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.
The O.C.
(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Adam Brody, Mischa Barton, Benjamin McKenzie, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)
Have you seen it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Addictive
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
One of the greatest TV shows ever
The OC is one of the truely great tv shows. I've got the boxed sets of the first two seasons, and I'm up to date with season 3 saved on my PC. It's suitable for audiences of any age, nothing strong in it really, the odd little bit maybe, nothing severe though. I've seen a lot of reviews from people thinking that its too strong.....WHAT? Then again, America isn't exactly known for being particularly Liberal. Ah well, at least you know the English can handle decent TV.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Guilty Pleasure
Highly enjoyable, but not appropriate for kids younger than 16.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
This is about the sleeziest show I've seen in my life!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
There should be a TV-16 rating
I think "The O.C." is too racy even for 14/15 yrs old. I know that in high schools all over the US the risky/unacceptable behavior as shown by the teens in the show does exist. I just wish the teens on the show weren't so glamorized. I admit to using the ratings guide to support my decisions to allow my children to view certain programs. I said "no" to this show, but my daughter (13 yrs old)showed me the TV-PG rating to support her opposing argument. This show is very underrated at TV-PG, it deserves a TV-14 at the minimum. There should be a TV-16. As a compromise, I watch the show with her, and to her annoyance insist on discussing the program content with her.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
ugh, but my kid loves it
My daughter waited for months for this show. She downloaded the music, she bought magazines with the stars. Luckily she hasn't figured out there's clothing too. But it seems to have toned down a little from the year before. Now it's just a straight soap opera pandering to teens with raging hormones and curiousity about alcohol and sex. I guess it's better if they watch it than do it but still, life would be easier without this kind of entertainment....
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Why would you waste your time?
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Great Stuff
First can I say that like the other reviewers I was dragged kicking and screaming to watch The O.C. by my girlfriend.
Secondly can I say that I feel that the review is unfair toward the show. Yes there are elements of sex, violence and drug use however, they always show that, certainly in the case of the drugs and violence, they are not always the way to solve problems. There is an element of sexuality to the show but you find me a teenager unaffected by sex or the thought of sex, in one way or another. However I believe that the show should have been rated TV-14 rather than TV-PG, due to the sexual content of the show.
The characters are all likeable and after a few shows the depth of the characters becomes apparent. The show is well presented with very good camera work and the use of various music serves to exentuate the images. The show does get you hooked very quickly.
Finally we should allow teenagers to watch shows like this and not treat them as though they are toddlers, most teens will do what they want anyway, and perhaps seeing this show will give them food for thought when dealing with problems in their own lives.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Great show
Like most guys, I was rather dubious of this show when Fox started promoting it. Then I watched a few episodes. Now I am hooked. You couldn't have gotten me to watch 90210 or Melrose Place without heavy sedation and lots of good, strong rope. So the suggested connection to the two stops at the setting. This is a wonderfully written show and all of the characters have real depth. Even the ones who don't seem to at first, you do get to see thier humanity at times, but then it gets reeled back in, much like everybody in real life. he drug use is rare, but there is planty of sex and violence, who else is shocked that a show about teens has sex and violence, it's not like real teens ever deal with sex or violence is it?
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
the Next 90210? NOT
Well first off i want to say that i was dragged kicking and screaming to watch this show with my wife (We try to watch programming together) anyway I figured I will give it a shot (at least the cast is cute) The same thing happened when my wife wanted me to watch 90210. I could only stomach about 2 episodes of 90210, while theOC has me hooked. Not only is it well written, but it has depth & tons of character. Seth (the witty Nerd) is Great. Sandy the Surfer Lawyer Dad is equally funny & interesting. The women on the show are not just pretty objects talking valley (with the exception of Summer). All in all FOX hit the nail on the head with this show. Witty, Fun, Hits some hard issues with out being over bearing. I would recommend watching this show with your Teen to talk about the Drinking/Drug Use. (ie Oliver getting busted for buying Coke.) and the other issues that a modern teen has to deal with. All in all a good Show. tune in every wed.
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
THE BEST
This show is my fave show, it has ALOT of kissing ans sexually behavior, they are in college so.... ya I LOVED IT
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
Greatest show ever!
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.
- I 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!
- I 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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
My Favorite.
Ok. So sure, I started watching this when I was in 4th grade, but that was me... any kid over sixth grade, its fine, but watch out below that grade. It could get dangerous.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
I love this show
This is my favorite show ever. I own the 1st- 4th seasons, which is all of the seasons. This show has some, not so good for kids, stuff on it. This show is good for any one 10 and up if there parents are ok with it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
hot CA lifestyle!!
this show talks about relationships, dealing with the hard truths of things, school, parties, etc. rich families living in Orange County, California. u hear about their problems, good times, parties, hopes, dreams, and plans of of a future they each hope to have........someday.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Best show ever
this is the best show ever it is adictive though so if u dont want to get into anything dont start watching it!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A fairly good show, but with some questionable material
The O.C. could, in many ways, be almost a guide on how a young person should NOT live their lives. Just the first several episodes feature smoking, the presence of drugs, drinking to excess, theft, embezzlement, numerous fistfights, sexual unfaithfulness, and an attempted suicide. Not surprisingly, parents may want to see this show in advance of their children/ watch it with them. As for The O.C. itself, it has in its defense solid acting, a witty script, off-beat indie music, lovely fashions, and a curiously addictive quality. However, as the show progresses, the plot unfortunately becomes somewhat unoriginal and ridiculously melodramatic.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
This show is amazing I absolutely love it!! I have to say however it does have a bit of raciness to it. I have been watching it since it premiered and I now I think I was too young when it started. Within the first few episodes there were people having sex, teenage drinking, a shooting and a drug overdose. However this show is extremely good and I really love it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!
This tv show is awsome, and I can't belive it has gotten such awful reviews!! Its just fine and very excited and thrilling...I think that nobody under 12 should watch it though. Thanks!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Don't Start Young
I love this show and cannot be pulled away but i am mature for my age . I would not recommend getting interested like me at a young age.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Um...
So the oc isn't really that good of a show. But it's addicting. Watch out for violence though
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Fun for older kids....
This show has been the root of a lo of contrversey in my house. I love the show and I like watching it with my mom but, my father is very religious and many of the episodes do not meet the approval of my father. Sex is a big issue for this show, there is a lot of making out 'hooking up' and talk about sex. BUT, there are also some fun laughs and some good issues that are touched. I LOVE this show but you may not want your childre to watch it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Wonderful Teen Show
This is one of the greatest shows I have seen yet!! Parents will get hooked almost as much as the teen!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
The Best that there is!!!
This show, although it is good is way to racey for the kids that are my age!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A MUST SEE SHOW!
First off, this show is absolutely amazing. I picked up the first season on DVD last fall and fell in love instantly. This show is litterally so addicting, and I've become obsessed. The first season was breath-taking. I've never seen a show like this before. I will admit that there is some sexual content, SMALL amouts of violence (mainly just fist fights),and language isn't usually an issue but some words are used. Even though some things may be innapropriate, they advance the plot, and add to the juicy teen drama. If you watched this show, I could gaurentee that you would fall in love. Season 2 was a little more complex, and one of the characters experimented with the same sex, but it was clearly just a phase. With the kick off of season 3, it seems like it's going to be an amazing year. It's senior year for the main characters and a whole new year of breath-taking scandals are just around the corner. Josh Schwartz (director of the oc) says this year on the oc will obviously lead to Graduation, and take the show on a whole new road. I however, wouldnt recomended this show for anyone under 13 due to the complex plot. This show is amazing, and it will keep you begging for more!... an absolute MUST SEE.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
A Typical Teen Drama
This show is an average teen drama. It involves heavy sex, violence, drinking/drugs, and bad moral decisions.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
This show rocks my socks!!
OMG!!! I love The O.C. It is funny. Most people will say that it isn't realistic, but most, if not all, of the problems that exist on The O.C. exist in high school. Maybe not all to the same people, but they are there. The O.C. shows both positive and negative ways to deal with those problems, which is wonderful for people who are not sure of what to do.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
This show is hott!
this show is my favorite show ever!!...me and my 18 yr old sis wait for every thursday and we watch it together. i dont think it is a bad beyond bad show. i am just not allowed to whatch the 14warning on some of the shows (i am twelve turning thirteen in a week). My parents arent overprotective, the only thing they really dont like is when i whatch something that is inapropriate so if my parents let me...your parents should.
