Is Natasha Lyonne Leaving Orange Is the New Black?

Spoilers ahead, OITNB fans. You've been warned!

By Chris Harnick Jun 12, 2015 5:53 PMTags
Natasha Lyonne, Orange is the New BlackNetflix

Going to the "max" isn't always a good thing, despite what your extreme sports-lovin' friend may say. Just ask Orange Is the New Black's Natasha Lyonne.

Lyonne, who has played inmate Nicky Nichols on the Netflix dramedy, has left the cast as a series regular...if opening credits are to believed. The But I'm a Cheerleader star appeared in the opening credits for episodes one-three of the new season, but after her character—SPOILER ALERT—was sent to the maximum security facility after hiding drugs in the electrical office in episode three, her name was removed in subsequent episodes. Sending Nicky to max devastated fans and characters including Red (Kate Mulgrew) and Morello (Yael Stone).

"Honestly Nicky better not be out of OITNB for too long or else I'll be PISSED," one fan tweeted.

"I need confirmation that Nicky is coming back can you just tell me @nlyonne @OITNB @netflix pls," another viewer shared.

Netflix declined to comment on whether we'd see Lyonne again in the already announced fourth season. The series goes back into production in mid-June with a summer 2016 bow expected.

The actress has been tweeting with fans since the full season dropped. "Has anyone watched @OITNB yet?" she asked. "Please remember to feed your children and walk your dogs. And HOMEWORK Kids!! Do your homework!! #OITNBS3."

Lyonne picked up an Emmy nomination for her work in the first season of Orange Is the New Black. Her Orange costar Uzo Aduba took home the trophy. Her other TV credits include Girls, Weeds, Law and Order: SVU and New Girl.

So…who's going to start the petition to let Nicky out of max. Where do we sign?