‘Orange is the New Black’ renewed for season 4 (before season 3 even premieres)

Netflix obviously knows a thing or two regarding how much people love “Orange is the New Black.” Even though the dramedy has yet to air a single episode of its third season (though, to be fair, they do all air at the same time), they have confirmed that you will be seeing more of some of your favorite inmates next season.

A fourth-season renewal of the show is a big vote of confidence and also good news for the fans, but we do have to wonder this: How long can you keep some of the same characters in prison? This is not the sort of show that has a feel of permanence to it. Sooner or later, some of these characters are going to make their way out of the facility, and try to pick up a normal life. The only way they wouldn’t is if they somehow start to feel like life behind bars is significantly better than life outside, which seems like a pretty darn hard situation to sell.

Of course, we do still think that the show could work even if the characters did move out of the prison, so there is always that possibility to go along with it.

The one thing that we can say here for certain is that this is one of Netflix’s signature shows alongside “House of Cards.” Not only does it draw headlines, but it also has received awards-show attention. It will have more challenges this year, though, given that it has been barred from participating in the comedy race, and will have to enter as a drama.

You can see the first promo for the third season of the show (premiering June 12) below; meanwhile, head over here if you want to get some other TV news sent right over to you, courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Netflix.)