Yes, Orange Is The New Black Really Is That Good

Sometimes the hype is overwhelming. For example: I just started watching Breaking Bad. Why? Mostly because of time and commitment; I just can’t commit to an hour long drama unless its exceptional. But also out of fear. Everyone I know LOVES it and I didn’t not want to. This was also the case with Orange Is The New Black except I didn’t wait 5 seasons to realize that ya, it really is that good.

But what makes it so good? That is the question I kept asking myself before I started watching. It just didn’t looking very appealing. But then you get past the pilot episode and then you watch a couple of episodes and then you watch a couple more and then a few days have gone by and you haven’t left you room or spoken to your family because you’re finding a way to meet the real-life version of Red (did you know this is all based on a true story? I KNOW).  So – again – yes, it’s that good. But why? Because it’s everything. That’s the only word I have found that describes this show perfectly. It’s funny. Heartbreaking. Dramatic. Exciting. Touching. Weird. And most importantly, real.

These are very real women in real situations presented in a very real way and it’s so authentic that it’s almost jarring. For me, this is the first time since maybe Sex & The City, where women have been given such an incredibly authentic representation. Girls and Lena Dunham can learn a lot from Piper and co. That statement is in no way meant to diminish the importance of Dunham and Girls but…Orange is a lot less obvious and in your face about what it’s trying to do and is way more successful because of that. And just because it features a lot of strong women doesn’t mean that guys can’t watch it. Because God forbid. This is just exceptional television that is meant for everyone. 

It’s such a wonderfully well written and well acted show. It’s long – most episodes are just under an hour long, but it’s so captivating that it never feels like a chore or a challenge to watch like some other, hour long dramas. This is very exciting television too. EVERYONE is talking about it, and rightfully so because Netflix just took over next year’s Emmys.