"
Orange Is the New Black" inmates can start crossing off the days on their prison calendars: The popular
Netflix hit will end after Season 7, which will premiere next summer.
In a short video released Wednesday, cast members, including Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba and Kate Mulgrew, announced the bittersweet news, alternately expressing how much they have enjoyed making the show and how much they'll miss it, their colleagues and the fans.
"OITNB," which tells the stories of women serving time at Litchfield prison, was one of the early Netflix series, along with "House of Cards," that helped put the streaming service on the map as a place for quality programming. "House" is also ending, opening its final season on Nov. 2.
In a statement separate from the video, "OITNB" creator Jenji Kohan commented on the decision to conclude after the next season, which had been expected: "After seven seasons, it’s time to be released from prison. I will miss all the badass ladies of Litchfield and the incredible crew we’ve worked with. My heart is orange but fade to black."
In the video, the actors express a range of feelings.
"I'm going to miss playing and living on the edge of one of the most groundbreaking, original and controversial series of this decade," says Mulgrew, who plays Galina "Red" Reznikov.
Danielle Brooks, who plays Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson, expressed her gratitude in a series of tweets, including one thanking fans. "you all are the most LOYAL, LOVING fans a girl could EVER ask for. You all have held me up when I wanted to give up. ... Thank you!"
Aduba, who has won two Emmys for her portrayal of Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren, expresses appreciation in the video.
"I am so grateful for the fun times, the knowledge, the friendships, the love, the family that we have created together," she says.
But "OITNB" isn't over by a long shot, she adds. "Season 7. You will not be disappointed. It is a season you will never forget and we're going to give you everything and more than you could have ever wanted," she says. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."