The New Black Review

“Orange Is the New Black” is a critically acclaimed American television series that aired from 2013 to 2019. The show is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of prisoners and its exploration of themes such as race, sexuality, gender, and body image.

Critical Reception:

• Season 1: The inaugural season received widespread acclaim, earning a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 8.3/10, and a Metacritic score of 79/100 based on 32 reviews. Critics praised its blend of dark humor and drama, with The Washington Post’s Hank Stuever describing it as “magnificent and thoroughly engrossing.”
• Season 2: The second season maintained high praise, achieving a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 9.2/10, and a Metacritic score of 89/100 based on 31 reviews. The San Francisco Chronicle’s David Wiegland noted it was “not only as great as the first season, but arguably better.”
• Season 3: This season continued the trend of critical acclaim, holding a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 8.1/10, and a Metacritic score of 83/100 based on 24 reviews. Critics highlighted its potent mix of comedy and rich character development.
• Season 4: The fourth season was lauded for its compelling performances, earning a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 8.6/10, and a Metacritic score of 86/100 based on 19 reviews.
• Season 5: This season received more mixed reviews, with a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 67/100 based on 20 reviews. Critics acknowledged the show’s sharp writing but noted a slight decline in execution compared to previous seasons.
• Season 6: The sixth season saw improved reception, holding an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 7.4/10, and a Metacritic score of 69/100 based on 14 reviews.
• Season 7: The final season concluded on a high note, achieving a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 7.7/10, and a Metacritic score of 82/100 based on 10 reviews. Critics praised it for addressing hard-hitting themes with depth and the same blend of drama and humor that made the series groundbreaking.

Overall, “Orange Is the New Black” is regarded as a groundbreaking series that combined sharp writing, complex characters, and a balance of humor and drama to explore significant social issues.