Netflix Developing Second Original Series, ‘Orange Is The New Black’ From ‘Weeds’ Creator Jenji Kohan
It’s only been a few days since the debut ofLilyhammer, Netflix’s first foray into scripted original programming, but it seems the company is already eager for more. Reports have surfaced that Netflix has ordered a thirteen-episode season of its second original series,Orange is the New Black, fromWeedscreatorJenji Kohan. Although the deal has not yet been formally announced — confirmation so far has come from an anonymous source “with knowledge of the situation” — it backs up stories dating back to late last year that Netflix was negotiating a deal for the series. More details after the jump.
The first, the David Fincher-produced, Kevin Spacey-starringHouse of Cards, is slated to debut sometime this year. In addition, Netflix also has distribution rights to the Norwegian-American dramaLilyhammerand fresh episodes ofArrested Develomentdue out in 2013.Bloombergreports thatOrange is the New Blackand another recent deal, forEli Roth’sHemlock Grove, could be announced as early as next week. No release dates have been announced for the new series, but Netflix chief content officerTed Sarandostold the publication that the service would have five original series available for streaming by mid-2013.
The upcoming shows put Netflix in even closer competition with HBO, which Netflix CEOReed Hastingsnamedas “the competitor we fear the most” last year. Indeed,SF Gatereports that Netflix has updated its strategy statement for job applicants to name HBO, Amazon.com Inc., and others as its competitors. We’ll have to wait and see how well Netflix’s move actually pays off, but in the meantime, it seems we consumers win by getting more top-notch TV programming.
