Orange is the New Black is Perfectly Graphic

Netflix is famous for taking liberties that cable television does not have the ability to take: One being the risky topics that “Orange is the New Black” tackles in every single episode. It has been referred to as being far too graphic and extremely violent. Although this may be true, Netflix is not forcing any of its customers to engage in any of its offerings. In fact, users of Netflix even have the option of disabling access to certain genres or shows if they don’t want their children or family members to be able to watch them.

“Orange is the New Black” has been highly accredited by the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics’ Choice Television Awards, and the Emmy Awards. Nielsen Media reported that 6.7 million people watched “Orange is the New Black” in its opening weekend. However, many viewers have issues with how overly graphic and explicit the show is.

On the International Movie Database (IMDb), the Parents Guide includes information regarding sex, nudity, profanity, and frightening scenes. One tip in particular states that “oral sex between women in a prison environment is shown about once per episode.” Also on the Parents Guide are specific tips about “religiously profane or denigrating” language and when they occur in the series.

Several comments from viewers on the “Orange is the New Black” website express specific concerns they have with just how graphic and upsetting the show can be. One viewer has concerns with how Christians are portrayed as strictly trashy and idiotic. Another viewer was instantly disturbed by the amount of nudity shown in the first two minutes. One concerned parent warned that “if you have children, for the love of God, do not let them watch this shows.” It is clear that this show is quite controversial. However, controversial and bold television is what will win awards.

I wonder if parents ever stop to think that this show is not necessarily meant to be watched by children. Maybe this show was a creative experiment to use the setting of a prison to display honesty about the justice system! Or maybe the producers just want to corrupt children into becoming violent lesbians who trade sex for drugs. Perhaps the US Department of Corrections is feeling that they need more inmates and “Orange is the New Black” can be a tool to help recruit criminals to boost their numbers.

Of course the statements above are exaggerations. There is a setting on Netflix that allows parents or Netflix users in general to block certain genres or specific programs. You simply go to “Manage Profile” and utilize the Parental Control Settings. “Orange is the New Black” is exclusively aired only on Netflix for a couple reasons. Since OITNB is such a popular and trendy program, allowing it to only be offered on Netflix is a great business strategy Netflix uses with several other television series such as “Jessica Jones,” “House of Cards,” “Narcos,” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Another reason “Orange is the New Black” is not on cable television is because it would be a completely different show.

By being broadcasted on Netflix, the producers dodge certain restrictions and regulations. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) defines “indecency” as “language that describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards,” which is found on the FCC website. On Netflix, subscribers are not susceptible to flipping through channels and accidentally landing on a violent sex scene from “Orange is the New Black.” By using Netflix, all viewers of the show are consciously choosing to watch OITNW.

“Orange is the New Black” is perfectly graphic enough for those who choose to watch it and enjoy it when they do. Parents or whoever consider OITNB to be far too violent or inappropriate have every reason to believe so. However, it is a personal choice to allow yourself and those around you to have access to the program. OITNB is a bold expression of how producers can stretch their limbs in terms of creativity. It is a show that asks the question of what is morally right material to make copious amounts of money on.

Personally speaking, this show is extremely controversial and bold, but I managed to watch the entirety of season four in two days. With the power of Netflix, fans of any show have the ability to watch their favorite shows whenever they want. This can be dangerous, but it works wonderfully with how the producers of “Orange is the New Black” have formed their stories. Any and all types of producers create their art with a specific niche audience in mind. Clearly this show is not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t for anyone.