10 Shows and Movies Similar to The O.C. (2003)

Description: Dawson's Creek is often considered a precursor to The O.C., with both shows focusing on the lives of teenagers in a small coastal town. The shows share similar themes of love, friendship, and coming-of-age, with a mix of dramatic and comedic moments. The witty dialogue and emotional depth are also comparable.

Fact: The show was created by Kevin Williamson, who also wrote the Scream movies. The theme song, 'I Don't Want to Wait' by Paula Cole, was replaced in syndication due to licensing issues. James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery) was only 19 when the show started.

Description: One Tree Hill shares many similarities with The O.C., including its focus on teenage life, love triangles, and family drama. Both shows are set in small towns with a strong sense of community and feature a mix of sports (basketball in OTH, surfing in The O.C.) and music as central elements. The emotional tone and coming-of-age themes are also very similar.

Fact: The show was initially rejected by several networks before being picked up by The WB. Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott) and Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis) got married during the show's run but divorced shortly after. The show's theme song, 'I Don't Want to Be' by Gavin DeGraw, became a hit because of the series.

Description: Like The O.C., Gossip Girl is a teen drama that revolves around the lives of wealthy high school students in an affluent setting (New York City vs. Newport Beach). Both shows explore themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and social hierarchies. The series also features a mix of dramatic plot twists and romantic entanglements, similar to The O.C.

Fact: Gossip Girl was based on the book series of the same name by Cecily von Ziegesar. The show's iconic voiceover by Kristen Bell was kept a secret during the first season. It popularized the term 'Upper East Side' and brought back headbands as a fashion trend.

Description: Friday Night Lights shares The O.C.'s focus on small-town life and the pressures faced by teenagers. While the show centers around football, it also explores themes of family, love, and personal growth, much like The O.C. The emotional tone and realistic storytelling are also similar.

Fact: The show was based on the book and movie of the same name. The iconic 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose' mantra was not in the original book or movie. The show was filmed in Austin, Texas, to capture the authentic small-town feel.

Description: 90210 is a reboot of the classic Beverly Hills, 90210 and shares many similarities with The O.C., including its focus on wealthy teenagers navigating high school and personal dramas in a glamorous setting. Both shows feature a mix of romance, friendship, and family issues, with a backdrop of Southern California's affluent lifestyle.

Fact: The show was originally intended to be a direct sequel to the original Beverly Hills,

Description: While The Vampire Diaries has supernatural elements, it shares The O.C.'s focus on teenage relationships, love triangles, and dramatic plot twists. Both shows have a strong emotional core and explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity. The small-town setting of Mystic Falls also mirrors the close-knit community feel of Newport Beach.

Fact: Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) dated in real life during the show's run. The show was based on the book series by L.J. Smith. Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) directed several episodes of the series.

Description: Pretty Little Liars shares The O.C.'s blend of mystery, drama, and teenage angst. Both shows feature a group of close-knit friends dealing with secrets, lies, and romantic entanglements. The affluent setting of Rosewood and the focus on social hierarchies are also reminiscent of The O.C.

Fact: The show was based on the book series by Sara Shepard. The identity of 'A' was kept a secret from the cast until the very end. The show's theme song, 'Secret' by The Pierces, was chosen by creator I. Marlene King.

Description: Switched at Birth shares The O.C.'s focus on family drama and teenage life, with a unique twist involving two girls switched at birth. Both shows explore themes of identity, love, and social class, with a mix of dramatic and heartfelt moments. The show's use of American Sign Language (ASL) also adds a unique layer to its storytelling.

Fact: The show was the first to feature multiple deaf actors and use ASL extensively. Katie Leclerc, who plays Daphne, has Ménière's disease, which affects her hearing. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of deaf culture.

Description: The Fosters, like The O.C., is a family drama that explores the lives of teenagers and their relationships with their parents. Both shows tackle serious issues like identity, love, and family dynamics, with a mix of emotional and lighthearted moments. The focus on a non-traditional family structure is also a unique similarity.

Fact: The show was created by Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg. It was praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues. The show's spin-off, Good Trouble, follows Callie and Mariana as young adults.

Description: Riverdale, like The O.C., is a teen drama with a mix of mystery, romance, and high school drama. Both shows feature a small-town setting with dark secrets and a focus on the lives of teenagers. The stylish visuals and dramatic storytelling are also similar.

Fact: The show is based on the Archie Comics characters. Cole Sprouse (Jughead Jones) took a break from acting to attend college before returning for Riverdale. The show's dark tone was a departure from the lighthearted nature of the original comics.