Jason Biggs reveals how Orange Is the New Black pioneered Netflix’s streaming revolution, transforming the platform from a DVD rental service to a global entertainment powerhouse.
When Netflix first announced its pivot from DVD rentals to original streaming content, the industry reacted with skepticism. Today, the platform is a titan, but its early days were defined by bold experimentation—and no show embodied that risk-taking spirit more than Orange Is the New Black.
In an exclusive interview with Parade, Jason Biggs, who played Larry Bloom in the series, shared his firsthand account of Netflix’s historic foray into original programming. “We were, in fact, I believe, the third one to go into production,” Biggs recalled. “It was House of Cards, Hemlock Grove, and then Orange Is the New Black.”
The Birth of a Streaming Giant
Biggs’ initial reaction mirrored the industry’s uncertainty. “I remember when my agent called me to tell me that there was this show and that it was going to be on Netflix,” he said. “I had already read about House of Cards, so it wasn’t like that shocking, but I still had much more questions than anyone would have now.”
At the time, Netflix was still synonymous with DVD rentals. “The DVD company?” was a common response when Biggs told people about the project. The concept of a “web series” was unfamiliar, and the idea of producing a show with the scale and ambition of traditional television was revolutionary.
The Binge-Watching Revolution
One of Netflix’s most groundbreaking decisions was releasing all episodes of a season at once—a move that redefined how audiences consumed television. “The real groundbreaking thing about this was releasing all of the episodes at once,” Biggs emphasized. “What that did, and the continued impact it has, is that you make—instead of making, sort of one-off episodes—we made a 13-hour movie.”
This shift transformed storytelling, allowing for deeper character arcs and more intricate narratives. It also gave rise to the binge-watching culture that now dominates the industry.
From ‘American Pie’ to Netflix Stardom
Biggs, best known for his role in the American Pie films, found himself at the center of this transformation. His character, Larry Bloom, was the husband of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), whose imprisonment set the series in motion. The show’s success not only cemented Netflix’s place in the industry but also redefined Biggs’ career.
“Now, it’s like, ‘Please, Netflix! I need to work with Netflix,'” Biggs joked, highlighting how the platform’s reputation has evolved from uncertainty to prestige.
A Lasting Legacy
Orange Is the New Black wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural phenomenon. The show’s diverse ensemble cast and unflinching portrayal of life in a women’s prison resonated with audiences worldwide. It also paved the way for Netflix’s future successes, proving that streaming could compete with traditional television.
Today, Netflix is a dominant force in entertainment, with a library of original content that spans genres and languages. Its impact is undeniable, and Orange Is the New Black remains a cornerstone of that legacy.
As for Biggs, his journey from American Pie to Netflix stardom continues. His latest project, Untitled Home Invasion Romance, marks his directorial debut, proving that his career is as dynamic as the industry he helped transform.
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