A review by rachels_booknook
Welcome to the O. C.: The Oral History by Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz, Alan Sepinwall

4.0

As a fan of the O.C., this book was a lot of fun to read. I always wondered why the show never progressed past four seasons and this book really explains that. The interviews were insightful as to what was going on behind the scenes. There was a lot I didn’t realize while watching it but makes so much sense when I read about it – like so much really did happen in the first season that it must have been challenging to keep that pace. I definitely thought some story lines throughout the years were odd and this helps explain those choices. 

I think my biggest disappointment was reading about how checked out Adam Brody was from the show in the later years. It was only a four-year run but they make it sound like he was tired of playing the same character after 10-15 years. Seth was my favourite so that was hard to read. 

If you’re a fan, we all know how season three shockingly ended. The book dedicates an entire chapter to that decision, and then goes on to say they could really do whatever they wanted in season 4 because after that, they knew it wouldn’t be picked up for a season five. The authors write, “the fourth and final season of The O.C. was easily it’s lowest-rated. It is also, if you are a fan of the show’s more comedic side, maybe the best after season one.” And, while it’s a controversion opinion, it was my favourite season of the show (besides season one like they said). It was a bit on the lighter side and I loved the Taylor story lines. 

After reading this, it’s probably time for a rewatch but I’m not sure I can handle all the drama again.