How ''The O.C.'' has changed

How ”The O.C.” has changed

Fox’s The O.C. became a pop culture phenom when it debuted in 2003, but its creative quality since has been more unrealiable than Jimmy Cooper. With season 4 premiering Nov. 2 at 9 p.m., we look back at the drama’s ups and downs.

THE O.C. PREMIERES
(August 2003)
Ryan arrives in Newport Beach, attends a party, and gets pummeled by Luke — and ”Welcome to the O.C., bitch!” becomes an instant catchphrase.
10/10

OLIVER DEBUTS
(December 2003)
Annoying, crazy, hotel-dwelling Oliver develops an obsession with therapy buddy Marissa. That’s what we like to call a ”red flag,” Coop.
2/10

MARISSA GOES GAY
(January 2005)
Marissa falls for the Bait Shop’s female manager, Alex, making her the most questionable lesbian since Anne Heche. She soon goes back to boys.
4/10

MARISSA GOES BYE-BYE
(May 2006)
Call us cold, but we say Marissa’s death breathed new life into The O.C. We simply could not take any more of Coop’s poolside breakdowns.
7/10

RYAN’S FIGHT CLUB
(November 2006)
The ridiculous premiere has Ryan living in a utility closet and cage-fighting. But by episode 4, the show is almost season 1 good. Fingers crossed…
5/10