5 Harsh Realities of Gen Z Watching The OC For the First Time in 2023
Their reactions demonstrate the generation gap at its worst.
It's been roughly ten days since the twentieth anniversary of The O.C. Yes, you read that right. The Fox show celebrated twenty years since its premiere this summer, having originally aired in August 2003. Short for Orange County, the series follows the Cohens, fictional, affluent residents of the eponymous area in California, who decide to take in a juvenile delinquent named Ryan Atwood.
The O.C. was a household name in the early 2000s, a time when Zoomers were just being born. As a result, the hit show remains largely unknown to them. Those who have seen it, however, largely agree that…
5. It's formulaic
In the eyes of Gen Z viewers, The O.C. leans heavily on stereotypes. It makes use of every classic narrative trope – from the enemies-to-lovers arc to the bad-boy-with-a-golden-heart story to the romance between the nerd and the prom queen, not to mention the often-cheesy depiction of the high life. In essence, Zoomers often find the show too predictable and uninspired.
4. The cast members look old
While Gen Z viewers are accustomed to teen shows featuring age-appropriate actors like those in Sex Education or Heartstopper on Netflix, previous generations weren't as fortunate. Historically, on-screen teenagers were often played by mature, well-toned twenty-somethings with flawless skin – the resulting unrealistic expectations are a topic for another discussion.
The O.C. is a prime example of this practice, with its main teen characters played by clearly adult actors.
3. The characters are based on overused archetypes
Beyond being unconvincing and formulaic, the characters in The O.C. bear strong resemblances to those in other shows. For example, Marissa Cooper is almost interchangeable with Gossip Girl's Serena van der Woodsen, further underscoring the show's lack of originality.
2. The narrative is too twisted to follow
While not strictly a soap opera – a genre many Gen Z viewers seem to enjoy – The O.C. is just as intricate and involved, often leaving viewers struggling to keep up with the intertwined relationships and story arcs.
1. It's unrealistic
Arguably, the most contentious aspect of the show, according to Zoomers, is its implausible premise. How are audiences expected to believe that a well-off family from Orange County would suddenly decide to take in a sixteen-year-old delinquent who was formerly a client they defended in court? This plot point leaves many without a good rebuttal.