As one of the biggest shows on the planet right now, Emmy-winning Netflix original series Orange is the New Black is currently gearing up to unleash its third season upon the world. But just where did we leave things off, and what should we expect from this batch of new episodes? Here's everything we know so far...

Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix

Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix

When will it begin streaming?

Netflix revealed that the third season will stick to the usual release timeframe, with all episodes being uploaded to the streaming service on Friday, June 12. In addition, they've already renewed the show for a fourth season which will hit the schedule around the same time in 2016.

Laura Prepon is back as a regular cast member

Despite having a quite limited role throughout the second season due to her commitments elsewhere, Laura Prepon is now fully back onboard as a regular cast member, back in Litchfield and causing more chaos for her former lover Piper Chapman.

Jason Biggs, Pablo Schreiber and Alysia Reiner are out

Jason Biggs as Larry / Credit: Netflix
Jason Biggs as Larry / Credit: Netflix

Piper's ex-fiancé Larry is to be out of the third season completely, with Jason Biggs leaving the show following the conclusion we came to last year. The same goes for Pornstache - the prison guard we all love to hate - and Natalie Figueroa after her position was filled by her rival.

Some new names are onboard

Stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia is taking on an unknown role in the new series, and Mary Steenburn is also getting involved as a character who's been kept underwraps. An undisclosed role has also been given to Fringe actress Blair Brown, and a new character is to be introduced based on Martha Stewart. We also have Marsha Stephanie Blake joining as a new corrections officer, and Australian Ruby Rose as Stella Carlin - the new love interest for Piper.

Faith will play a role

Though creator Jenji Kohan is extremely tight-lipped when it comes to revealing anything, she did mention that the third season will be "about faith" - draw from that what you will!

What footage have we seen?

What pictures have we seen?

Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix
Credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix

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