Netflix has renewed “Orange Is the New Black” for three more seasons — more than four months ahead of its Season Four premiere.
That marks the biggest commitment to-date for the dramedy, which was one of the streamer’s first original series when it debuted back in 2013. While “House of Cards” was initially given a two-season pickup — and “OITNB” has consistently been renewed for another year ahead of each season — three-season orders are usually reserved for long-running megahits like “The Big Bang Theory” and “South Park.”
The renewal comes as “Orange,” a critical and awards darling in its rookie season, has seen its buzz somewhat diminish in subsequent seasons. The series still wins awards — its ensemble took home a trophy at last month’s Screen Actors Guild Awards cast member Uzo Aduba has two Emmys — but that’s down from 12 Primetime Emmy nominations in 2014 (and three wins); it received just four nods in 2015.
Creator Jenji Kohan has signed on to remain as showrunner and executive producer for seasons five, six, and seven, at least ensuring some continuity for the ladies of Litchfield Prison.
Less clear is how the extended renewal will affect the prison’s main characters. Series lead Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) is serving a 15-month sentence, which in the show’s calendar-season-per-TV-season timeline would see her get out in Season Five.
Season Four of “OITNB” premieres June 17 on Netflix.