18 Shows Like The OC

Oh, we LOVE the drama, don’t we? No, not our real-life drama. We want fictional drama, and the more melo that drama the better. No, we’re not talking about shows like Pretty Little Liars or shows like Vampire Diaries, we’re throwing it back a bit. For a lot of us, one of our first introductions to the sensational and salacious world of teen dramas was The OC.

Wasn’t that show the best??? We held on for FOUR seasons to see if Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson) and Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) would finally get together, and if Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) would ever make anything of himself. We engaged every week to see how these teen characters would overcome what we thought were super serious conflicts involving relationships, academics, and the cultural reality of living in Orange County, CA. (Okay, maybe not the reality.)

Though The OC is inarguably cheesy and over-the-top, there’s something about it that’s so fun and nostalgic. It takes us all back to a simpler time and the heavy drama makes us feel on a whole other level. So . . . if you’ve been craving a new show to dig into, we’ve got the top 10 shows you need to watch after The OC.

18 Shows Like The OC

Friday Night Lights

Where to watch: Paramount+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

There’s something so nostalgic about remembering your old high school football days. Sitting in the bleachers, eating sh*tty concession food, screaming for your team like your life depended on it. If you wanna revisit those days, just watch Friday Night Lights.

Think small-town football team, teen drama, pressure, passion, and tons of heart—SUPER similar to The O.C. Even though The O.C. is all about the beach and FNL is all about football, both series are all about finding yourself, falling in love, and trying to get through the hell that is teen years. It’s all we could want in an early 2000s show, right?

Gossip Girl

Where to watch: HBO MAX, Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

The OC was created by Josh Schwartz, and so was Gossip Girl! It is such a fun watch because there’s a mystery surrounding these teen girls. There’s an elusive blogger observing every move, but they have no idea which of their friends is the backstabber. It’s sooo fun to make your guesses throughout the show because you seriously can’t figure it out with all the twists and turns. Plus, all the girls are prissy, upper-class divas, so there is TONS of caddy drama—which we aaalll love.

If you want to hear some true super-fans discuss what they love about this award-winning teen mystery/drama series, listen to this episode of Ride. Both Benito and Mary Beth STAN for this series. If you end up loving this series as much as we do, check out our post on Shows Like Gossip Girl!

Also, don’t forget to listen to these GG OG’s across the Dear Media network! Tune into “Gossip Guys with Chace Crawford” from Good Guys and “The Leighton Meester Episode” from The World’s First Podcast.

One Tree Hill

Where to watch: Hulu, HBO MAX, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV

If you love the brotherhood vibe of The OC, One Tree Hill should def be on your must-watch list. The series follows brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan (James Lafferty) as they navigate life with girls and basketball. Oh, yeah, this show is SO high school. These brothers compete in every aspect of life and start as classic sibling rivals, but slowly grow to appreciate one another. 

It’s definitely worth binging, especially with your girlfriends. Wear your skirt over your jeans, pin up your hair with butterfly clips, pour everyone glasses of Malibu, and get your 2000s nostalgia party pumping. And don’t worry, we’ve already compiled a list of Shows like One Tree Hill for you to check out when you’re done.

If you’re as big of fans of Sophia Bush as we are, we have the perfect podcast episode for you. Tune into “Call It with Kim Raver (Part 2)” from We Ride at Dawn (ish), with hosts AND Grey’s Anatomy stars Camilla Luddington and Jessica Capshaw. The duo talks to Kim Raver (Teddy Altman) about what it was like to film that spicy scene with Sophia in Grey’s.

Dawson’s Creek

Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+

There are so many great themes played out in Dawson’s Creek! The principle is really simple, the show follows a group of misfits in a small town in New England. However, the show is able to juggle all these big conflicts like class diversity, mental health, divorce, death, coming out, young love, and more all in one coming-of-age story. It’s such an addictive show!

The series centers around Dawson Leery, who is an aspiring filmmaker with a tomboy best friend named Joey. They get into lots of trouble with their friends and a budding romance, and both struggles will have you playing episode after episode.

Gilmore Girls

Where to watch: Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

Gilmore Girls is about a single mother and her smart teenage daughter who have a strong relationship that is #goals. They both have big goals they’re working to achieve and they support each other every step of the way. The show is funny and feel-good with lots of dramatic elements too. 

If you want a show you can watch with your mom or older sisters, Gilmore Girls is where it’s at. There’s nothing that says “girl power” like cross-generational women kicking ass and accomplishing their goals with no help from a man! (Okay, there are a few great guys along the way too!) Yep, we made a post on Shows like Gilmore Girls already, don’t worry.

90210

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

As much as we love the OG 90210, it doesn’t hit the same as the 2008 reboot—especially if you wanna channel all of The O.C. vibes. The show follows the Wilson Family on their move allll the way from Kansas to Beverly Hills (talk about a cultural shift!).

Annie and Dixon, the two kids, have to now adapt and navigate the drama that exists in their new BH high school. You can only imagine how much drama comes from this storyline. The series explores drama, relationships, rivalries, and the struggles of having to adapt to a totally new world. It’s got all the same themes that we know and love from The O.C.

The Carrie Diaries

Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Ever wondered what teenage Carrie Bradshaw was up to before she became one of New York’s hottest newspaper columnists? Look no further than The Carrie Diaries. This coming-to-age series follows Carrie Bradshaw in the 1980s as she figures out high school life, copes with the loss of her mother, and navigates how to follow her dreams of becoming a writer.

Oh, and surprise! The Carrie Diaries AND The O.C. were both created and produced by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. AKA, they’re essentially carbon copies of each other. Both series feature sharp dialogue, social divides, dependable friendships, and fish-out-of-water main characters. For those looking for shows like The O.C., this series is a natural must-watch.

And while we’re here, do yourself a favor a read “Life-Changing Finance Tips From Sex and the City!”

Current TV Shows Like The O.C.

Outer Banks

Where to watch: Netflix

This series is kind of like Goonies if the Goonies were like 100 times more caddy and dramatic. These North Carolina teens are finding buried treasure together in their coastal town. You’ll see sharp contrasts between wealthy and working-class teens striving toward the same mission as they’re chased by the law and their enemies. 

It may sound a little more intense than The O.C., and it is, but it just adds to the drama. Trust us, you’ll still get all your teen angst . . . but with some higher stakes. It’s the best! This is a Netflix exclusive that has one more season up its sleeve, catch up so you don’t miss out!

If you can’t get enough of this series, you will love our recs for Shows Like Outer Banks! Also, with the final season of Outer Banks on the rise, you’ll also definitely want to listen to “Beyond Pope: Jonathan Daviss on Growth, Fame, & Still Becoming” from What’s Your Spark?

All American

Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

What embodies the American teenage cliche better than high school football? For whatever reason, we all LOVE the drama that ensues on and off the field in this classic teen movie trope. This series is actually inspired by the real life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger and it showcases the cultural divide between the poor and wealthy sides of Beverly Hills High School.

All American is just like The O.C. in the terms of that good old “rags-to-riches” storyline. We see a troubled teen shed their skin and jump into a new life that introduces them to tons of unfamiliar territory.

Riverdale

Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Did you ever read Archie comics? Well, this is nothing like that, but it was inspired by that! Riverdale uses the characters from the classic comics to create an ensemble cast that clash and collide in every episode. 

Not only do the characters struggle with romance, school, and family drama like The O.C. teens, but they also have to solve dark mysteries threatening their town. The mixture of teen mayhem and supernatural chaos is SUCH a blast.

Want even more? Tune into “Lili Reinhart on Her Acne-Busting Hacks, Boyfriend Skincare Secrets, and Details on Her Next, Witchy Acting Role” from Breaking Beauty!

Ginny & Georgia

Where to watch: Netflix

Here’s another great series to watch after The O.C. if you want a good laugh! We all need a break from the melodrama (but don’t worry, there is plenty of teen angst in this series too.) Ginny & Georgia focuses on the life of a mother, her teenage daughter, and her young autistic son. The family gets a new start in an upper-class neighborhood after escaping a shady past, but, like always . . . that past catches up with them. 

Amanda Hirsch of Not Skinny But Not Fat always has the best taste in shows, so you know if she recommends something, it’s DEFINITELY binge-able. You can hear all about why Ginny & Georgia is one of her current favorite shows HERE!

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Belly Conklin, a teen who spends her summers at Cousins beach house with her family and longtime friends, The Fishers. But here’s the thing: Jeremiah Fisher and Conrad Fisher both have massive crushes on Belly—and she has no idea who to choose.

Like The O.C., both series have that dreamy, sun-drenched town vibe, focus on affluent families, and are super heavily relationship-drama based. Think: messy love triangles, late-night beach parties, and moody, nostalgic soundtracks. It’s SUCH a good watch for fans of The O.C. themes.

Already watched (and loved) TSITP? Check out our post, “Shows Like The Summer I Turned Pretty!” It has all the recs you could ever need, plus some.

My Life with the Walter Boys

Where to watch: Netflix

My Life with the Water Boys follows Jackie Howard, a 15-year old who loses her family in a car accident. While processing the grief, she move to a Colorado ranch with her mother’s best friend (her now guardian), and has to figure out how to cope while also living with a family of 12. (Talk about chaos.)

As someone whose life went from perfectly structured in NYC to loud, messy, and overwhelming in Colorado, there’s a lot Jackie has to navigate. Oh, and she has to do it alongside Alex Walter and Cole Walter, two brothers she’s stuck in a love triangle with. If you loved the culture shocks, adjustments into different worlds, and confusing love stories from The O.C., chances are you’ll LOVE My Life with the Walter Boys.

Elite

Where to watch: Netflix

Elite is a Spanish teen drama that follows a group of students at Las Encinas, one of Spain’s most prestigious private schools, where three working-class teens suddenly find themselves attending on scholarship. As friendships, romances, and rivalries collide, a shocking murder turns everyone’s lives upside down. Even worse, no one is exactly who they seem.

Like The O.C., both series dive into the lives of wealthy families, explore class divides, and thrive on messy relationship drama. We’re talking forbidden romances, jaw-dropping betrayals, and enough secrets to keep you binge-watching all night. If you love the mix of privilege, scandal, and teen angst in The O.C., Elite is an easy next watch.

Euphoria

Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Euphoria is a psychological drama that follows Rue Bennett, a recovering teen addict, and her group of equally rebellious friends. As Rue tries to cope with the death of her father and the journey of getting sober, she’s thrown into navigating love, identity, and trauma. Plus, we can’t not mention the INCREDIBLE cast: Sydney Sweeney (Cassie Howard), Zendaya (Rue Bennett), Hunter Schafer (Jules Vaughn), Alexa Demie (Maddy Perez), Jacob Elordi (Nate Jacobs), Eric Dane (Cal Jacobs)—need we go on?

Like The O.C., Euphoria focuses on all the same themes, just intensified. Think: teen angst, messy romances, substance abuse, trauma, and, of course, iconic soundtracks. If you’re looking for shows like The O.C. with a little spice, Euphoria definitely fits the bill.

Check out our post, “Shows Like Euphoria,” for more recs! Also, make sure to tune into “Barbie Ferreira Is Not a Background Actress” from Not Skinny But Not Fat!

Cruel Summer

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller series that features a new cast, mystery, and theme each season. Needless to say, you’ll never get bored. To give you a little perspective, the first series follows the popular Kate Wallis and the awkward outcast Jeanette Turner. Once Kate goes missing, it’s only natural to assume Jeanette is the reason, given that she took her life, boyfriend, and friend group. It’s SOOO juicy, and totally worth the watch.

Similar to The O.C., Cruel Summer does an incredible job at exploring social hierarchies and all the toxicity that comes with them. Beyond that, both series follow that “outsider” vs. “it girl” relationship, exploring deep into social divides and what they can cause people to do. Naturally, Cruel Summer EFFORTLESSLY fits into this list of shows like The O.C.

Reality TV Shows Like The O.C.

Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County

Where to watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu

If you like fictional drama of The O.C., we KNOW you love real-life teen drama too. Laguna Beach is a reality TV series from MTV that followed the lives of teenagers at Laguna Beach High School. Ooooh, yes. A real-life group of high schoolers, which means this sh*t wasn’t clean like 7th Heaven and other pure 00s content. No, these high schoolers swear, fight, and, you know, other stuff.

This series is full of controversy and it fully represents the beloved, yet problematic early 2000s MTV culture. Once you finish Laguna Beach on Paramount Plus, you can watch the spinoff called The Hills—but don’t stop there! (But, we and Amanda Hirsh LOVE The Hills.) Dear Media has a reunion podcast called Back to the Beach that is a MUST LISTEN. It’s seriously sooo good and brings some grown-up perspective to this wild reality series.  

Why stop at Back to the Beach when you can tune into Let’s Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari and Tell Me I’m a Good Mom with Lo Bosworth!

Teen Mom

Where to watch: Apple TV, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video

There’s a lot of teen drama on fictional TV shows, but teen pregnancy takes the cake for curating the most adolescent mayhem. Teen Mom highlights not only the struggle and beauty of brave teen moms, but also highlights their journey through relationships, school, establishing future goals, and discovering who they are. You’ll find yourself laughing, crying, and cringing with every episode of Teen Mom.

How Many Seasons of THE O.C. Are There?

There are four seasons of the hit teen drama, The O.C., each exploring a different theme. Naturally, it follows the perfect chronological order of Ryan Atwood’s life. However, here’s a quick TL;DR for what each season holds:

• Season 1: The first season introduces viewers to who Ryan Atwood is. It explores why he was taken in by public defender Sandy, how he gets along with his adoptive brother Seth, and what his new high school life is like. We also get introduced to Marissa Cooper, that intriguing girl next door, and Summer Roberts, Seth’s girlfriend!
• Season 2: Picking up after Season 1’s finale, Season 2 lets viewers into what Ryan’s life is like after leaving Newport Beach. But, as recurring characters come back into the picture, chaos ensues. This season explores themes of alcoholism, messy relationships, love triangle’s, and power struggles.
• Season 3: The third season heavily focuses on The O.C.‘s core group. As they’re in their senior year of high school, you can imagine the kind of changes that are taking place. We see themes like dealing with the consequences of your actions, unexpected tragedies, emotional complexities, and new love interests. It’s equal parts intriguing and emotional.
• Season 4: Serving as the final season, Season 4 follows the core group as they navigate the huge tragedy that occurred in Season 3. It’s faster-paced, explores significant character growth, and shows viewers what Ryan’s life looks like once entering college.

Needless to say, The O.C. remains one of the most popular teen dramas for a reason. It’s relatable, emotional, intriguing, and perfectly complex.

Where to Watch The O.C.

Fortunately, you can catch ALL four seasons of The O.C. on a few different platforms, including:

• Hulu
• HBO Max
• Disney+
• Fandango
• Apple TV
• YouTube (with Primetime subscription)
• The Roku Channel
• Amazon Prime Video

Regardless of which platform you watch it on—just watch it. You’ll quickly realize what all the hype is about.

Is the O.C. Good?

The O.C. is one of the most iconic, nostalgic teen dramas of all time. More specifically, it’s a fan favorite for its authenticity, high-stakes storylines, and witty banter. As you watch, there are SO many situations that you’ll find yourself reflecting on, relating to, and comparing your life with. It also helps the sun-drenched environment and incredible 2000s soundtrack make up a huge part of the series!

TL;DR: yes, The O.C. is SO good. And if you were hesitant about watching it, this is your sign to start.

Feed your nostalgia and need for teen drama with one of our favorite shows! 

If you’re looking for new show recommendations, and you loved The OC, we hope this list helped you find your next fav series that you’ll rewatch again and again. And, if you need something to binge at work too (yeah, probably not a good idea to be watching Riverdale on the job), check out our directory of the world’s best podcasts. (Our Bravo podcast episodes are a favorite of TV lovers.)

Check out the Dear Media blog for more series recs, as well as advice on anything from health and wellness to love because let’s be honest, if the Gilmore girls had some of this, they might have saved themselves from a few relationship dramas!. And, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for tons of must-haves! This “Luckiest Girl” mug is perfect for a day full of binge-watching your new fave series.