Season five of the Netflix original show, Orange is the New Black, is set for release this coming summer. However, a hacker by the name of “The Dark Overlord” has acquired the new season. The unidentified person demanded an unspecified ransom from Netflix after releasing the first episode of season five to prove that they did indeed have the episode files.
When the ransom was ignored, “The Dark Overlord” released ten episodes of the show. Online, screencaps of other unreleased shows and movies have been circulating for months, and this hacker seems to be the cause. “The Dark Overlord” claims to have material from ABC, Fox, National Geographic, and IFC. The individual appears to have set up a Twitter account, where they have tweeted threatening another leak of television material. The target does not seem to be Netflix themselves, and it is said that a small production company was the source of the hacking. On Twitter, “The Dark Overlord” alluded to the other issued ransom demands, but has not yet stated details. There has not been a specified date by which these demands need to be met. It is unclear which shows they have attained footage of or which shows the hacker is planning to release if their demands are not met.
The authenticity of the Orange is the New Black episodes has not been confirmed, as Netflix representatives have not been available for comment since the season was uploaded online. Prior to the unmet ransom demands, Netflix stated that they were aware of the demands and had involved the authorities. The FBI and other investigators have been looking into the situation.
With Orange is the New Black being Netflix’s most popular show (recently renewed through season seven), Netflix will likely see their stock take a hit. Due to the leak, rumors have spread that the streaming service may release the season sooner then the original June 9th release date.
Orange is the New Black is based on the 2010 memoir by Piper Kerman’s experiences in women’s prison. The show can be viewed via a Netflix subscription and is produced by Lionsgate Entertainment.
