I have developed a new obsession recently, and I mean ob-sess-ion. Every free hour I have during the day and every time I get into bed when I should be going to sleep… I can’t help but pick up my iPad and watch another episode of Orange is the New Black. If you haven’t indulged in the series that is exclusive to Netflix yet, then I will tell you three reasons why you should. The programme is an American comedy-drama about inmates at a women’s federal prison. It is (which makes it all the more fascinating) based on Piper Kerman’s biography and autobiography: My Time in a Women’s Prison.
1. It makes you appreciate your life. Each episode focuses on one character in the prison, and allows the audience to see their independent pain at being behind bars. The advice they give and valuable words they say in the prison makes you value your free life in this world and makes you realise that things could be worse. Most of the women in Orange is the New Black are as ordinary as me and you which allows us to relate to them and sympathise with the situations they have got themselves into.
2. The series is extremely cultural. There are different races and religions around the prison, and each race has their own group of friends that share the same facilities (sleeping areas and showers) and stick by each other. It is truly fascinating to see the many different characters throughout the prison. Watch the friendships grow and the enemies arise.
3. Not only do you see the sides of stories from the inmates at Litchfield Prison, but also from the prison Officers, who get caught up in their fare of illegal dealings, emotional situations and unprofessional behaviour. You’ll have to watch to find out more, and many of these scenes are gripping.
4. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger. And I mean every single episode. Whether it is the mistake of one of the inmates or news that nobody wanted to hear, it makes you excited to watch the next episode and find out what will happen next.
5. You end up feeling so many emotions from watching Orange is the New Black. So far (just into Season 2) I have felt: happiness, fear, sadness, joy, love, hatred and passion. Be aware: this series will make you feel so many things and you will learn more about yourself as you watch the characters grow and shine in front of your eyes.
With an excellent rating of 8.5/10 on IMDb, what have you got to lose?