Orange is the New Black season 5, 6 AND 7 renewed by Netflix

That's quite the commitment.

(Netflix)

In what might be an unprecedented move, Netflix has committed to three more seasons of Orange is the New Black - all before season 4 has even aired.

This will take the show into 2019, with creator Jenji Kohan confirming that she will stay on board for the entirety.

The news could well point to season 7 being the last - seven seasons is already more than a show of this kind normally runs for, and I wouldn’t have thought it would take 8 seasons to wrap up this fairly contained story.

“Three more years! Not quite a political term, but still plenty of time to do some interesting things,” commented Kohan.

“In some cultures, ‘May you lead an interesting life,’ is a curse, but I don't live in those cultures. Here's to keeping it interesting.

“Thanks Netflix! Both thanks and you're welcome Lionsgate! And kudos and gratitude to the stellar cast and crew and writers and producers and editors and musicians and mixers and shleppers... with whom I have the pride and honor of crafting this show. Three more years! Three more years!”

While OITNB might be holding on to its original creator, House of Cards is set to lease Beau Willimon after the next season.

OITNB season 4 will premiere on Friday 17 June.