Orange is the New Black's complex roles transcend TV

For Orange is the New Black stars Taylor Schilling and Uzo Aduba, the hit ensemble dramedy is something to be celebrated: a creative endeavour filled with complex characters that the whole crew of actors can really dig into.

Along with shows like House of Cards and a relaunched Arrested Development, award-winning prison comedy-drama Orange is the New Black has boosted content streaming service Netflix into being a major contender for must-see dramatic programming and a veritable rival to cable and broadcast networks.

"If the pilot I had read was a play, I would have been as excited to go do it [onstage]," Schilling told CBC News during a stop in Toronto on Monday.

"Good stories are good stories regardless of the medium," added Aduba.

The series is based on Piper Kerman's memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison. The second season premiered earlier this month, while the show has already been renewed for a third season.

"I think it's vital to a piece coming together — be it a TV show, a play or movie or anything — at least for me, there's a sense of safety when people get along and when you feel supported. That doesn't always happen — it's a gift when it does," Schilling said.

Schilling, who plays central character Piper Chapman, and Aduba, who portrays fan favourite Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren, talk to CBC's Deana Sumanac about the hit, female-led show in the attached video.