Orange is the New Black season 3 got its release around six hours early on Thursday evening (June 11). Initially attributed to a "leak", these sorts of things are essentially just a way for Netflix to get a ton of news stories out to create buzz. It did the same with House of Cards season 3. 

Orange is the New BlackRuby Rose has joined the cast of Orange is the New Black for season 3

"Attention inmates! Orange Is the New Black season 3 is out on early release," Netflix US tweeted late last night. The news was actually first announced at OrangeCon, an invite-only fan event in Manhattan.

Anyway, all 13 episodes of the new season are up now and there's already some early reviews doing the rounds. As reported, Ruby Rose joins the cast for season three, serving as the object of affection for Piper and Alex. All the major characters from seasons one and two are returning.

More: Orange is the New Black gets go-ahead for season 3

We left season two after Piper had ratted out her freed ex-girlfriend Alex to her parole office, while the matriarch Vee had escaped from prison, only to be run over and killed by another fugitive.

The show's creator Jenji Kohan actually wrote one episode for the new season, which focuses on Mother's Day at Litchfield.

"The six episodes of Season 3 that I've seen are more rambling and relaxed, plot arcs mostly rise and fall in gentle slopes, and characters mingle with the ease of familiarity," said Richard Lawson in his review for Vanity Fair.

More: Despite Emmy snub, the future is bright for Netflix (starting with Gervais ad)