'Orange Is the New Black' season 5 air date, updates, spoilers: Major characters next to die in upcoming season? Next installment series' last?

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Promotional banner for the Netflix original series, "Orange is the New Black."

"Orange Is the New Black" season 5 is set to return sometime in June 2017. Now while the series remains one of the most popular and successful original TV series streaming through Netflix, there are rumors that the upcoming installment could be its last.

While there is no confirmation from Netflix or the showrunners yet regarding the purported cancellation, some fans are worried that the death of Poussey (Samira Wiley) in the season 5 finale bodes bad things for some of the other characters of the series. In fact, there are rumors that either one of three favorite characters (maybe more) might be next in line.

The season 4 finale of "Orange Is the New Black" was heartbreaking when Poussey was killed in what seemed like a chaotic turn of events. In the final moments of the said episode, Daya (Dascha Polanco) was shown pointing a gun at a Litchfield officer, and while it remains to be seen whether she'll pull the trigger or not, the consequences may not be in favor of her.

There are likewise rumors that Lolly (Lori Petty) or Piper (Taylor Schilling) could be next to Poussey. Pop Sugar has previously reported that "Orange Is the New Black" season 5 could be the last season fans will see Schilling in. The actress teased that Piper is much different now than she was when the series started, and now, her main goal is to survive in prison.

A previously released teaser for season 5 showed Piper's hand almost getting smashed, and with Schilling's earlier statement, she could be implying that her character is in grave danger and may or may not survive through the fifth season.

These purported deaths are enough to fuel speculations among fans that "Orange Is the New Black" season 5 will be the last one in the series. Fans fear that with one major character down and more set to be killed of in the upcoming season, the series might be finally saying goodbye.

Meanwhile, Business Standard reports that Laura Prepon, who plays the role of Alex Vause, will be directing one of the episodes for season 5.

"I start directing my episode of 'Orange is The New Black' Season 5 in about a week and a half. Talk about a challenge! I am really excited about it. That is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am getting my shot this show," the outlet quotes the actress as saying.

It looks like the upcoming installment will be an exciting, albeit somewhat dark, season for fans of the series. "Orange Is the New Black" season 5 is expected to air June 2017.