“Orange is the New Black” marks its tenth anniversary with Uzo Aduba and other alumni

A mere ten years ago, Jenji Kohan gifted us the inaugural episode of “Orange Is the New Black,” and on Tuesday, several stars of the groundbreaking series celebrated its anniversary by sharing nostalgic photos and expressing gratitude.

She acknowledged the transformative impact of Kohan and the world she crafted on @oitnb, emphasizing how it forever altered the lives of the cast and crew. Aduba extended her thanks to Kohan for recognizing and embracing new voices and narrative possibilities.

Danielle Brooks, another standout from the show in the role of Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson, echoed a similar sentiment on her Instagram, saying, “Ten years ago, my life changed forever. I landed a career-changing job and became a part of a beautiful creative family @oitnb. I am forever grateful for every second I got to play Taystee.” Brooks also highlighted the strong support system that developed among the cast, navigating through various life events together.

Looking back, Uzo Aduba, known for her portrayal of Suzanne “Wild Eyes” Warren, shared a reflective note on her Instagram: “A decade ago—I was uncertain about the path ahead, both in my art, career, and life.”

In essence, the cast commemorated a decade of shared experiences, growth, and the lasting impact of “Orange Is the New Black.”

The hour-long Netflix dramedy made its debut in July 2013, swiftly emerging as a prominent fixture in the “Peak TV” era of the 2010s. It distinguished itself by breaking stereotypes, showcasing narratives of women across diverse ages, sizes, races, and sexual orientations, all while delivering a critical commentary on the US justice system. This impactful series not only introduced breakout stars but also featured Laverne Cox, an actor, host, and advocate for the transgender community, who became a prominent voice in highlighting LGBTQ+ stories.

Laverne Cox, expressing sentiments akin to Danielle Brooks, shared on her Instagram page that “Orange” not only transformed her life but also left an indelible mark on television, describing it as a significant gift. She fondly reminisced about the camaraderie with her cast mates and the dedicated crew.

Piper Kerman, the author of the 2010 memoir that inspired the show, paid homage on her Instagram story, reflecting on the women who survived prison and those still incarcerated. She expressed the hope that the series had contributed to changing perspectives on mass incarceration and other issues.

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During its seven-season run, “Orange” received 21 Emmy Award nominations and secured four wins, including Uzo Aduba’s victories in the guest/supporting acting categories. Aduba, in a heartfelt conclusion to her Instagram post, extended gratitude to the viewers, emphasizing that the show wouldn’t have thrived without their support. “Orange forever!” she exclaimed.