Netflix, to no ones surprise, has crafted yet another original series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. “Orange Is the New Black” caught on within the blink of an eye and ran rampant. Within its first weeks, it became Netflix’s most popular show, topping both “House of Cards” and the fourth season of “Arrested Development” as the most viewed series on its Watch Instantly channel. In the wake of its monster success, producers wasted no time in getting a second season on the books. Production on season 2 has already begun and fans couldn’t be more pleased. Unfortunately, the future of one of the show’s most beloved characters remains uncertain.
Early rumors suggest that Laura Prepon, who plays Alex on the show, will not be returning for season 2, but nothing is confirmed. Last season, Alex shared an intricate on-again, off-again relationship with Piper, played by Taylor Schilling. The relationship is full of lies, deceit and prison sex. The show would certainly lose a formidable character as she parts ways with the cast, but still, Netflix has yet to make any official announcement.
In a recent interview with TVLine, Taryn Manning, who plays Doggett on the show, claims that she hasn’t heard from Prepon but remains as clueless as everyone else. “I haven’t seen her [on set] and I miss her,” Manning says. “I don’t know what’s going on with all of that. For me, I can’t worry about that. I’m just there doing my job.”
"Our season is still developing and nothing is confirmed," a Netflix representative said in a statement. It's also unclear whether Prepon left on her own accord or if executive producer Jenji Kohan had a hand in her departure, if she’s leaving at all. Regardless, fans are now eager to see how Prepon's potential farewell will rock the prison.
"Orange Is the New Black" will return to Netflix in 2014, although an official premiere date has yet to be confirmed.