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Netflix renews Orange is the New Black for three more series

Jenji Kohan is already committed to continue running the show

Jess Denham
Friday 05 February 2016 14:47 GMT
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Orange is the New Black follows the lives of a group of female prisoners in America
Orange is the New Black follows the lives of a group of female prisoners in America

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Netflix has renewed its most-watched original series Orange is the New Black for three more seasons

Showrunner Jenji Kohan will remain in charge of the hit comedy-drama for a fifth, sixth and seventh run.

“Three more years! Not quite a political term but still plenty of time to do some interesting things,” she said. “In some cultures, ‘May you lead an interesting life’ is a curse but I don’t live in those cultures. Here’s to keeping it interesting.

“Thanks Netflix! Both thanks and you’re welcome Lionsgate and kudos and gratitude to the stellar cast and crew and writers and producers and editors and musicians and mixers and shleppers with whom I have the pride and honour of crafting this show. Three more years! Three more years!”

Orange is the New Black triumphed at the Sag Awards last weekend, winning best comedy actress for Uzo Abdua and best comedy ensemble, both for the second consecutive year.

Uzo Aduba accepts the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series for her role in Netflix's "Orange is the New Black" at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California September 20, 2015
Uzo Aduba accepts the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series for her role in Netflix's "Orange is the New Black" at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California September 20, 2015 (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

Netflix keeps its ratings data tightly under wraps but executives have previously confirmed that the show, set in a women’s prison, is their most popular original.

Cindy Holland, vice president of original content, praised Kohan for creating a “phenomenal and impactful series that is both funny and dramatic, outrageous and heartfelt”.

It remains to be seen how many of the current cast will sign extended contracts, with the renewal heralding the longest commitment for a TV series in recent times.

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