TV series
It's nothing like where you live. And nothing like you imagine.
Ryan Atwood, a teen from the wrong side of the tracks, moves in with a wealthy family willing to give him a chance. But Ryan's arrival disturbs the status quo of the affluent, privileged community of Newport Beach, California.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 5, 2026
The O.C. is available to stream on HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, HBO Max (Via Amazon Prime), Hulu, and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Ryan Atwood, a teen from the wrong side of the tracks, moves in with a wealthy family willing to give him a chance. But Ryan's arrival disturbs the status quo of the affluent, privileged community of Newport Beach, California.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
A new life for Ryan Atwood, the Cohens and the Cooper families, and basically everyone else in the wealthy, picturesque, secretive, turbulent community of Orange County. Be prepared to meet spoiled rich kids and watch Ryan struggle to fit in with his new crowd...
Directed by Doug LimanWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Daphne Ashbrook, Shailene Woodley, Drew Fuller, Camille Mana, Bradley Stryker, Ashley Hartman, Barry Wiggins, Kimberly Stanphill
Episode 2
Faced with the prospect of life in a group home, Ryan decides to run away from Newport, but Seth and Marissa convince him to stay and hide in a vacant building project. Jimmy discusses his recent financial woes with Kirsten, and she offers a solution. After Luke witnesses a close encounter between Marissa and Ryan, he confronts Ryan and a fight breaks loose. Ryan's presence in Newport is exposed in a big way, and two arrests are made.
Directed by Doug LimanWritten by Josh Schwartz, Allan HeinbergGuest stars Shailene Woodley, Ashley Hartman, Josh Kloss, Adam Grimes, Dwight Hicks, Steven M. Gagnon, Carrie Armstrong, Chris Villa
Episode 3
Sandy comes to Ryan's rescue once again, after he has a difficult stay in Juvenile Hall. Seth makes Kirsten aware of his anger over Ryan's situation, and Kirsten makes a compromise. Ryan's mother, Dawn, makes a surprise visit to Newport, and things don't go quite as she and Ryan may have planned. The monetary secret involving Julie, Jimmy, Kirsten and Sandy comes to a head.
Directed by Ian ToyntonWritten by Jane EspensonGuest stars Francis Capra, Daphne Ashbrook, Kimberly Oja, Josh Kloss, Adam Grimes, Devin Mills, Kimberly Stanphill, Lisa K. Wyatt
Episode 4
It's time for the annual Cotillion ball. Cherished by many, hated by most, it's the time when Newport's finest young ladies enter society. More information about Jimmy's business trouble comes to light, and Kirsten's loan to Jimmy is not happy news for Sandy.
Directed by Dan AttiasWritten by Josh Schwartz, Allan HeinbergGuest stars Samaire Armstrong, Christopher Cousins, Shailene Woodley, Ashley Hartman, Barry Wiggins, Adam Grimes, Ruth Williamson, Paul Witten
Episode 5
Ryan takes a job at the Crab Shack diner. A co-worker at the diner might mean bad news for the Newport kids. Ryan asks Marissa out on a date. Sandy attempts to help Jimmy sort out his life, and gives him some bad news. Julie reveals a long-held secret to Kirsten. Disaster strikes at another one of Holly's parties.
Directed by Jesús Salvador TreviñoWritten by Melissa RosenbergGuest stars Paul Wesley, Kimberly Oja, Ashley Hartman, Devin Mills, Kimberly Stanphill, Robert A. Guthrie, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode 6
Kirsten's father, Caleb Nichol, comes for a visit along with his new girlfriend, Gabrielle. 24-year-old Grandma Nichol has arrived. Kirsten finds her job in jeopardy, while Sandy considers making a change. Much to Ryan's disappointment, Luke decides he wants a second chance with Marissa... but who will Marissa choose? Summer makes the moves on Seth, who wonders if her feelings are real.
Directed by Steven RobmanWritten by Josh Schwartz, Erica Messer, Debra J. FisherGuest stars Alan Dale, Nichole Hiltz
Episode 7
The Newport kids plan an end-of-summer trip down to Tijuana, Mexico (aka "T.J."). Jimmy has plans of his own, which don't sit well with Marissa. Sandy gets a new job, which Kirsten can't understand. Summer, Seth, Ryan and Marissa find themselves in a strange place together. Jimmy takes it too far. Disaster strikes one of the O.C. kids.
Directed by Sanford BookstaverWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Mary Castro, Bonnie Somerville, Ashley Hartman, Shane Ryan-Reid, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode 8
Everyone is back home in Newport, and Marissa is recovering. Julie points her finger at Ryan and forbids him from seeing Marissa, who does not appreciate the help. Sandy starts his new job, but finds himself surprised by the case work. Kirsten finds herself surprised by Sandy's new co-worker. Ryan enrolls at his new school, with conditions. Julie gets an intervention, and Jimmy gets a new roommate.
Directed by Michael LangeWritten by Melissa Rosenberg, Allan HeinbergGuest stars April Grace, Bonnie Somerville, Rosalind Chao, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode 9
Back to school for the O.C. kids. No one really wants to be there, except for the gossips. Ryan doesn't feel like he fits in at his new school, and Luke doesn't make the situation any better. Sandy accepts a case at his new job, a case that will test his relationship with Kirsten and her father. Anna and Seth hatch a plan. Marissa chooses her man.
Directed by Patrick R. NorrisWritten by Debra J. Fisher, Erica MesserGuest stars Samaire Armstrong, Bonnie Somerville, Rosalind Chao, Eric Allan Kramer, Ashley Hartman, Josh Kloss, Melissa Strom, Sarah Carrol
Episode 10
Couples are plentiful in 'The O.C.' It is a night of firsts. Now that they are free to love one another, Ryan and Marissa plan their first official date. Kirsten sees her father with a new woman, and fears Sandy has found a new woman of his own. Seth takes matters into his own hands with a girl, and is taken by another girl.
Directed by Michael FrescoWritten by Allan HeinbergGuest stars Alan Dale, Samaire Armstrong, Bonnie Somerville, Shailene Woodley, Josh Kloss, Kelly McCracken
Episode 11
It's Thanksgiving time in ‘the O.C.' It's time for family reunions, and Ryan gets called home by his family. Is it because of the holiday, or is it for a favor? Marissa decides to go along for the ride, but ends up going down Ryan's bad-memory lane instead. Seth plays the player role, but not very well.
Directed by Keith SamplesWritten by Josh Schwartz, Bryan OhGuest stars Alan Dale, Samaire Armstrong, Gina Gallego, Navi Rawat, Bonnie Somerville, Bradley Stryker, Josh Kloss, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode 12
Seth and Kirsten want to avoid facing the world after their respective displays at Thanksgiving. Sandy has some advice for Jimmy, which doesn't sit well with Julie. Ryan and Luke find themselves getting along after an O.C. loved-one comes out of the closet to face negative reactions.
Directed by James MarshallWritten by Josh Schwartz, Allan HeinbergGuest stars Brian McNamara, Samaire Armstrong, Kimberly Oja, Danielle Bisutti, Kevin West, Kate Rodger, Katherine Disque, Shane Haboucha
Episode 13
Ryan, and the World, are officially introduced to the bi-religious holiday Chrismukkah, thanks to Seth. And Seth insists he has TWO Godly forces helping him as he plays TWO girls. Marissa has some 'discount shopping' to do, and finds herself in an embarrassing situation, or two, or three. Kirsten does something that could cost her more than just her job. Summer and Anna each have very special gifts for Seth, but which one will he like the most? And a new boy enters the Newport scene.
Directed by Sanford BookstaverWritten by Stephanie SavageGuest stars Alan Dale, Samaire Armstrong, Taylor Handley, Mark Daniel Cade, Todd Sherry, Tom Schmid, Julie Berlin
Episode 14
It's New Years and "love" is in the air. A sister returns home, and throws a party. Oliver casts his spell. Sandy and Kirsten find themselves in a rut, and out of their environment. Seth finally makes a decision between Summer and Anna. 2004 is born.
Directed by Michael FrescoWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Alaina Huffman, Samaire Armstrong, Taylor Handley, Amanda Righetti, Kimberly Oja, Dita de Leon, Heidi Van Horne, David Berry
Episode 15
Hailey discovers she isn't as welcome as she might have thought. Perhaps the Cohen house is full? Luke makes some new friends, while Seth and Anna try to tell a friend about their decision. Rooney sings, a lot, and Oliver noses, a lot. Trouble brews.
Directed by Sandy SmolanWritten by Melissa RosenbergGuest stars Robert Schwartzman, Samaire Armstrong, Taylor Handley, Amanda Righetti, Megan Linder, Danielle Riffenburgh, Craig Warner, Antonio Leon
Episode 16
Oliver plans a trip for the gang, but things don't go as well as everyone might have hoped- except for Oliver of course. Summer really plants herself into "friendship" within Anna and Seth's relationship. Jimmy and Sandy decide to go into business together. Caleb and Julie return from Europe, and Hailey and Kirsten butt heads. Ryan finds himself in the cold.
Directed by Michael LangeWritten by Debra J. Fisher, Erica MesserGuest stars Alan Dale, Samaire Armstrong, Michael Reilly Burke, Taylor Handley, Amanda Righetti
Episode 17
Sandy and Jimmy have plans to sign papers for the Lighthouse... but is Jimmy ready? Oliver makes his plans official to Ryan, but Ryan just cannot catch a break from anyone and finds himself in an all too familiar position. Summer has a "big" new boyfriend... for a little while. And Julie gets a job.
Directed by Ian ToyntonWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Alan Dale, Bret Harrison, Samaire Armstrong, Taylor Handley, Rosalind Chao, Kevin West, Joe Howard
Episode 18
Changes are happening within the couplehoods of the O.C.'ers. Lines seem to be blurred. Oliver reveals himself as he falls apart, but not before Ryan is completely left in the cold. Someone loses school, one loses work, two lose their partners, and one more loses it all.
Directed by Rodman FlenderWritten by Allan HeinbergGuest stars Alan Dale, Samaire Armstrong, Taylor Handley, Debi M. Cox, Jack Merrill, Bryan Okes
Episode 19
It's Valentine's Day in Newport, and everyone is preparing for the Valentine's singles benefit. Luke has a new crush, while Sandy gives Seth some sex advice. An old friend of Ryan's shows up in town, which forces Marissa to lay her feelings on the table. Seth and Summer take their relationship to another level.
Directed by Lev L. SpiroWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Navi Rawat, Amanda Righetti, Sage Kirkpatrick, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode 20
Ryan and Marissa begin their life together as "friends", but both discover that it might be harder to do than to say. Theresa drops into Newport for work, and another visit. Julie and Luke realize the meaning of "booty calls", and Seth and Summer make a declaration.
Directed by Sanford BookstaverWritten by Stephanie SavageGuest stars Alan Dale, Samaire Armstrong, Navi Rawat, Richard Herd, Eric Balfour, Wilson Bethel, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode 21
Anna announces that she is leaving Newport to go back to Pittsburgh, which leaves Seth feeling saddened and guilt-ridden. Legal troubles brew for Caleb and Kirsten while Sandy works to solve them. Luke and Julie's secret romance is getting harder to contain, and Theresa brings a bit of trouble from Chino to the O.C.
Directed by Patrick R. NorrisWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Alan Dale, Lamont Thompson, Samaire Armstrong, Navi Rawat, Eric Balfour, Shailene Woodley, Danielle Bisutti, Phil Abrams
Episode 22
When Summer and Marissa run into Grady Bridges, the star of Summer's favourite prime-time soap 'The Valley', he invites them to an LA party, and they accept. On the road trip to LA, Seth, Summer, Marissa, and Ryan run into Hailey, now working at a strip club. Jimmy and Sandy present their restaurant to Newport's finest and approach Caleb for some financial help.
Directed by David BarrettWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Alan Dale, Colin Hanks, Al Sapienza, Paris Hilton, Amanda Righetti, Stu 'Large' Riley, Steffany Huckaby, John David Conti
Episode 23
Nana Cohen comes to California for Passover with some sad news. Ryan searches for Marissa, who'd gone missing after learning Julie and Luke's secret, and he finds her in the most unlikely of places. Summer tries to impress Nana. Jimmy and Hailey take a step forward.
Directed by Michael LangeWritten by Allan HeinbergGuest stars Navi Rawat, Amanda Righetti, Eric Balfour, Cynthia Avila, Linda Lavin
Episode 24
Jimmy and Sandy run into a roadblock in their effort to re-open the Balboa Lighthouse restaurant. Summer and Seth take it upon themselves to finally make Marissa feel more at home at Jimmy's. Everyone is shocked when Caleb makes a proposal, which sparks a near-fatal accident for Luke. Marissa, and Sandy and Jimmy each strike deals with Caleb. An old O.C. friend moves away.
Directed by Helen ShaverWritten by Josh Schwartz, Liz FriedmanGuest stars Alan Dale, Brian McNamara, Amanda Righetti, Doug Ballard, Zuzana Monroe, Evis Xheneti
Episode 25
Marissa plots to ruin her mother's happiness by inviting someone from her mother's past to the wedding shower, while Sandy attempts to hide Theresa's return to the O.C. from Ryan. When Ryan discovers Sandy's lies and Theresa's reasons for coming back, he puts himself in a dangerous situation. In the meantime, Seth's unimpressive first meeting with Summer's father leaves their relationship in doubt.
Directed by Sandy SmolanWritten by J. J. PhilbinGuest stars Alan Dale, Navi Rawat, Amanda Righetti, Michael Nouri, Danielle Bisutti, Katherine Disque, Holly Fields
Episode 26
It's Bachelor and Bachelorette party time for Caleb and Julie. Caleb and the boys head off to Las Vegas while Kirsten organizes an evening at the Cohen house for Julie, strippers included. Seth and Ryan get themselves into a tricky situation in Vegas while back home, Summer pines over lost love, and Marissa comforts Theresa. Jimmy and Sandy learn of Caleb's true motives. Julie and Hailey take a swim, while Theresa has some shocking news for Ryan and Marissa.
Directed by James MarshallWritten by Allan HeinbergGuest stars Alan Dale, Navi Rawat, Kristen Renton, Gwendoline Yeo, Amanda Righetti, Kevin Rankin, Natalie Blalock, David Rountree
Episode 27
Julie and Caleb walk down the aisle, as Ryan and Theresa face a difficult decision regarding their pregnancy. Marissa moves into Caleb and Julie's new castle on the cliff, and Seth struggles to find himself when things around him seem to fall apart. Life in The O.C. comes full circle from one year before.
Directed by Patrick R. NorrisWritten by Josh SchwartzGuest stars Alan Dale, Jem, Navi Rawat, Amanda Righetti, Jay Kenneth Johnson, Shailene Woodley, Hamilton Mitchell, Danielle Riffenburgh
Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026
Peter GallagherSandy Cohen
Kelly RowanKirsten Cohen
Ben McKenzieRyan Atwood
Adam BrodySeth Cohen
Melinda ClarkeJulie Cooper
Rachel BilsonSummer Roberts
Autumn ReeserTaylor Townsend
Mischa BartonMarissa Cooper
FOXUnited States
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited States
Wonderland Sound and VisionUnited States
Fake Empire ProductionsUnited States
