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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. Rackjaw
    Dec 16, 2016
    2
    I just watched the first episode with a few friends and at around the 30 minute mark we were openly mocking the show's terrible acting and writing. If Netflix keeps putting out mediocre shows like this one the "Netflix Original" brand will mean nothing.
  2. Gilvie
    Jan 5, 2017
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Didn't know you could stop a mass shooting using interpretative dance. Thanks for the tip OA. As some have noted, this series begins promisingly, but around the halfway mark the wheels start to come off. I wish they had stuck with an examination of the psychological ramifications of long term captivity. Or the nature of consciousness. Or an intelligent discussion of the possibility of life after death. Or some other equally worthy topic. Instead, The OA devolves into a confusing, pretentious and increasingly improbable mess. Watch Stranger Things instead. It's just as goofy, but doesn't make the mistake of taking itself quite so seriously.… Expand
  3. DamnedThing
    Jan 2, 2017
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 4 episodes of The OA on Netflix is all I can take, I just don't care enough to sit through something so relentlessly humourless. Everyone's dour, like they've been sentenced to a remote part of Scotland to live on stale bread and vinegar, and the only news of the outside world they'll ever hear is of minor celebrity deaths.

    The main characters have all died and come back from near death experiences, they meet up to listen to one of them - the OA - tell the story of how she was kidnapped and escaped. Essentially it's an Emos Anonymous pity party for one of their members who suffered the great misfortune of recovering her sight.

    There's a 'mystery' element to it - who's kidnapped her and why - which I expect is supposed to hold our interest except it doesn't because it's more soul destroying watching exposition being padded to this extent than actually being held captive.

    Why is it that TV shows which strive to be 'deep' have to be so damned joyless and filled with such miserable one-dimensional navel-gazing sad-sack characters.

    Ugh.

    Next.    … Expand
  4. Sojum
    Dec 23, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm still not sure what this show was supposed to be. There's the literal possibility that OA is an angel, that something truly supernatural is happening. There's a schizophrenic interpretation. A hostage scenario interpretation. Enough possibilities to keep me watching. But the end left me scratching my head as to what the makers had in mind, in no small part due to the silly dance that either had no affect or an indirect one at best. I laughed out loud but wasn't sure I was supposed to. There's no insight into what really happened to OA beyond the cheap Deus Ex box of books that borrows somewhat from The Usual Suspects' twist. But is it a twist? If I figure it out I'll up the rating.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. MurrayT
    Jan 10, 2017
    0
    About 10 or 15 minutes into the first episode the guy has his dog attack the newly famous formerly blind girl and says he doesn't ike the attention she's bringing to the neighborhood. As if it wouldn't be newsworthy that she was attacked, and that there would be no consequences for him. The girl uses her powers to subdue the dog. So contrived, so stupid. If you can't trust the writers thatAbout 10 or 15 minutes into the first episode the guy has his dog attack the newly famous formerly blind girl and says he doesn't ike the attention she's bringing to the neighborhood. As if it wouldn't be newsworthy that she was attacked, and that there would be no consequences for him. The girl uses her powers to subdue the dog. So contrived, so stupid. If you can't trust the writers that early on, there's no point hanging around. No thanks.… Expand
  7. Daniel_Daniel
    Jan 15, 2017
    2
    Good concept. Poor development/writing. Slow/Boring storytelling. Several plot holes. Lame ending.
    Just not worth wasting time on it. Stay away and save yourself 6+ hours
  8. 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.
  9. GunnerMcDagget
    Dec 28, 2016
    5
    The OA is slow to start but eventually reaches its stride. By the 2nd last episode you're hooked and it feels like it's leading to massive climax. Then the last episode happens and it falls flat on its face. A vague and somewhat ridiculous ending ruined an otherwise entertaining series.
  10. JorgeLestre
    Apr 6, 2017
    5
    My problem with 'The OA' is simple: the show tries so hard to prove a point in slow motion that it destroys its structure. Despite Marling's interesting performance and some very beautiful imagery, The episodes are painful to watch due to the amount of time we feel completely lost in the narrative. It also gets worse when it tries to combine science with religion... there is a reason whyMy problem with 'The OA' is simple: the show tries so hard to prove a point in slow motion that it destroys its structure. Despite Marling's interesting performance and some very beautiful imagery, The episodes are painful to watch due to the amount of time we feel completely lost in the narrative. It also gets worse when it tries to combine science with religion... there is a reason why the two don't meet and it's better to leave them separated from each other.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. cabbages
    Jun 12, 2017
    0
    the whole thing is just stupid, at first i thought it was kinda original, acting was good, there was a few dumb moments, carried on watching and it just got stupider and stupider, it just didn't make any sense by episode 5, so many plot holes, so many unbelievable moments.
  13. Usagi_Hime
    May 12, 2017
    0
    It's M.night Shyamalan all over it...ugh I can't even fathom how utterly disappointed i was with this series. the story grips you till the last episode and leaves you thinking WHY?? why did I sit through 8 episodes of this just to feel so unfulfilled. I knew something was fishy about this from the start, but stupidly kept going till the end and watching this writer's ego boosting,It's M.night Shyamalan all over it...ugh I can't even fathom how utterly disappointed i was with this series. the story grips you till the last episode and leaves you thinking WHY?? why did I sit through 8 episodes of this just to feel so unfulfilled. I knew something was fishy about this from the start, but stupidly kept going till the end and watching this writer's ego boosting, psychological drivel. Stop making crap like this NETFLIX you have better use for your money. I will make sure not to watch anything by this writer. What a horrible experience.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. ravenman
    Jan 1, 2017
    3
    I am stunned that people believe this is an interesting show. The writing is terrible, and so telegraphed. Did any of you watch The Wire? That was a great show.
  17. Azeriel
    Dec 21, 2016
    3
    The OA is what happened when the director and writer think their show is much edgier and deeper than it actually is. It started strong with its intrigue and mystery, but ended up with a bitter taste due to a disjointed and non-sensical ending on season 1. It's borderline offensive to anyone with a brain and frankly a waste of time.
  18. Jdigits
    Jul 18, 2017
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Starts with great promise, a story told through blurred lines of reality, the nature of existence and its inherit relationship to trauma, leaving the viewer asking if the central character is what she says she is or is mentally ill. However after 4 exasperatingly slow episodes it turns into some nonsense claptrap that tells us the world's ills can be cured by interpretive dance. By the end you feel grossly let down with a bitter taste left by the pretentiousness of it all and offended by the final "twist". Could have been great but in the end is a waste of anyones valuable time.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. Pedey67
    Dec 19, 2016
    1
    By the fifth episode, I was reasonably sold on the story, even if it was quite slow. And then, boy did it go downhill from there. Sweet dancing guys. I watched until the end hoping for redemption, but no, it was just embarrassing and we all erupted into laughter when the sweet moves came out in the climatic scene. Cringe level 10.
  22. ericrosar
    Jul 20, 2017
    3
    Firstly, let me preface the review by saying that this series was recommended by a family member who stated that this was, in his view, BETTER than The Crown and even went on to say this was better than Game of Thrones, so it already had expectations against it. However, I viewed this with the most objectivity I could; and objectively, this series was a load of pretentious,Firstly, let me preface the review by saying that this series was recommended by a family member who stated that this was, in his view, BETTER than The Crown and even went on to say this was better than Game of Thrones, so it already had expectations against it. However, I viewed this with the most objectivity I could; and objectively, this series was a load of pretentious, pseudo-intellectual, drivel about spirituality and the afterlife (among other ideas). It's comfort food for the New Age inclined individuals who are not concerned with plot holes and/or character development. From the first episode you felt the writers calling you out for thinking about quitting it. I can tell you that I couldn't stop watching it, partially due to the intrigue of the subject and partially to see the "brilliance" I was told about this show. A redeeming quality this had was the, genuinely laugh out loud, unintentional comedy I found in the dialogue, plot holes, and acting/movements (except for the parents, who were objectively great). I don't mind weird topics or different execution, but my dislike of the series is not based on my subjective opinion about the topic, but on traits it objectively was lacking (Story/Characters/Sense).… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. 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!
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. SecherNbiw
    Dec 19, 2016
    3
    The OA is a well-acted morass of pseudo-metaphysics in the same vein as The Sound of my Voice. It is like a New Age madlibs, spouting nonsense chunks of philosophy and hokum. It's pretentious in the extreme, with an ending that is profoundly offensive, and exhaustively slow-paced.. The redeeming feature of this snooze fest are the performances of the young actors, and I suspect that weThe OA is a well-acted morass of pseudo-metaphysics in the same vein as The Sound of my Voice. It is like a New Age madlibs, spouting nonsense chunks of philosophy and hokum. It's pretentious in the extreme, with an ending that is profoundly offensive, and exhaustively slow-paced.. The redeeming feature of this snooze fest are the performances of the young actors, and I suspect that we will see several of these kids again.… Expand
  30. JPenguinEsq
    Dec 25, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lots of loose ends, unanswered questions, corny acting...It was fun and they made a grand effort, but you'll be annoyed at yourself when you reach the end. It wasn't horrible, just lazily written. Like they just took a first draft and decided that was good enough...
    Unanswered stuff:
    1) why did they have to leave their doors open again?
    2) how did she manage to carve dance moves into her BACK? Knife? Glass? Rock? She did it over her shoulder and upside down huh? Yeah?
    3) she got her sight back how? From a bang on the head?
    4) the books they found at the end....So...What? She made the whole story up? Was she kidnapped or not?
    5) she's wearing an electronic bracelet on her ankle at the end. Why? Is she a criminal or someone who was recently a kidnapping victim?
    6) in the beginning she sort of displays superpowery stuff (surviving the bridge jump, scaring the attack dog) but that angle is abandoned...
    7) why did she jump off the goddamn bridge at all? What exactly was the point of that other than to have some bozo film it and put it on YouTube so she can be found? She couldn't have asked someone to call the police for her?

    And on and on. And on.

    What's kind of interesting is it takes place in a high school town with high school kids at the forefront.

    If this had been submitted as a creative paper, it would be covered with a teacher's red ink with questions all over it.
    "Who is this person?"
    "How did he hear about the woman in Cuba? Is there an NDE chatroom?"
    "From hearing Prairie play the violin he intuited she had a near death experience, really?"
    "So wait, he drowns them until their hearts stop? How do they come back to life? CPR?"
    "How come the guy prisoners are all clean-shaven? Does he shave them?"

    It's like a decent first draft that had potential but they were too lazy or rushed or delusional, and so the finished product is pretty stupid. Did Homer and the others exist? Maybe season two will be better. Hopefully with none of that gag-inducing interpretive dance actor workshop exercise garbage in it...    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »