SAN FRANSISCO – ENTERTAINMENT – Netflix reveals Orange is the New Black is one of its most re-watched original series. Examining viewing in over 190 countries, Netflix found more than half (53%)* of Orange viewers have re-watched at least one full season of the acclaimed series since its debut in 2013. Not surprisingly, this re-watching behavior peaks each June in anticipation of the new season, this year being no exception.
In advance of the Orange is the New Black season 4 debut – arriving worldwide Friday, June 17 – Netflix also surveyed** fans around the world to see how they plan to prepare for their return to Litchfield.
Of viewers polled, nearly a quarter (21%) plan to re-watch the previous season while 41% plan to re-watch the entire series – all 36 episodes. They’re eager to serve their time too with 54% planning to re-watch this weekend or sooner, and fans are even willing to give-up making their bed (30%), cleaning the house (36%) and cooking (10%) in order to have more time to watch .
Overall, most plan to re-watch without incriminating others – 36% prefer to re-watch solo, 8% with their pets and 12% with a table full of snacks (be careful with the pie). Those who prefer to have partners in crime will re-watch with their significant other (25%) or friends (14%). The majority of re-watching lockdowns will take place in the living room (43%) followed by the bedroom (41%) – no one chose the SHU.
The art of re-watching takes both a practical and emotional form. Top reasons for re-watching include looking for possible foreshadowing in previous storylines (25%) and reliving moments with favorite characters (29%). However, for others (25%) it’s as simple as Orange is the New Black being their favorite show and they just can’t get enough.
For those who only have time for a shorter sentence – like the 23% of respondents who plan to re-watch just a few episodes – Netflix also released the series most re-watched episodes. As expected, viewers prefer to re-indulge in the last three episodes of a season, but the one that remains supreme is, of course, Season 1, Episode 1 – you never forget your first time:
Season 1:
Episode 1 – “I wasn’t ready”
Sentenced to fifteen months for a crime committed in her youth, Piper Chapman leaves her supportive fiance Larry for her new home: a woman’s prison.
Episode 12 – “Fool me once”
Painful truths reorient several relationships and careers: Pennsatucky feels disrespected by Piper; Larry gives a revealing radio interview.
Episode 13 – “Can’t fix crazy”
Red’s scheme to reclaim her kitchen backfires; the inmates stage a Christmas pageant; Piper’s plans unravel even as she realizes her life is in jeopardy,
Season 2:
Episode 11 – “Take a break from your values”
Piper is shocked at an unexpected change in her status; Soso’s hunger strike attracts new support that takes on a religious fervor.
Episode 12 – “It was the change”
Tensions run high as a prison power outage forces several issues to come to light; Piper finds herself compromised and is forced to think on her feet.
Episode 13 – “We have manners. We’re polite”
Several futures hang in the balance as the inmates face and confront their worst nightmares: Life will never be the same again.
Season 3:
Episode 11 – “We can be heroes”
Caputo and Piper confront labor issues. A miracle occurs in Norma’s group. Crazy Eyes’ erotica winds up in the hands of the staff.
Episode 12 – “Don’t make me come back there”
Daya goes into labor. Sophia suffers a hate crime. Stella helps Piper with a business snag. Taystee takes on a new role.
Episode 13 – “Trust no bitch”
Miracles and conversions occur, but Piper and Caputo know that some situations can’t be dealt with through spiritual means.