Laura Prepon Joins Netflix's 'Orange Is the New Black'

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Laura Prepon

Laura Prepon is going from playing Chelsa Handler for NBC to being locked up for Netflix.

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The actress who most recently starred on NBC's short-lived Are You There, Chelsea has been joined the cast of Netflix's original drama Orange Is the New Black, the streaming service announced Monday.

From Weeds creator Jenji Kohan, Orange stars Mercy's Taylor Schilling as Piper, an engaged Brooklyn resident whose decade-ago relationship with a drug runner in college results in her arrest and multiyear detention in a federal penitentiary. Lacking any real-world experience to deal with her harsh new environment, Piper immerses herself in women's prison culture and finds acceptance, tears, laughter and love amid an outspoken group of inmates.

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Prepon will play Alex's ex-girlfriend and a former drug runner and the woman responsible for landing Piper behind bars.

Jason Biggs co-stars as Piper's fiancé Larry Bloom in the 13-episode hourlong drama with comedic elements.

The series from Lionsgate TV is based on the memoir by Piper Kerman about her year in a women's prison. Kohan, whose Weeds wrapped its eight-season run Sunday on Showtime, will write and executive produce Orange Is the New Black.

In addition to Chelsea, Prepon's credits include That '70s Show. She'll next appear in the Stephen Frears feature Lay the Favorite. Prepon is repped by Gersh and New Wave Entertainment. 

TV Line first reported the casting. 

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