Every episode is filled with drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Even though it does exhibit alot of sex, alcohol, drugs, and violence, it's a wonderful show with a great plot and superb acting. I do think that the watcher should be old enough to understand that all the drugs, sex (etc.) portrayed in the show is not something they should do too.
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The O.C.
(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Adam Brody, Mischa Barton, Benjamin McKenzie, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Download)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Sex, drugs, and designer labels rule.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The O.C.
Parents need to know that this is a show full of teen drinking, drugging, fighting, sex, and angst. A single episode dealt with fallout from a shooting, included scenes in a rehab facility, and showcased the usual melodramatic relationships and smooching we've come to expect from evening soaps. The characters try to escape the consequences of their actions and get away with as much as they can. If your kids behaved the way these teens do, you'd be really worried about their values.
Read our full review by Common Sense Media Editors
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about safe sex, sex for favors, the consequences of drinking and acting out. Since teens are watching, we strongly recommend that you watch with them and ask them if their friends are doing what these kids on the screen are. Try to put your two cents in about what's realistic and what isn't. A reality check is required for kids absorbed in this popular sensation.
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Our Members Say
See all 41 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in FloridaI rate this title on for age 14 and give itGreatest show ever!
- Lives in ConnecticutI rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Best. Show. Ever.
So this is like the best show ever. I got hooked from the very first episode. I mean yes it has sex, drugs ,etc. But I've had that talk. I know not to do it and I know that it's not okay! Parents, calm down. You can trust us!
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Dramatically Incredible
So much drama, it was a little too much to take! But I really hate that Marissa left, because come on! It was like, yeah she's gonna end up with Ryan until she just dies... I really don't "like" any of the characters because their bad qualities/characteristics sticks out so much it overrules the good qualities of every character. Like example; Marissa Cooper is sooo pretty and she's really one of those nice rich girls. But then again, she's really bitchy at the nearing end of her life and she sniffs coke with her demon of a boyfriend, Volchok. I'd probably like Seth (who I prefer to call Cohen) cuz he's the least problematic person of the series, except I hate it when he starts to take marijuana just cuz his girlfriend is beating him at his own intelligence game.
- Lives in PennsylvaniaI rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Addictive
I agree with everybody else who says this show is addictive. It has some unknown element that draws you in and makes you want to keep watching. The characters, despite their many flaws, are all likable. The acting is good, there's a lot of funny lines, and in some scenes, strong family values are shown. That being said, there is a lot of sex. But, for teenagers, sex is everywhere, so the show isn't really doing anymore harm than real life does. Language is strong, sometimes, but nothing that a TV-14 rating doesn't cover. There is violence, about 65% of the time. Drugs and alcohol are almost always present, even if they are just an understated part of the scene. I love this show. My 13-year-old sister and I watch it together, and I wouldn't want her to watch it by herself or with her friends, or with our parents, for that matter. I think it's a good show to watch with young teens, so if they have questions or want to talk about any of it, there's someone there for them. However, my sister is very mature for her age, and I wouldn't recommend this show for kids under the age of 14, and they should watch it with a parent or an older sibling.
- Lives in CaliforniaI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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