayal of complex female characters and its exploration of issues such as race, gender, sexuality, and social justice.
It was lauded for its diverse representation, humour, and emotional depth. The show’s candid depiction of prison life and its focus on the personal stories of the inmates resonated with both critics and viewers, making it a trailblazing series that challenged conventions and had a significant impact on the television landscape.
It received multiple Emmy Awards and remained a fan favourite throughout its seven-season run.
Official Announcement About Orange Is The New Black Season 8
Orange Is The New Black is a comedy-drama that was inspired by the memoir written by Piper Kerman, based on her 15-month sentence served in a federal penitentiary. Although the series was based on her life, the writers took liberties to dramatise some of her experiences to drive through their point of view.
Despite taking a few creative liberties, the show creators left the responsibility to broadly adhere to the story of Piper Kerman and end her prison term, giving an end to the series.
Jenji Kohan, the show’s creator, and her team of writers decided by the fifth season that they would wrap up the story by the seventh season. In October 2018, Netflix announced that season 7 would be the last season of the series.
As planned, the writers steered the plot to give closure to the story of all the main characters while also emphasising their ideology that prison reforms and social reforms are needed.
In 2018, Lionsgate TV, which owns the series, Orange Is The New Black, showed interest in making a sequel or a spin-off to this highly successful series. They stated that they would hold talks with the creators when the time was right. We have yet to hear any more updates since then.
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Previous Seasons and Episodes of Orange Is The New Black
Orange Is The New Black is a comedy-drama that was inspired by the novel Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, written by Piper Kerman. Jenji Kohan loved the book and decided to bring it to the screen.
The series premiered in July 2013 on Netflix. Orange Is The New Black, sometimes shortened as OITNB, has seven seasons, with 15 episodes in each season. The series raised many pertinent questions about discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, body type, etc., while also being funny, honest, and real.
The series received many accolades for its acting, direction, casting, and overall production work throughout the course of its seven-season run. Some of the awards and nominations were from the Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, Writers Guild Awards, the BAFTAs, Critics Choice TV Awards, GLAAD awards, etc.
The performance of actors like Uzo Aduba, Taylor Schilling, Laverne Cox, and Natasha Lyonne, among others, and crew members like casting director Jennifer Euston, showrunner Jenji Kohan, director Jodie Foster, etc., were among the nominations.
Throughout the seven seasons, the show focused on the struggles and experiences of Piper Chapman in the federal penitentiary. She meets many interesting, lovely, scary and dangerous inmates, including Alex Vause, Galina “Red” Reznikov, Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson, and more.
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Where to watch Orange Is The New Black
Orange Is The New Black is a Netflix original series that gained unprecedented success between 2013 and 2016 and stayed highly acclaimed until the series ended. You can still watch all seven seasons of the show on Netflix in all countries.
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Google Trends Data Analysis of Orange Is The New Black Season 8
Orange Is The New Black was a very successful series on Netflix during the period the show was aired. Even after the series ended, its popularity continued, although not as high as its heydays, the show still commands an enormous fan following.
When we observe the Google Trends for Orange Is The New Black season 8, it fluctuates a lot, but it still has strong numbers. The issues and questions raised in the series are valid and relevant to this day.
Hence, fans keep coming back for more. The trends spike up every time we hear new updates or news from the cast and crew of the show. The death of one of the cast members, Brad William Henke, is one such instance.
Social Media Engagement of Orange Is The New Black Season 8
Contrary to Google Trends, social media had been fairly calm about the show. However, there were instances when Facebook, X (Twitter), and Reddit were buzzing with activity. Much of the activity was during the month of December 2022, when the death of Brad William Henke was announced.
Many of the show’s fans took to Facebook, Reddit, and X to express their sadness. Another instance was in July of 2023 when the issue of unfair residuals and royalty charges that actors receive was brought to light.
Apparently, with OTT platforms, laws and rules that apply to residuals and royalty payments to actors of syndicated shows work differently. Hence, many of the cast of Orange Is The New Black received pittance as residuals despite the popularity of the series.
This was brought to light when Kimiko Glenn posted it to her social media account.
Expected Plot of Upcoming Season of Orange Is The New Black
Orange Is The New Black is an iconic Netflix Original series that ushered in the era of Netflix. The show was initially about the prison term of Piper Chapman, but it soon turned into an ensemble of stories of different inmates and their personal lives.
When Jenji Kohan decided to end the series with season 7, she and her team of writers neatly tied up the stories of all major characters. Not everyone gets a happy goodbye, but we are given a clear picture of where and how they end up.
As a result of this ending, it becomes difficult to envision a season 8 for OITNB. However, we can hope for a spin-off where some of the characters are shown as they continue with their lives and struggles.
One such plot that can be explored is that of Piper Chapman herself. In the season finale, we see her trying to make her marriage to Alex work while Alex reluctantly acquiesces.
Another plot with hope is that of Sophia Burset, who sets up her own hair salon and attempts to move on from her identity as an inmate. In this way, we can hope to see more of Taystee, Nicky, Maria, etc.
Important Characters of OITNB
1. Piper Chapman
Piper Chapman, portrayed by Taylor Schilling in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” is a complex character who undergoes significant development throughout the show. Initially, she’s a privileged, naive, and well-educated woman who finds herself in prison for her involvement in a drug trafficking operation.
Piper’s journey revolves around adapting to the harsh realities of life behind bars, confronting her own flaws, and forming diverse relationships with fellow inmates. She’s intelligent and resourceful, traits she uses both for her survival and in her attempts to navigate the prison’s social hierarchy.
Over the series, Piper transforms from a sheltered and self-absorbed individual into a more empathetic, resilient, and self-aware person. She is a central figure in the show’s exploration of identity, privilege, and personal growth within the confines of Litchfield Penitentiary.
2. Alex Vause
Alex Vause, played by Laura Prepon in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” is a pivotal character with a complicated role. She is Piper Chapman’s on-again, off-again love interest and former partner in a drug smuggling operation.
Alex’s character is enigmatic and morally ambiguous, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative. She’s smart, calculating, and possesses a world-weary charm. Alex’s relationships, both romantic and platonic, often intertwine with the larger dynamics of Litchfield Penitentiary.
Her character embodies the complexities of trust, betrayal, and survival within the prison system. Throughout the series, Alex’s presence and influence on Piper’s life serve as a constant source of tension, highlighting the intricate web of connections that shape life behind bars.
3. Galina “Red” Reznikov
Galina “Red” Reznikov, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew in Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” is a captivating character with a commanding presence. Red is a tough and resourceful Russian immigrant who runs the prison’s kitchen and exerts significant influence within Litchfield Penitentiary.
Her character is marked by her loyalty to her friends, shrewd business acumen, and a penchant for nurturing both culinary skills and lasting alliances. Despite her seemingly stoic exterior, Red’s backstory and vulnerabilities are gradually revealed throughout the series, making her a multifaceted figure who grapples with personal demons and past mistakes.
Her character serves as a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the harsh prison environment, and she plays a crucial role in the complex social hierarchy of the series.
4. Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson
Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson, portrayed by Danielle Brooks in Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” is a compelling and dynamic character. Taystee starts as an inmate at Litchfield Penitentiary and is known for her vibrant personality, quick wit, and sense of humour.
She is a loyal friend and often provides comic relief in the series. Throughout the show, Taystee’s character undergoes significant development as she navigates the challenges of life in prison.
She is intelligent and resourceful and becomes involved in the prison’s black market. Taystee’s story also delves into her background as a foster child and her struggles with the criminal justice system, shedding light on important issues of systemic inequality and injustice.
Taystee’s character is a testament to resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and her journey is a central element of the series’ exploration of social and racial issues within the prison system.
5. Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren
Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, portrayed by Uzo Aduba in Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” is a complex and memorable character. Known as Crazy Eyes due to her distinctive and erratic behaviour, Suzanne is a kind-hearted and emotionally vulnerable inmate at Litchfield Penitentiary.
She often struggles to fit in with the other inmates and yearns for acceptance and friendship. Suzanne is exceptionally intelligent but grapples with mental health challenges, which lead to unpredictable outbursts and an inclination to create imaginary worlds.
Suzanne’s character serves as a poignant and sometimes comical commentary on the intersection of mental health, race, and the difficulties faced by those who don’t conform to societal norms. Uzo Aduba’s portrayal earned her critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards, and Crazy Eyes’ journey highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in a diverse and challenging prison environment.
Important Crew Members Orange Is The New Black
1. Author – Piper Kerman
Piper Kerman is the author of the memoir “Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison,” which served as the inspiration for the hit Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” In her book, Kerman provides a candid and personal account of her experiences during a year-long stint in a women’s prison.
Her narrative explores the complexities of the criminal justice system, the challenges of incarceration, and the stories of the women she met behind bars. Piper Kerman’s writing sheds light on issues of gender, privilege, and the flaws within the prison system.
Her book has become a powerful voice for prison reform, drawing attention to the lives of female inmates. Kerman’s work has had a significant impact on public discourse about criminal justice and has contributed to the ongoing discussions about prison reform in the United States.
2. Creator – Jenji Kohan
“Orange Is the New Black” was created by Jenji Kohan, a highly regarded figure in the world of television. Her fame is rooted in her remarkable ability to tackle complex and socially relevant themes through compelling storytelling.
Before “OITNB,” Kohan was already well-known for her work on the series “Weeds,” which blended dark humour with sharp social commentary. “Orange Is the New Black” catapulted her into the spotlight, gaining critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Kohan’s success with the show was attributed to her fearlessness in addressing issues like race, gender, sexuality, and the criminal justice system. Jenji Kohan’s fame as a show creator is closely tied to her unique storytelling prowess and commitment to addressing important societal issues in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner.
3. Writers – Lauren Morelli, Nick Jones, Sian Heder
“Orange Is the New Black” had a team of talented writers who contributed to the show’s success over its seven-season run. Some of the main writers on the series, apart from Jenji Kohan and Piper Kerman, included: Lauren Morelli was a key writer and producer for the show.
Her work contributed significantly to the series’ exploration of characters and themes. Nick Jones was a writer and producer known for his contributions to the show’s dark humour and character development.
Sian Heder was another prominent writer and producer known for her ability to infuse both humour and emotional depth into the storylines. These writers, along with others on the team, played pivotal roles in crafting the memorable characters and thought-provoking narratives that made “Orange Is the New Black” a groundbreaking and critically acclaimed series.
4. Directors – Andrew McCarthy, Phil Abraham, and Michael Trim
Andrew McCarthy, Phil Abraham, and Michael Trim are all accomplished directors who contributed their talents to the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” Andrew McCarthy, known for his acting career in the ’80s and ’90s, made a successful transition to directing.
His work on OITNB added depth and emotion to the series, showcasing his ability to connect with characters and draw out powerful performances. Phil Abraham is an acclaimed director and cinematographer, known for his work on several hit TV series.
His contributions to OITNB brought a visual richness to the show, using his keen eye for storytelling through camera work and lighting. Michael Trim, a seasoned director with an extensive television background, added a unique creative perspective to the series.
His direction skillfully balanced the show’s blend of drama and comedy.
5. Casting Director – Jennifer Euston
Jennifer Euston, the casting director of “Orange Is the New Black,” is renowned in the entertainment industry for her exceptional work in assembling the ensemble cast of the series. Her fame and success are attributed to her keen eye for talent and her ability to cast a diverse array of actors who brought authenticity and depth to the characters.
Euston’s work on “OITNB” significantly contributed to the show’s success and critical acclaim. Her casting choices helped the series tackle important social issues, such as race, gender, and sexuality, with nuance and authenticity.
Jennifer Euston’s work as a casting director has left a lasting impact on the industry and exemplifies the importance of inclusive and skilful casting in modern storytelling. Her other popular works include Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The Time Traveller’s Wife, GLOW, etc.
Similar shows as Orange Is The New Black
1. Wentworth
“Wentworth” is a critically acclaimed Australian television series that serves as a modern reimagining of the iconic 1980s series “Prisoner.” Set in the fictional Wentworth Correctional Centre, the show is a gripping and gritty portrayal of life behind bars.
It revolves around the lives of the inmates, their complex relationships, and the challenges they face in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The series delves into themes of power, survival, betrayal, and redemption while offering a diverse array of characters.
“Wentworth” has earned praise for its strong character development, intense storytelling, and compelling exploration of the human condition within the constraints of a prison setting. You can stream it on Netflix.
2. Weeds
“Weeds” is a dark comedy-drama series that originally aired on Showtime but is available on Amazon Prime Video. Created by Jenji Kohan, the show follows Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker, a suburban widow who turns to selling marijuana to support her family after her husband’s death.
Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Agrestic, the series explores Nancy’s journey into the criminal underworld while navigating the complexities of family, friendships, and love.
“Weeds” is known for its witty and satirical take on suburban life and the drug trade, and it offers a unique blend of humour, drama, and social commentary that captivated audiences during its run. Stream the series on Prime Video.
3. Locked Up
“Locked Up,” originally titled “Vis a Vis,” is a Spanish television series available on Netflix. The show is a gripping and intense prison drama that follows the life of Macarena Ferreiro, a young woman imprisoned for financial crimes.
As she adapts to the harsh realities of life behind bars, the series delves into the complex relationships among the inmates, their struggles, and the challenges they face. “Locked Up” is celebrated for its strong character development, suspenseful storytelling, and its portrayal of the harsh Spanish prison system.
It explores themes of survival, power dynamics, and personal transformation, making it a compelling and binge-worthy watch.
4. Shameless
“Shameless” is a popular American television series available on Amazon Prime Video. Adapted from a British show of the same name, it revolves around the chaotic and dysfunctional Gallagher family living in the South Side of Chicago.
Led by the unapologetically reckless patriarch, Frank Gallagher, portrayed by William H. Macy, the series offers a raw and darkly comedic look at their struggles with poverty, addiction, and the quest for survival.
Each member of the family, including Fiona, Lip, and Ian, navigates their own unique challenges. “Shameless” is celebrated for its unflinching portrayal of social issues, complex characters, and the humorous yet poignant exploration of family dynamics in challenging circumstances.
5. How to Get Away with Murder
“How to Get Away with Murder” is a gripping legal thriller television series available on Netflix. Created by Peter Nowalk and produced by Shonda Rhimes, the show follows Annalise Keating, a brilliant, enigmatic law professor played by Viola Davis, and her group of law students who become embroiled in murder, intrigue, and ethical dilemmas.
Each season unfolds a new mystery, blending courtroom drama with suspenseful narratives and character-driven storytelling. Known for its suspense, complex characters, and Davis’s powerhouse performance, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as it explores crime, morality, and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of the legal world.
