The OA

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 16, 2016
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 389 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 286 out of 389
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 389
  3. Negative: 73 out of 389
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  1. PoeticDumpling
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    The moment I saw this was from the creators behind some of my favorite films, Another Earth/Sound of my Voice (I still need to see The East), I knew this would deliver for my personal tastes. It is exceptional! Everything I imagined, hoped for and then some. I have two episodes left. I don't want it to end. Episode 4 is my favorite one of the 6 I have viewed so far. HighlyThe moment I saw this was from the creators behind some of my favorite films, Another Earth/Sound of my Voice (I still need to see The East), I knew this would deliver for my personal tastes. It is exceptional! Everything I imagined, hoped for and then some. I have two episodes left. I don't want it to end. Episode 4 is my favorite one of the 6 I have viewed so far. Highly recommended! Brit and Zal tap into remarkable knowledge and creativity with this series.… Expand
  2. jonnybgoode
    Dec 24, 2016
    8
    Very Challenging, Quite Disturbing in a Subversive Way, Extremely well written and acted. Not for everyone, but for those who like a good story that unfolds over 8 episodes, well worth the investment. Quite Memorable.
  3. kouvpan
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    Ok,this might not be for everyone but personally i enjoyed it more than Stranger Things.It's more dark,atmospheric and deep.Also you should watch it fi you want to watch something with meaning rather a usual tv binge.It's an original show that i haven't seen something like this in TV..Because of its weirdness i would say that this is a love or hate thing..If you are hooked up from theOk,this might not be for everyone but personally i enjoyed it more than Stranger Things.It's more dark,atmospheric and deep.Also you should watch it fi you want to watch something with meaning rather a usual tv binge.It's an original show that i haven't seen something like this in TV..Because of its weirdness i would say that this is a love or hate thing..If you are hooked up from the first minutes you'd like it.Finally its mystery-drama-sci/fi show that you don't have to know much about it..Just binge it !!… Expand
  4. Tss5078
    Sep 17, 2018
    7
    Netflix gives TV shows an unprecedented opportunity never before seen, and it has led to many unique and innovative shows making it on the air. The network governs itself, without any FCC oversight, it also isn't reliant on immediate ratings, and can give unique shows the time to evolve, grow, and gain a following. This is especially important for a show like The OA, which is perhaps theNetflix gives TV shows an unprecedented opportunity never before seen, and it has led to many unique and innovative shows making it on the air. The network governs itself, without any FCC oversight, it also isn't reliant on immediate ratings, and can give unique shows the time to evolve, grow, and gain a following. This is especially important for a show like The OA, which is perhaps the most unique show I've ever seen.

    After missing for eight years, Prairie Johnson (Brit Martling) is finally found, only something is dramatically different. The once blind girl can now see, but that's not all, she has weird scars on her back, and seems completely out of touch with reality. Her family try to help her cope and re-integrate, but with only limited success, as Prairie seems to be obsessed with a mission that she must complete. Before she's able to do this, Prairie must recruit the help of five people and tell them her story, where she's been, how she got there, and what happened to her. As we get to know Prairie and discover why she's so weird, we also get to know the five people who will supposedly help her on her journey. All of them are unique in their own way and all of them have their own stories, which while not the main focus of the show, offer a nice interlude from the Prairie Johnson saga.

    The OA is a strange show which features multiple dimensions, near death experiences and experimentation, even interpretive dance. If you are not a fan of Science Fiction or desire your Sci-fi with a lot of action and strange beings, you probably aren't going to like this show too much. I found the OA to be very dark, sometimes intolerably slow, and it very frequently repeats itself. That being said it is also a incredible mystery that asks a lot of questions that some people may find hard to deal with. I found the show somewhat difficult to get into but once I did, it became very addicting. I needed to know the whole story and see what happened once the story ended.

    The show has been renewed for season two, but much is the case with many Netflix shows, that was a year an half ago. I really don't understand why it takes them so long to get addition seasons of their shows produced. It is very anti-climatic when you think about it, because people who got into it when it first debuted have probably forgotten all about it by now. Not to mention, how do you just start watching a show again that you haven't seen in two years? Many people are going to forget everything except the major plot lines and not wanting to re-watch the first season, aren't going to bother with season 2. With that in mind, a second season is supposedly on it's way, and hopefully it answers the biggest question of them all.    … Expand
  5. Rafz
    Mar 24, 2017
    10
    people who hate it didn´t understand the nature of the oa.
    it have one of the best ends ever, one that make u thinks a lot
    just give it a try and you all see, it´s not that weird
  6. rabaker07
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    This show is incredible. I highly suggest that everyone watch a Terrence McKenna youtube video on the DMT experience before watching the OA. It will make a lot more sense and have a deeper meaning that is not so "science fiction" based on the shared experience that people encounter with DMT.

    I almost gave it a 9 because I wish they had gone a little further, but I guess I should be    This show is incredible. I highly suggest that everyone watch a Terrence McKenna youtube video on the DMT experience before watching the OA. It will make a lot more sense and have a deeper meaning that is not so "science fiction" based on the shared experience that people encounter with DMT.

    I almost gave it a 9 because I wish they had gone a little further, but I guess I should be happy that it left a lot unanswered. The questions are good to keep things open.    … Expand
  7. chloehorton
    Dec 19, 2016
    9
    An extremely interesting and ever expanding series that is nothing like what you thought you signed up for. Its elements, although echo that of previous Netflix series 'Stranger Things', can be forgiven because if 'The OA' was released before 'Stranger Things' I am quite positive critics and reviewers would be criticising 'Stranger Things' for "copying" 'The OA'. Although I wasn't entirelyAn extremely interesting and ever expanding series that is nothing like what you thought you signed up for. Its elements, although echo that of previous Netflix series 'Stranger Things', can be forgiven because if 'The OA' was released before 'Stranger Things' I am quite positive critics and reviewers would be criticising 'Stranger Things' for "copying" 'The OA'. Although I wasn't entirely satisfied with its ending, it leaves me with so very many questions, and that is exactly what good TV is about. The finale forces us to try and make sense of what we've seen, try to defend someone or condemn them. Overall, a well written, acted and designed show that builds upon itself in the best way possible.… Expand
  8. kmuck58
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    People are saying this series is the new, :Stranger Things". Not even close. It is a 1000% better and far scarier, because a lot of this stuff happens to people all over the world, every single day.

    Watch it to the end. You will be affected.
  9. alexrmacleod
    Dec 17, 2016
    9
    Rackjaw, TomJasendro don't know what they are talking about. Yes the episodes are longer than usual and slower than most. However if you make it to episode 2.5 you'll be so hooked you can't stop watching. An amazing story with beautiful visuals. Some very talented people worked on this... give it a chance! One of my favs for 2016. Great job netflix and co, keep it up! proud of ya!
  10. TLHG
    Dec 17, 2016
    7
    Watching the first episode: "Damn! Now I will think of this mystery the whole week" - got me hooked! Loved it. Went online to see a review (cause I am always curious if series are worth watching the whole thing) and read that the end is polarizing and some people will be really disappointed. But I was so curious I decided to take the risk.
    Watching episodes 2 to 5: "Nice! I am still    Watching the first episode: "Damn! Now I will think of this mystery the whole week" - got me hooked! Loved it. Went online to see a review (cause I am always curious if series are worth watching the whole thing) and read that the end is polarizing and some people will be really disappointed. But I was so curious I decided to take the risk.
    Watching episodes 2 to 5: "Nice! I am still hooked!"
    Watching episode 6 and 7: "Ok, things are going a little off, but sunk costs, I won't stop watching now."
    Watching final episode: "Damn... six, seven hours to get to this?? I should have suspected when the yoga moves became important to the story..."
    Conclusion: The whole thing is quite clever and intriguing for the most part. I was prepared for twists in an X-Files kind of way... There is a strong twist in the end, but it kind of pushes too far from the atmosphere built with the first episodes for my taste, like when Night Shyamalan does not hit the target. I think some people will like it, but the end made me feel like I lost seven hours with this show. You might feel different, but know that there is this risk and that I told you so.
    Still, I can't give anything below 7 for this show because it kicks off so well and maintains it so well for the first half!
    Conclusion:    … Expand
  11. theolini
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    I just finished watching the first "season" ? "chapters" ? "experience" ?
    First I have to acknowledge the leap of faith Netflix took with this one. And I'm so glad they did.
    The result is extraordinary and truly unique. Nothing is like the OA as far as I know. It is both mystical and dramatic, metaphysical and emotional and especially beautiful in every way. The way it depicts human    I just finished watching the first "season" ? "chapters" ? "experience" ?
    First I have to acknowledge the leap of faith Netflix took with this one. And I'm so glad they did.

    The result is extraordinary and truly unique. Nothing is like the OA as far as I know. It is both mystical and dramatic, metaphysical and emotional and especially beautiful in every way. The way it depicts human beings, our world and its contradictions, the suffering we all share, the love we all aspire to.

    Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij have crafted an original show, deeply moving and truly immersive in a way that is both the result of the very well-crafted series but also the faith they have in the audience, in the one who watches and chooses to believe.

    If you do choose to take this leap, you will be rewarded as very, very few experiences do.    … Expand
  12. Skeletor71
    Dec 18, 2016
    9
    It gets a little slow in the middle and I didn't care much for the ending, but other than that this has been the only show I've binge watched. Ever. To me it was just that good. It was like a book I just couldn't put down.
  13. dwillow
    Dec 27, 2016
    9
    My first ever review, I just felt compelled after seeing some people had given this a 2 or a 0. You can see the reviews split opinion one way or the other but the negatives are so cynical, as if having an idea that is political (little isn't these days) to share or blurring the lines between fiction and non-fiction undermine the quality, we saw it as being special because it did sayMy first ever review, I just felt compelled after seeing some people had given this a 2 or a 0. You can see the reviews split opinion one way or the other but the negatives are so cynical, as if having an idea that is political (little isn't these days) to share or blurring the lines between fiction and non-fiction undermine the quality, we saw it as being special because it did say something to us and was interesting. A nil point, really, that people might see a low rating on a popular site and not see this is sad. Watching it with my wife we just loved it, I've been a fan of Brit and Zal's work since their breakout films and this was the first time we'd watched one together and she was engrossed, even though I was an excited puppy during episode one and she really wanted not to like it, the moment Netflix Presents,... come on that was brilliant. From then she we constantly talked about it, bought into it, shared it and made the story and the world part of our lives for awhile. * Spoiler* As an ex-dancer I often feel sceptical when I see 'modern movement' but as with Chandelier, the Sia video, then seeing my wife's reaction and awesome she thought it was in this film it is possible to be bold and brilliant with it. One professional review said it was dangerous, however it misses the point that is is fiction, wonderful and positive. Of all the things to enjoy just before seeing family for Christmas, the time spent watching and discussing this was fantastic and I'm very grateful.… Expand
  14. abm0
    Mar 12, 2018
    9
    This was... I don't know what this was, but it was glorious. This is how Fantasy/Supernatural should be done. It's sort of the same thing that made the first season of True Blood exceptional: the seamless way it mixes the world we know with fantastic elements, getting you to that hair-raising point of "What if these things did actually exist?". Hell, it could even be that it's more likelyThis was... I don't know what this was, but it was glorious. This is how Fantasy/Supernatural should be done. It's sort of the same thing that made the first season of True Blood exceptional: the seamless way it mixes the world we know with fantastic elements, getting you to that hair-raising point of "What if these things did actually exist?". Hell, it could even be that it's more likely to have a big impact the more of a sceptic and the more anti-superstition you are.… Expand
  15. sjogro
    Aug 17, 2017
    9
    I loved this show, a whole new vibe of fantasy. Poetic, artsy, dark and full of emotion. Great new television! I hope they can keep it up and work to a closing before they can't anymore.
  16. Giorg10
    Dec 18, 2016
    9
    the best surprise of the year, the story is original, the actors are good, i get in totally. It's good to see unique shows like this. Can't wait for the second season. thanks Netflix
  17. GerN
    Dec 23, 2016
    10
    It's clear from the reviews, people either get this show or not. It requires real effort and attention (brief statements have important clues), but the reward is commensurate. N.B.: any scene with HAP is a flashback, because OA is recounting them in her story. Suspending disbelief helps, but is not necessary since an alternate explanation (unreliable narrator) works until the finalIt's clear from the reviews, people either get this show or not. It requires real effort and attention (brief statements have important clues), but the reward is commensurate. N.B.: any scene with HAP is a flashback, because OA is recounting them in her story. Suspending disbelief helps, but is not necessary since an alternate explanation (unreliable narrator) works until the final episode. Watching with someone else and discussing each episode is recommended. Kudos to Netflix!… Expand
  18. Charlemagne
    Dec 23, 2016
    10
    Netflix delivers some crazy **** again. This is really impressive. I like that they don't seem bound by mundane formulaic past success like unwatchable mainstream TV (excluding premium channels).
  19. neppie
    Dec 17, 2016
    8
    "The OA" might be "Stranger Things" for grown-ups. Perhaps too deep, delving into the metaphysical (one aspect reminded me of the book "Many Lives, Many Masters" ) and not for everyone. I doubt it will have the same mass appeal. I've appreciated everything Brit Marling has written/acted-in since seeing the film "Another Earth", so may have a bias, however The OA is another memorable"The OA" might be "Stranger Things" for grown-ups. Perhaps too deep, delving into the metaphysical (one aspect reminded me of the book "Many Lives, Many Masters" ) and not for everyone. I doubt it will have the same mass appeal. I've appreciated everything Brit Marling has written/acted-in since seeing the film "Another Earth", so may have a bias, however The OA is another memorable concoction that will stay with me.… Expand
  20. Seppo
    Dec 26, 2016
    10
    It's kind of awesome to see a show that is so anti partisan! The critics reach from 30 to 100, some claim bad acting, some are perplexed. The show is not that complicated. It's not Lost. It's absolutely tv candy, even more than Stranger Things. On my part, I loved it. I thought Prairie was totally convincing in her role, sometimes annoying, but if you wanted to believe that she might justIt's kind of awesome to see a show that is so anti partisan! The critics reach from 30 to 100, some claim bad acting, some are perplexed. The show is not that complicated. It's not Lost. It's absolutely tv candy, even more than Stranger Things. On my part, I loved it. I thought Prairie was totally convincing in her role, sometimes annoying, but if you wanted to believe that she might just be psychotic, she had to be played that way. Absolutely loved the ending, and I hope it got some major viewership! Can't wait for season 2, now I have to rewatch Sense8 so I can figure out what is happening on the Christmas episode!… Expand
  21. Santi80
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    It's original, not cliché at all, beautiful, well acted, inspiring, risky. New ageish, yes, but honest and not formulaic, much better in that sense than sense 8. Comparing with stranger things is orange and apples. You should watch it while leaving your front door open.
  22. RenanAAlmeida
    Dec 16, 2016
    7
    (This is a quick review for the first 4 episodes) This show is definetly one of a kind. Writing wise, the show is solid, and the story flows very well and it makes it very easy to binge. Though the story feels like a very long exposition scene at times, the writers managed to make it interesting, and made us get involved with the characters. Some dialogues here and there feel very(This is a quick review for the first 4 episodes) This show is definetly one of a kind. Writing wise, the show is solid, and the story flows very well and it makes it very easy to binge. Though the story feels like a very long exposition scene at times, the writers managed to make it interesting, and made us get involved with the characters. Some dialogues here and there feel very unatural, but not at the point of being cringe-worthy. I truly don't like the way the show is shot, though. The directing feels cluncky and the cinematography is very... different, but not in a good way. Anyway, I can ignore those flaws, because the show, and the acting, got me hooked. The acting isn't something out of this world, but it made me care about the characters more than enough to have me invested. I'm in.… Expand
  23. Honeymaid0
    Dec 20, 2016
    10
    we had our Saturday hijacked by the new Netflix original "The OA"
    In one day we have consumed 8 1-hour episodes utterly engaged and drawn into the story.... up there with SENS8 and Stranger Things in terms of quality and acting yet wholly a different beast but just as masterfully told...
    It's Netflix's dark horse/surprise Xmas gift to us all, no real hype or trailers and that's good; you    we had our Saturday hijacked by the new Netflix original "The OA"
    In one day we have consumed 8 1-hour episodes utterly engaged and drawn into the story.... up there with SENS8 and Stranger Things in terms of quality and acting yet wholly a different beast but just as masterfully told...
    It's Netflix's dark horse/surprise Xmas gift to us all, no real hype or trailers and that's good; you should go into this blind, sit through the disbelief , sit through it all, I beg you...
    Absolutely one of the best things I've seen in a while, Netflix knows quality, that's for sure...
    How it's received mix reviews... I want to say flummoxes me but this is a deep, emotional, thoughtful show, very much in line with the idea of "Indigo Children" so I can understand how it doesn't speak to everybody but... Just watch it, it's been over for an hour and we're still singing its praises to each other...

    Ignore the negative reviews, believe even if you don't believe, and leave your front doors open alongside your mind and you'll enjoy this show...    … Expand
  24. handfed
    Dec 23, 2016
    10
    The first episode is riveting, well written and acted. Mysterious with overtones of the supernatural, if you are willing to let it, it draws you in to the story as all good storytelling does, halfway through the second episode and I am glad I took a chance and started watching this but can they keep it up for a whole season, I look forward to finding out.
  25. fettyvertahai
    Dec 22, 2016
    8
    Yes, character development and humor are lacking. This is a pure sci-fi show. It perfectly balances edge of your seat intensity with slow, detailed breakdown to develop a fantastical multiverse story that delivers on every level that a cult sci-fi show should.

    If you loved Donnie Darko, Steins;Gate, The One, etc. then this is right up your alley. Without spoiling anything, the show    Yes, character development and humor are lacking. This is a pure sci-fi show. It perfectly balances edge of your seat intensity with slow, detailed breakdown to develop a fantastical multiverse story that delivers on every level that a cult sci-fi show should.

    If you loved Donnie Darko, Steins;Gate, The One, etc. then this is right up your alley. Without spoiling anything, the show takes a unique but not completely original twist on multiverses and does it artistically. Visuals are beautiful and the atmosphere is deep and rich. For average viewers who want to really connect with the characters, this is a pass. For sci-fi nerds who love a good mind f***, this is your winter binge.    … Expand
  26. pjoan1913
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    Great surprise. I loved the entire journey. I wanted more. Yes, it was dark and at times I wished I had more back story on the other characters, but the show delivered.
    I appreciate the chance to be entertained while planting a seed of thought. None of us, really know....all we have is faith and hope.
    Thank you for a new twist of thought. I binged watched and I will watch a second    Great surprise. I loved the entire journey. I wanted more. Yes, it was dark and at times I wished I had more back story on the other characters, but the show delivered.
    I appreciate the chance to be entertained while planting a seed of thought. None of us, really know....all we have is faith and hope.
    Thank you for a new twist of thought. I binged watched and I will watch a second time with my son.    … Expand
  27. redjet3
    Jan 30, 2017
    7
    It's a captivating story if you give it a chance. But, like many of the negative reviews have said, the complexity and truly captivating story leads to a confusing, ridiculous and majorly anti-climactic ending of the season. There is so much character development put into this story and I was honestly motivated to watch one after another in a binge fashion. The ending left me inIt's a captivating story if you give it a chance. But, like many of the negative reviews have said, the complexity and truly captivating story leads to a confusing, ridiculous and majorly anti-climactic ending of the season. There is so much character development put into this story and I was honestly motivated to watch one after another in a binge fashion. The ending left me in disappointment though, if there is a second season, hopefully it will be more of the fantastic story and less ridiculousness.… Expand
  28. EludiumQ36
    Oct 6, 2017
    7
    Those that follow my reviews know that I'm hard to please, especially for tv series, so it comes as a pleasant surprise that I genuinely liked this show's inaugural season. Brit, who created and stars in this, has really built something special. I read a lot of books as a young teen regarding NDEs, OOBEs, and interdimensional travel so I was well prepared for this material. However, I canThose that follow my reviews know that I'm hard to please, especially for tv series, so it comes as a pleasant surprise that I genuinely liked this show's inaugural season. Brit, who created and stars in this, has really built something special. I read a lot of books as a young teen regarding NDEs, OOBEs, and interdimensional travel so I was well prepared for this material. However, I can understand the allergic reactions many will have if they haven't been exposed to these topics before. But if you keep an open mind and let Brit take you on a special journey then you'll come to appreciate the story. Having said that, the primal, interpretive dance they term "Movements" are just hard to watch and I personally don't think they're appropriate for the storyline. IOW, the dance moves' violent and primal nature don't jibe with the beneficial effects they impart. That much is really stupid and off kilter. Movements based on Tai Chi would've been more appropriate. However, the pace and reveals are very well timed, nicely done. Not that it matters because it is what it is, but the final scene of the finale was not satisfying, it should've left viewers with more than the ambiguity it offered. However, I'll definitely be there for season 2 in 2018.… Expand
  29. tentimes
    May 20, 2017
    10
    For the love of God watch this. Don't bother to read up anymore and just watch it. It is incredible! I will never ever forget the feeling I got in the final episode - you know when you get actual physical goosebumps all over your arms you are so amazed? That was the most amazing series I have ever seen. I feel like I want to watch it all over again.
  30. CassioSanfelice
    Dec 21, 2016
    10
    Absolute Gold. What an amazing journey Netflix has given us. The OA isn't another mediocre (in the golden era of TV, there is actually quite peculiar and worth watching shows at this category), it is an original piece of writing craziness mashed with incredible casting and direction.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Lorraine Ali
    Dec 22, 2016
    70
    Whether her story is real or the byproduct of extreme trauma is one of many questions at the heart of this haunting, graceful and often frustratingly cryptic series.
    Read full review
  2. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Joseph Falcone
    Dec 19, 2016
    80
    The less you know about it before going in the better. This is a must-watch series and if a feeling of incompleteness should fill your cavity upon completing it, simply cleanse your palette and start over again.
    Read full review
  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Dec 16, 2016
    80
    Anchored by a spectacular central performance and a series of increasingly wacky ideas, The OA is frequently mind-boggling, but worth the effort.
    Read full review
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