• Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 5, 2003
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
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Critic Reviews

  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    May 6, 2013
    20
    Encumbered by a script that is nearly breathtaking in its imbecilic banality, The O.C. makes one long for the cold comforts of a sleazy-minded "reality" show. Fox is trying to pass off this moody, moon-faced trifle, a drama about rich young brats in Orange County, Calif., as the first series of the new fall season (in August?). But if there's any justice left in television, "O.C. will be canceled by the time the actual fall shows premiere. [5 Aug 2003, p.C01]
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 69
  3. Negative: 19 out of 69
  1. Apr 27, 2021
    10
    One of the rare perfect seasons of a TV series, The OC S1 is a 2000-era time capsule and a masterclass in genre reinvention.
  2. May 11, 2018
    10
    A powerful teenage drama. After so many years the characters are so present on my memory, especially the female protagonist, Marissa Cooper. IA powerful teenage drama. After so many years the characters are so present on my memory, especially the female protagonist, Marissa Cooper. I miss more TV shows like this. Full Review »
  3. May 31, 2017
    10
    I just started watching The O.C. and it's actually good. A lot of things happened in the pilot. And it really surprised me. The O.C. is aI just started watching The O.C. and it's actually good. A lot of things happened in the pilot. And it really surprised me. The O.C. is a binge-worthy show. And whoever is reading this, you should watch this show. You won't be disappointed. Full Review »