Where to Start with Laura Prepon: The Essential Roles

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Where to Start

A newcomer's guide · fact-checked August 2026

New to Laura Prepon, or only know her from one show? Here are five performances to start with, why each one matters, and an order that makes sense.

1. That '70s Show (1998–2006)

Watch it for: the breakout. Eight seasons as feminist girl-next-door Donna Pinciotti made her a star; it is the natural front door. More in the Donna guide.

2. Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)

Watch it for: the role that redefined her. As the magnetic, morally slippery Alex Vause, she showed a range the sitcom never asked for — see the Alex Vause guide.

3. October Road (2007–2008)

Watch it for: her first post-'70s lead, a warm small-town drama. A good look at her carrying a show on her own.

4. The Girl on the Train (2016)

Watch it for: her on the big screen in a hit thriller, a change of register from her TV work.

5. That '90s Show (2023–2024)

Watch it for: Donna's return — and Prepon's other job. She directed ten episodes of the revival, so it is the best window into her work behind the camera (see Behind the Camera).

Then keep going

Off screen, her two books and her PrepOn Kitchen cooking brand round out the picture (the Books & Kitchen guide has those). Everything is in the filmography.

Full filmography Test yourself