Orange is the New Black has been given the go-ahead by Netflix to begin work on a third season. Ahead of its second season rollout - which will bow on June 6 - executives are confident enough that the prison comedy-drama will retain enough of its audience, as well as garnering new fans, for a third outing.

Orange is the New Black

The show follows Laura Prepon who plays inmate Alex Vause, a thorny ex of Taylor Schilling's character Piper Chapman. It was Prepon who let the cat out of the bag on her Instagram account. Her role was reduced for season two, though she'll definitely be returning for a third cycle.

Netflix is yet to officially announced a renewal, though a source close to production confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that work had begun on a third outing. 

More: Watch the 'Orange is the New Black' season 2 preview clip

It's not the first time that Netflix has given an early renewal to one of its shows. In fact, Orange is the New Black was renewed for a second season ahead of its first season premiere last year. Hemlock Grove, Lilyhammer and House of Cards will all be returning over the next couple of years.

Netflix has also resurrected the crime-drama The Killing - based on the classic Danish original - and has commissioned numerous dramas including 'Marco Polo' about Marco Polo's early years in the court of Kublai Khan.

A selection of superhero dramas, including Daredevil, Luke Cage and Iron Fist are also in development at the streaming service giant.

More: Netflix is BIG on 'Orange is the New Black'