Admittedly, when Orange Is the New Black came out, I wasn’t on board with giving it much of a chance. I’m not usually a fan of shows that take place only in one spot (Walking Dead Prison season anyone? Ugh). In true Netflix Binger fashion once everyone started talking about how awesome it was I had to give it a shot, and I’m glad I did! 4 seasons in, and I’m proud to be a repeat offender! This is hands down one of my favourite shows currently on Netflix, and it turns out I’m not alone…
On the heels of Orange is the New Black’s season 4 debut, Netflix has done a little digging to reveal that this original series is one of its most re-watched globally among subscribers. No surprise there, I’ve re-watched seasons 1 & 2 leading up to the release of season 3 and 4, to make sure I have all my stories straight! 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.
I have quite a few friends that were a bit jealous that Stream Team members were given a sneak peak at the new season – I binged through 6 episodes in 2 days and was left hungry for more – it was hard to keep it all to myself! Season 1 was my favourite, but this season is a close second.
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 when Piper Chapman leaves her supportive fiancé Larry for her new home: a woman’s prison. This was the episode that had me hooked, Piper was easy to relate with, girl next door and boom! Prison.
Some Canadian-specific highlights about OITNB fans:
- Almost one quarter of Canadian respondents (23%) plan to watch the previous season while 42% plan on re-watching all seasons before the season 4 launch
- Close to half of respondents (43%) said they will start preparing for the new season (S4) this week, and Canadian fans are willing to give up house chores to do so — cleaning the house (41%) and making your bed (38%) – I personally am willing to give it all up to binge it in a weekend, no regrets!
- Outside of refreshing their memory, one third said they like to re-watch to relive moments with their favourite characters and 30% said they look for possible foreshadowing.
- Over one quarter (28%) said they re-watch because it’s their favourite show and they can’t get enough
- It can be lonely in Litchfield. Over one third of Canadian respondents (32%) said they plan to re-watch by themselves.
I’m one of the 32% that plans to re-watch it by myself, my other half never got into the show so this has been a mommy moment show, as soon as the house is quiet or I’m ready to have a bath, Orange is the New Black comes out and I am sucked back in! I just finished Season 4 and may have yelled at my TV a few times, there are moments that will shock, tug at your heart strings and immerse you into a world that many of us never get a chance to see. This season touches on a sensitive real life incident, once you get there have those tissues ready!
Full seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix now, I highly recommend setting aside a few solid hours – once you start… you’ll be hooked! Have you checked out OITNB, which has been your favourite episode so far? Share with us below!
{Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix #StreamTeam and receive special perks for sharing my fave binge worthy shows and information. All opinions are my own.}
