"Orange is the New Black" has begun production for Season 3. Laura Prepon, who plays the popular character of Alex Vause, is returning as a series regular in Season 3. The actress was seen in limited number of episodes in Season 2, which was released on June 06, 2014, because of her contract and scheduling conflicts. Prepon was the one who broke the news on Instagram that "Orange is the New Black" has been renewed for Season 3.

Talking about her limited appearance in Season 2, Prepon said during her appearance on The Today's show, as quoted by Mail Online, "Netflix doesn't do the standard contract of blocking you off for a few years, so I had a conflict come up."

In the first episode of Season 2, Prepon's character, Vause, stepped out of the prison by betraying Piper Chapman. In the final episode, Vause's parole officer caught her with a gun in her hand. She is likely to be sent back to Litchfield prison.

Vause will be seen in all the 13 episodes of Season 3. The actress confirmed that on The Today's show. She said: "It's since been handled and we've started season three and I'm in every episode. I'm so bummed that I wasn't in season two more. Sorry you guys! But season three, we're already shooting and it's going to be awesome."

The actress also said that she honestly does not think "there is another show on television right now which has as many strong, independent female characters."

Meanwhile, Mary Steenburgen is set to appear in Season 3. The actress took to Twitter to break the news, saying "Very excited to go to my first wardrobe fitting of OITNB! Will I be in orange or black?:)"

The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed the news. However, there are no details about what role Steenburgen is going to play.