I watched the first episode of Orange is the New Black on Netflix and much to my surprise I really liked it. Even though it has some very graphic scenes and some controversial topics I found it funny and interesting and couldn't wait to see the next episode. I ended up watching the whole season 1 and 2.
This is actually a true story (I love true stories) told by a woman named Piper Kerman, an upper middle class woman sentenced to 15 months in a minimum security prison. Her character is played by Taylor Schilling and based off the book she wrote about her experience there called Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison.
I worked in the county jail for 3 years and trust me, this show wasn't far off!
I also once went on a Bill Glass Prison Ministry where I spent a weekend visiting a women's prison. We were allowed back into the actual dorms and cafeteria where the women lived, a thing even their families weren't allowed to do. I talked with women who were sentenced to between 5 and 15 years. Some of them had experienced things like their mother dying while they were in prison and missing their funerals or children getting sick and being admitted to ICU's and they weren't able to see them. It was very sad and eye opening for me. This is not to say I think they should be released or anything. My time at the county jail convinced me that most people incarcerated are there for a good reason.
I would recommend watching this show but it certainly is not for everyone. There is a lot of lesbian scenes and harsh talk in it so if your too prudish you won't like it. As for me....can't wait for season 3 this summer!
