In April of 2021, The. O.C. costars Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke kicked off a new podcast called Welcome To The OC, B*tches that recaps each episode of the popular teen drama and often features many of the show’s cast and guest stars. It reminded people of what made them fall in love with the show back when it aired in 2003.
Even though it’s been 19 years since the show first premiered, The O.C. has stood the test of time with its tight plot, interesting storylines, and compelling characters. Shows will come and go, but The O.C. remains a fan favorite proven by its release on popular streaming sites like Hulu and HBO Max. Though it only lasted four seasons, it had a huge cultural impact on the teen drama genre and continues to captivate audiences today for many reasons.
It’s Essentially About An Underdog
Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) is the first character on screen and the central character The O.C. mainly focuses on. When the audience meets him, he’s a kid from the wrong side of the tracks with a rap sheet. However, when Sandy takes him in, it quickly becomes clear that Ryan’s also one of the kindest and most intelligent characters in The O.C. Perhaps he just needs the right environment and a chance to prove himself.
Ryan’s entire story arc is about redemption and trying to fight the impulsive urges that get him into trouble. It makes him interesting to watch and easy to root for. The story of turning your life around is an age-old one that never goes out of style.
It Leans Into Comedy Despite Being A Drama
Humorous characters like Seth (Adam Brody) and Sandy Cohen (Liam Gallagher) will always be important to a story to lighten the mood. The O.C. is filled with drama that includes substance misuse, arson, and attempted murder. That’s why it’s important to balance this out with moments of humility and humor.
Laughing brings people together and the show often even laughs at itself and the hectic Newport Beach world it spins around: ranging from the extravagant parties, the McMansions to the gossip-wreaking “newpsies.”
Music Also Brings People Together
The O.C. was known for promoting bands, with the famous “Bait Shop” being the perfect vehicle for indie-rock music that soared in the mid-2000s. It was also one of the only shows to do so at the time.
A lot of fans discovered some of the best songs through The O.C. Music can often make or break a scene by heightening the drama or the tension because it appeals directly to the audience’s taste or mood. This has become pretty common among other popular tv dramas and it’s a strong tactic, often provoking nostalgia.
Its Plot Moves Fast
The O.C. was one of those shows whose success seemed to sky-rocket overnight. In many ways, that’s because it did. Season 1 alone included 27 episodes, which was practically unheard of at the time.
Fans and critics have said that its first two seasons are arguably the best and one reason for this may be that so much happens in that time. In the story world, one year passes, but it feels like five. Characters come and go, some die while others undergo some great transformations. In those first two seasons especially, something big is always happening and it makes it difficult to look away.
A Teen Drama Whose Adults Get Just As Much Screen Time
Another thing that makes The O.C. so interesting is how the adult plotlines are often just as interesting as the teenage kids, which could be argued is who the show is technically about. Something that happens to Julie also deeply affects her daughter Marissa and vice versa. Which is so true to real life. Same for many of the other parent-child relationships on the show.
Even if fans watched it growing up as a kid, they may now relate to the drama surrounding Kirsten or Sandy, Julie or Jimmy. People didn’t get this as much in other dramas that dominated the small screen at the time.
Social and Economic Class
This of course is seen in Ryan moving from an impoverished, low-income community to one of rich and luxurious. It even highlights the fact that once he’s in an environment that offers more opportunity, he’s able to succeed. Even Julie Cooper’s (Melinda Clarke) arc flounders throughout much of the show. Fans watch as she goes from rich to poor nearly every season and even learns that she grew up with few opportunities.
Lots of pressure is also put on characters’ social standing. Many ask themselves “where do I fit in?” on both large scale and small. This is not only relatable as many viewers haven’t asked themselves this question at least once in their life, but these are issues talked about more and more in today’s world.
The Setting As Character
Whether it’s the extravagant (what seemed like nightly) parties, the gorgeous homes, the kids doing what they want when they want, or living side by side on a gorgeous, sunny beach in southern California, Newport Beach becomes a character in itself.
People love to watch a show and think to themselves, “I want to go there.” The only way to get to that thought is when a show completely immerses itself in the bubble where it takes place. The O.C. does this in just a matter of episodes.
Challenges The Stereotypes About “Geeks” And “Nerds”
While the show does start out with its trite popular vs. loser trope, the line between the two blurs as the series goes on. Geeking out over comic books becomes a major plotline, something that’s cool and associated with success.
This hasn’t always been the case on teen television. It seems like a phenomenon that’s only recently gained traction. On a lighter level, The O.C. taught fans that embracing your inner geek and yourself.
Strong Character Arcs
Seth goes from a loner who loathes the bubble he lives to a confident teenager who knows a thing or two about what’s cool. Luke (Chris Carmack) turns into the lovable guy and Summer is not the stuck-up, shallow valley girl she portrays herself to be and is actually brilliant under her voguish sheen.
People relate to change and so many of the characters do during The O.C’s four-season run. Strong character arcs will always make for compelling television. Many of the struggles The O.C.‘s characters face like substance misuse, being an outsider, death, fighting with parents, etc. are timeless.
Its Central Theme
Perhaps what makes The O.C. so special is the bond held between the Cohen-Atwood clan. When the Cohens take Ryan in and officially become his guardians, they become a blended family. However, by the end of the series, this is nearly negligible.
Through their tight-knit relationship that’s filled with the right amount of love and discipline, the audience almost forgets that he’s not blood or that he was never there all along. This kind of familial bond is not always easy to nurture, and because it’s heartfelt and genuine it will always bring viewers back.
