The OC: Unveiling the Jaw-Dropping Moments That Transformed TV Forever

Tate Donovan, Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton, Melinda Clarke, Benjamin McKenzie, Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Adam Brody, and Chris Carmack. Warner Bros Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock

The hit show The O.C. premiered over twenty years ago, but California continues to captivate us.

This beloved series, aired from August 2003 to February 2007 on Fox, delved into the hidden scandals of affluent families residing in Newport Beach, California. When Ryan Atwood, a teenager from the less privileged neighborhood of Chino, is taken in by Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, he forms an unexpected bond with their witty and unconventional son, Seth. Simultaneously, Ryan finds himself entangled in a web of romance with Marissa Cooper, the enigmatic girl living next door.

Despite the Cohen family's sun setting after only four seasons, The O.C. continues to have a significant presence in pop culture. In a world captivated by reboots and revivals, some of the cast members believe the show has the potential for a comeback.

"I've always expressed my support for anything that Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage want to pursue. However, it's a challenge to envision the direction of the characters and their circumstances," shared Rachel Bilson, who played the role of Seth's love interest, Summer Roberts, and had a real-life relationship with Adam Brody during the filming of the show. In an interview with Nylon in April 2021, she added, "If they ever decide to bring it back, I would be onboard. But I'm unsure about the plot's possibilities."

Continue reading to discover The O.C.'s top 10 iconic moments.

Welcome to the O.C., Bitch!

Introducing viewers, as well as Ryan Atwood, to the exquisite world of Newport Beach could not have been more dramatic than the moment Luke (Chris Carmack) delivered a forceful punch to his face on the beach, exclaiming, "Welcome to the O.C., bitch!" in the pilot episode.

YouTube – Luke, initially Marissa’s quintessential water polo-loving jock of a boyfriend, transformed into an endearing and musically talented Golden Retriever of a character; however, his multiple instances of infidelity led us to harbor a strong disdain for Luke.

New Year’s Eve with Ryan and Marissa – and Oliver’s Gun Moment

A New Year's Eve kiss becomes even more romantic when there's a ticking timer involved. The status of an iconic TV couple reached its pinnacle in season 1 episode 14, as Ryan went on an urgent search for Marissa just moments before midnight. However, fate had other plans, and she ended up sharing a kiss with the unsettling Oliver (Taylor Handley) instead. The scene was complete with the burst of fireworks and a shower of confetti.

But hold on! Ryan and Marissa still had hurdles to overcome. (Did they ever catch a break?) The pair confronted Oliver, who was armed, in just a few episodes, as his intense obsession with Marissa consumed him completely. While this dramatic moment had viewers on the edge of their seats, their ultimate relief came from bidding Oliver farewell once and for all.

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The Tijuana Overdose

The trip to Tijuana in season 1 episode 7 solidified Marissa, Ryan, Seth, and Summer as the undeniable core four of The O.C. However, their bond came at a cost when Marissa, burdened by her parents' divorce and the betrayal of her boyfriend Luke's infidelity, succumbs to an overdose of pills.

The O.C. showcased its uniqueness by masterfully intertwining the intricate and fragile aspects of Marissa's narrative with lighter moments throughout the episode. This not only captivated fans but also provided them with a crystal-clear understanding of the characters' future trajectory. Ryan's iconic stroll down the alley, cradling an unconscious Marissa in his arms, would soon become an emblematic scene of the series. This unforgettable moment would later be revisited in the heart-wrenching event of her death during season 3.

Marissa Shoots Trey

The iconic phrase "whatcha say" spread across the globe. In the dramatic conclusion of season 2, Marissa shoots Trey, who had previously attempted to rape her while under the influence of cocaine. She takes this action to protect Ryan from Trey's threat. Although season 3 faced criticism for being lackluster, this cliffhanger moment left viewers on the edge of their seats.

The scene, accompanied by Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," has since become a popular meme in internet culture, continuing to resonate for many years.

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Marissa and Alex Get Together

Queer representation is increasing in media, but witnessing a non-fetishized romantic connection between two women on screen was a significant moment for teen dramas and TV as a whole. These two girls, who genuinely developed feelings for each other in season 2, received a similar level of focus as any heterosexual romantic relationship in the series that didn't involve the main characters. Despite this progress, the portrayal of Alex as a jealous and unstable girlfriend when the show wanted to reunite Marissa and Ryan was not without flaws. Additionally, the exploration of Marissa's sexuality was completely abandoned after Alex's departure. Nonetheless, for its time, this portrayal was a refreshing departure from the limited representation in other cable TV series.

Seth Declares His Love on a Coffee Cart

Seth and Summer's journey in The O.C.'s four seasons is brimming with countless memorable moments, but one particular instance truly captures the essence of their love story. Seth's bold and unabashed proclamation of love, expressed openly for all to witness, remains etched in our hearts as a timeless masterpiece.

In season one, after a complicated love triangle involving Anna, Seth and Summer began dating. However, Summer was hesitant to publicly acknowledge their relationship. Despite her request for secrecy, Seth boldly declared his love for her by standing on a coffee cart at school. Summer eventually joined him, and they shared a passionate kiss in front of their classmates. This unforgettable moment marked the beginning of their relationship. Later in season three, Summer recreated this grand gesture, but nothing could surpass the initial triumph of Seth finally winning over the girl he had long desired.

Chrismukkah

Introducing Chrismukkah: A Unique Holiday Birthed by a TV Show

In a quest to navigate their son Seth's religious upbringing, Kirsten and Sandy found themselves at a crossroads between their Jewish and Christian backgrounds. Instead of imposing their own beliefs, they empowered Seth to create his own religion. This led to the inception of Chrismukkah, a one-of-a-kind amalgamation of Christmas and Hanukkah. The momentous introduction of this new holiday takes place in season 1 episode 13 of the TV show.

"Who wouldn't want a week of gifts, followed by a day of numerous presents?" Seth questions Ryan as he demonstrates the extravagant celebrations of the Cohens. The joyous and entertaining festivities, like several others featured in the O.C. series, would later make a comeback in forthcoming seasons.

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The Upside Down ‘Spider-Man’ Kiss

Although the coffee cart was adorable, the upside-down Spider-Man kiss between Seth and Summer has undoubtedly become the most enchanting moment in the show's history. Throughout most of season 2, Seth and Summer were separated, but Summer eventually realizes her true feelings for Seth just before embarking on a trip to Italy with her boyfriend Zach (Michael Cassidy). Meanwhile, Seth, known for his classic clumsiness, finds himself suspended upside down from the roof while attempting to fix the TV cable during a thunderstorm.

Summer arrives just in time to rescue him. First, she removes Seth's Spider-Man mask, which he was wearing to shield himself from the rain. Then, she playfully recreates the iconic kiss between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst from the 2002 film. As Matt Pond PA's rendition of "Champagne Supernova" gently fills the air, Seth inquires, "Why are you here?" Summer retorts, "What do you expect, Cohen?"

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Seth and Summer’s Wedding

The duo's wedding, though only a fleeting moment in The O.C.'s series finale, is a satisfying culmination for fans who have witnessed their rollercoaster relationship. After overcoming animosity, becoming friends, and eventually falling in love, it's a heartwarming reward.

Filmed shortly after Bilson and Brody broke up in real life, the intimate ceremony reunites the pair after their respective journeys to pursue their dreams. And amidst the ceremony, there's a playful moment where Summer sticks her tongue out while walking down the aisle, met with Seth's eye roll – a perfect reflection of their dynamic. The wedding also hints at a potential future for Ryan and Taylor (Autumn Reeser), as they share a longing glance.

Marissa’s Death

Marissa Cooper's journey was always filled with tragedy, but the most heart-wrenching moment in the series occurred with her untimely demise. Despite a promising future looming ahead, Marissa's vengeful ex-boyfriend, Volchuck (portrayed by Cam Gigandet), tracks her down while she is on her way to the airport with Ryan. This pursuit leads to a devastating car chase that ends in a fatal explosion, leaving Marissa to die in Ryan's arms.

Marissa’s heartbreaking last words to Ryan? “I love you.” It’s OK, we’re crying, too.