10 Shows & Movies Similar to Orange Is the New Black (2013)

Description: 'Oz' is one of the earliest TV shows to delve deeply into life inside a prison, much like 'Orange Is the New Black'. Both series portray the harsh realities of incarceration, including violence, power struggles, and the formation of alliances among inmates. 'Oz' is darker and more brutal, but it shares the same unflinching look at the prison system and its impact on individuals.

Fact: 'Oz' was HBO's first one-hour dramatic television series. The show's creator, Tom Fontana, spent time in real prisons to research for the series. Many actors from 'Oz' went on to star in other HBO shows, creating a sort of 'HBO family' of actors.

Description: 'The L Word' and 'Orange Is the New Black' both focus on the lives and relationships of LGBTQ+ women. Both shows are groundbreaking in their representation of queer women and explore themes of identity, love, and community. The strong, diverse female casts are a key similarity.

Fact: The show was one of the first to feature a predominantly lesbian cast. The title is a play on the phrase 'the lesbian word', as well as a reference to the show's setting in Los Angeles (L.A.). The show's theme song, 'The L Word', was performed by Betty, a band formed specifically for the show.

Description: 'Weeds' shares with 'Orange Is the New Black' a darkly comedic tone and a focus on a female protagonist navigating illegal activities. Both shows blend humor with serious themes, and both feature strong, complex female characters. The creator of 'Orange Is the New Black', Jenji Kohan, also created 'Weeds', which explains the similar storytelling style.

Fact: The show's theme song, 'Little Boxes', was covered by various artists, including Elvis Costello and Linkin Park. Mary-Louise Parker, who plays Nancy Botwin, won a Golden Globe for her performance. The show was initially set in the fictional suburb of Agrestic, which is a play on the word 'agrestic', meaning rural or rustic.

Description: Similar to 'Orange Is the New Black', 'Prison Break' is set in a prison environment, focusing on the dynamics between inmates and the systemic issues within the penal system. Both shows explore themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships under extreme conditions. While 'Prison Break' leans more towards action and suspense, it shares the same gritty, intense atmosphere as 'Orange Is the New Black'.

Fact: 'Prison Break' was initially planned as a 14-episode miniseries but was expanded due to its popularity. The show's iconic tattoos were designed by the lead actor, Wentworth Miller, who also has a degree in English Literature from Princeton. The series was filmed in real prisons to add authenticity to the setting.

Description: 'Shameless' and 'Orange Is the New Black' both feature ensemble casts and explore the lives of characters on the fringes of society. Both shows mix drama and comedy, and both delve into issues like poverty, addiction, and family dynamics. The raw, unfiltered portrayal of their characters' lives is a key similarity.

Fact: The show is an adaptation of a British series of the same name. William H. Macy, who plays Frank Gallagher, is the only original cast member to appear in every episode. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of mental illness and addiction.

Description: 'Wynonna Earp' and 'Orange Is the New Black' both feature strong, flawed female protagonists who navigate challenging circumstances. Both shows blend drama with humor, and both explore themes of family, loyalty, and redemption. The strong female leads and the mix of genres are key similarities.

Fact: The show is based on a comic book series of the same name. The show has a dedicated fanbase known as 'Earpers'. The show has been praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters.

Description: While 'The Handmaid's Tale' is set in a dystopian society rather than a prison, it shares with 'Orange Is the New Black' a focus on women's struggles against oppressive systems. Both shows explore themes of resistance, survival, and the bonds formed among women in extreme circumstances. The emotional intensity and strong female leads are key similarities.

Fact: The show is based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel of the same name. The red cloaks worn by the handmaids have become a symbol of women's rights protests worldwide. Elisabeth Moss, who plays Offred, is also one of the show's producers.

Description: 'The Bold Type' and 'Orange Is the New Black' both focus on the lives and friendships of women, though in very different settings. Both shows explore themes of identity, empowerment, and the challenges faced by women in their respective environments. The strong female friendships and the focus on women's issues are key similarities.

Fact: The show is loosely based on the life of Joanna Coles, the former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan. The show has been praised for its portrayal of female friendship and workplace dynamics. The show addresses contemporary issues like sexual harassment, gender identity, and racial inequality.

Description: 'Good Girls' and 'Orange Is the New Black' both feature women who turn to crime out of desperation, and both shows explore the consequences of their actions. Both series blend drama and comedy, and both focus on the bonds between women. The strong female leads and the exploration of moral ambiguity are key similarities.

Fact: The show stars Christina Hendricks, Mae Whitman, and Retta as the three leads. The show was inspired by real-life stories of women who turned to crime. The show has been praised for its portrayal of female friendship and solidarity.

Description: 'The Wilds' and 'Orange Is the New Black' both focus on a diverse group of women in a confined environment, exploring their backstories and the dynamics between them. Both shows use flashbacks to reveal the characters' pasts, and both explore themes of survival, identity, and resilience. The strong female ensemble cast is a key similarity.

Fact: The show was created by Sarah Streicher, who also wrote for 'Daredevil'. The cast includes several newcomers to television. The show has been compared to 'Lost' for its mystery elements and survival themes.