Streaming giant Netflix has announced that they are ending the hit Emmy-winning series "Orange Is the New Black." The series will conclude with the upcoming seventh season. Netflix first made the announcement on social media. "OITNB" series creator Jenji Kohan released a statement saying that she will miss the "badass ladies of Litchfield."

"Orange is the New Black" has had a major impact on pop culture across the world and helped build Lionsgate into a relevant brand. Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs, thanked the production team, cast, crew, and Kohan for all their work, on this landmark show.

'Orange is the New Black' ending was not a surprise

"Orange is the New Black" was renewed for a seventh season back in 2016 when the show was picked up for three additional seasons. Hearing that the seventh season will be the last, is not a surprise given the multi-year pickup by Netflix. Kohan previously said she was leaning toward ending it after seven and that she had a series ending in mind, but did not make it public. The final season will change the landscape of the show forever.

"OITNB" season 6 saw the inmates divided following the prison riot. This means that season seven will follow her around outside the prison's central inmate characters. The show's main star Taylor Schilling spoke to The Hollywood Reporter saying she was already preparing for the end, saying it's a surreal time.

Co-star Laura Prepon said that the endgame is clear but unsure if she's prepared for the final season.

Jenji Kohan will continue to work with Netflix on other projects

Kohan will stay in business with the streaming giant, after recently inking a massive deal. She is already executive producer for "GLOW." The decision to conclude "Orange is the New Black" comes as Netflix is set to wrap up "House of Cards." The Emmy nominated series earned 12 nominations for their first season and earning the Emmy for best comedy.

"OITNB" later ended up becoming the first series to receive nominations in both comedy and drama categories.

The "Orange is the New Black" stars Danielle Brooks, Adrienne C. Moore, Uzo Aduba, Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Natasha Lyonne and Kate Mulgrew. The show includes many others as part of the ensemble cast. Normally, "OITNB" seasons drop in the summer, but the final season will air in 2019.

The series routinely surpassed expectations of show executives each and every season.

With a show like "OITNB" concluding, Netflix viewers are left to wonder if there will be a show that can match the depth and reach, as well as quality that this hit show did year after year.
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