The O.C.

The O.C. Is a dramatic television series from Fox that tells the story of Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie), a teenager with a criminal record, who is taken in by Sandy Cohen, a lawyer who has represented him on various charges, and his family after being kicked out of his home. He finds himself in luxurious Orange County, far from the rough streets of Chino he came from. Sandy's son Seth (Adam Brody) and wife Kirsten (Kelly Rowan) are skeptical of a small-time criminal in their house, but Seth and Ryan quickly bond. Ryan also develops a crush on the girl next door, Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton), a popular girl in Newport and best friend of Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson), Seth's longtime crush who won't give him the time of day. Marissa's boyfriend Luke (Chris Carmack) doesn't take too kindly to Ryan, and his arrival in The O.C. quickly starts trouble at a beach party, including turning new friend Seth against him. This proves to be just the beginning of Ryan's struggle to fit in to a new environment, but his relationship with Seth is repaired and becomes stronger than ever, and he eventually catches Marissa's attention as well. Sandy, Kirsten, Marissa, and her parents have their own complicated relationships, financial troubles, and substance abuse issues to deal with, and Ryan's arrival at Newport High stirs up the community. Along with a riveting storyline, The O.C.'s soundtrack was very influential and set a standard for music becoming popularized through television placement. MORE