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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. bublik
    Jan 14, 2017
    10
    What a surprise. Please, do not read any negative reviews (probably written by 16 year olds who quit in the middle of first episode), just see it with open mind. I've enjoyed Another Earth quite a bit, so, naturally I was looking forward to this one. Now that I've finally saw it, I'm glad that in our day and age of prepackaged spoon-fed stories people still does not afraid to be creativeWhat a surprise. Please, do not read any negative reviews (probably written by 16 year olds who quit in the middle of first episode), just see it with open mind. I've enjoyed Another Earth quite a bit, so, naturally I was looking forward to this one. Now that I've finally saw it, I'm glad that in our day and age of prepackaged spoon-fed stories people still does not afraid to be creative and deliver prime-quality entertainment. Do not expect show to explain every detail to you - some of the detective work was left to the viewer. You know, sometimes you have to work something out yourself. You now, using this thing with a lot of neurons that's supposed to be located in one's skull. Netflix, thanks, it was truly awesome and please, bring more shows like this. We really appreciate it.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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).
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Nicoloa
    Jan 1, 2017
    10
    Frankly, i had tears in my eyes during the last scene of the tenth episode. This is one of the most brilliant show in years, period. Great writing, great acting, great sense of teasing with a mastering of the global rhythm. The different story archs and parallel editing between present and past are wonderfully built. But the most important is that it works... the characters, not soFrankly, i had tears in my eyes during the last scene of the tenth episode. This is one of the most brilliant show in years, period. Great writing, great acting, great sense of teasing with a mastering of the global rhythm. The different story archs and parallel editing between present and past are wonderfully built. But the most important is that it works... the characters, not so archetypal, are complex and grow into you in a subtle and vivid way, the story is one of the most intriguing and touching ever seen on a tv serie. The french documentary director i am also very much appreciated the camera frames and their compositions... Bravo les mecs!!! Long live THE OA and let's forget "West World"....… Expand
  18. guisallet
    Jan 4, 2017
    10
    Série instigante que leva você a reflexões boas. Série muito bem pensada e com uma fotografia incrível que deve se mais divulgada. Sem contar que a narrativa é incrível.
  19. netlyric
    Jan 5, 2017
    10
    It is rare that I run into a show that feels so much like magic. While it took some effort to get through the first part of Episode 1 the payoff was well worth it. Please give this magical and super-interesting ride a try.
  20. Tigeronfire
    Feb 14, 2017
    10
    I have never written a television show review before. I enjoyed this show more than any I have seen in a long time. It was creative and not formulaic like so many shows and movies, and made a dignified attempt of science fiction that could exist within our world. It took people that I feel like I could have known in my high school life - some severely troubled - and made them real to theI have never written a television show review before. I enjoyed this show more than any I have seen in a long time. It was creative and not formulaic like so many shows and movies, and made a dignified attempt of science fiction that could exist within our world. It took people that I feel like I could have known in my high school life - some severely troubled - and made them real to the audience. No one was overly beautiful, but everyone had substance. Great acting, great music, and entirely relatable. Life is full of hopeless moments. This series shows that, but it also shows how we are ravenous for hope. I am a better person because of this show..… Expand
  21. ShadowMan64
    Mar 23, 2019
    10
    The show is very intriguing and exciting. At times the show seems needlessly slow but I feel it is all worth it in the end. Definitely setting up some exciting things for season 2.
  22. reghan_e
    Sep 10, 2017
    10
    The OA season 1 was nothing short of incredibly captivating and mind-boggling. The dramatic narrative of the main characters mixed with the unexpected sci-fi elements work together in harmony. A beautiful story full of growth, suspense, drama, and more. I couldn't recommend this show more. I can't wait for season 2!
  23. sgilman
    Apr 4, 2019
    10
    Have never rated a show before, but thought this was unusually creative and well done— both Seasons 1 and 2. Interesting concepts. Excellent performances. Hope they make a Season 3!
  24. LizCon
    Aug 14, 2019
    10
    Must watch. Intriguing, thought provoking, inspiring. Jump into the invisible river.
  25. paulssanto
    Aug 15, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Best Shows on #Netflix are The OA 1 & 2 #SaveTheOA #WatchTheOA #TheOAisReal #Netflix @britmarling @netflix… Expand
  26. bmihalik
    Aug 19, 2019
    10
    Great Movie! Explains and and shows new theories about NDE. What if not just one timeline exists in the universe? What if we can reborn in another timelines - not just in another time and / or space? Good.
  27. Zahhy
    Aug 19, 2019
    10
    I have never been so captivated by a show before. I binged the entire season as if it were water and I a woman in the desert. It is amazingly crafted and so creative and the acting is phenomenal.
  28. the1jezw
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    The most creative, beautifully written and acted series out there. Brit and Zal have amazing imaginations. I absolutely love The OA!
  29. Igelzerdrucker
    May 16, 2020
    10
    1st season is just brilliant.
    2nd one is nothing but a pretentious crap.
    100% reasonable cancelling, IMO.

    Though you can watch 1st season only and pretend that 2nd one does not exist.
  30. Marthuzala
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This series is a mind-blowing experience. Its a great mix of psychology, and fantasy. A weird combination, but the show made it into a masterpiece!
    The series is by far one of my favourites. The character developments and emotional rollercoasters your taken on, throughout the show is phenomenal.
    I highly recommend for anyone who like the psychological genre.    … Expand
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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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