Sometimes, it takes a very special show to make you realise what you’re missing in your life. Before watching Orange is the New Black, I had no idea that what I was really looking for in terms of entertainment was a thoroughly engrossing, deeply human, and incredibly genuine portrayal of female characters. I can’t think of any other show that I’ve watched that was anywhere near this good in terms of both high quality entertainment value and thoughtful, provoking and empathetic characters. Orange is the New Black is described as a comedy-drama but I think it’s more accurate to say it’s a character-piece; exploring the lives of various prison inmates through the beady, naïve eyes of WASPy Piper Chapman, Orange manages to be both hilarious yet often, deeply poignant. It’s a masterful series which often plays on conventional prison stereotypes but in a fresh and often exciting way. I cannot hype this series enough so I’m going to try and avoid major spoilers, but I will mention tidbits from the show to give you a flavour of it.

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