Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, drugs, and designer labels rule.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The O.C.
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show is highly entertaining and suitable for a mature teen audience, offering relatable characters and engaging storylines, but with a significant amount of sexual content, alcohol use, and themes of violence and struggle. The drama keeps viewers invested, though some express concern about the portrayal and consequences of certain behaviors among the characters.
- mature teen content
- engaging storylines
- relatable characters
- dramatic themes
- caution advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE O.C. clearly owes its origins to the long-running Beverly Hills 90210. And then it goes on steroids. At the center of much of it are Ryan (Ben McKenzie), the handsome boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and geeky Seth (Adam Brody), but don't think the plot is anything more than interstitial tissue holding together sex scenes, drug scenes, and fashion obsessions.
Is It Any Good?
This series makes no apologies for its spoiled-rich-kids setting. But the show is unbelievably popular, picking up where David Kelly's Boston Public left off with kids pushing the envelope of acceptable or responsible behavior. Even though the script is well written, it's throbbingly unoriginal. But that probably doesn't matter if you're a teen looking out at the world wondering where the edges are.
Talk to Your Kids 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.
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 5, 2003
- Cast : Adam Brody , Benjamin McKenzie , Mischa Barton
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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