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Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History

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“A fascinating peek behind the making of a megahit, and a delightful bit of nostalgia for those of us who remember life before streaming TV.”—Town & Country

Welcome to the O.C., b*tch: it’s the definitive oral history of beloved TV show The O.C., from the show’s creators, featuring interviews with the cast and crew, providing a behind-the-scenes look into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today.

On August 5th, 2003, Ryan Atwood found himself a long way from his home in Chino—he was in The O.C., an exclusive suburb full of beautiful girls, wealthy bullies, corrupt real-estate tycoons, and a new family helmed by his public defender, Sandy Cohen. Ryan soon warms up to his nerdy, indie band-loving new best friend Seth, and quickly falls for Marissa, the stunning girl next door who has secrets of her own. Completing the group is Summer, Seth’s dream girl and Marissa’s loyal—and fearless—best friend. Together, the friends fall in and out of love, support each other amidst family strife, and capture the hearts of audiences across the country.

Just in time for the show’s twentieth anniversary, The O.C.’s creator Josh Schwartz and executive producer Stephanie Savage are ready to dive into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today. With Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic and bestselling author Alan Sepinwall conducting interviews with the key cast members, writers, and producers who were there when it all happened, Welcome to the O.C. will offer the definitive inside look at the beloved show—a nostalgic delight for audiences who watched when it aired, and a rich companion to viewers currently discovering the show while it streams on HBO Max and Hulu.

The O.C. paved the way for a new generation of iconic teen soaps, launched the careers of young stars, and even gave us the gift of Chrismukkah. Now, it’s time to go back where we started from and experience it all over again.

Includes exclusive interviews with: Ben McKenzie * Mischa Barton * Adam Brody * Rachel Bilson * Peter Gallagher * Kelly Rowan * Melinda Clarke * Tate Donovan * Chris Carmack * Autumn Reeser * Willa Holland * Samaire Armstrong * Alan Dale * Colin Hanks * Amanda Righetti * Navi Rawat * Shannon Lucio * Michael Cassidy * McG * Imogen Heap * Alex Greenwald * Ben Gibbard * Paul Scheer * Doug Liman * and many more!

Description

“A fascinating peek behind the making of a megahit, and a delightful bit of nostalgia for those of us who remember life before streaming TV.”—Town & Country

Welcome to the O.C., b*tch: it’s the definitive oral history of beloved TV show The O.C., from the show’s creators, featuring interviews with the cast and crew, providing a behind-the-scenes look into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today.

On August 5th, 2003, Ryan Atwood found himself a long way from his home in Chino—he was in The O.C., an exclusive suburb full of beautiful girls, wealthy bullies, corrupt real-estate tycoons, and a new family helmed by his public defender, Sandy Cohen. Ryan soon warms up to his nerdy, indie band-loving new best friend Seth, and quickly falls for Marissa, the stunning girl next door who has secrets of her own. Completing the group is Summer, Seth’s dream girl and Marissa’s loyal—and fearless—best friend. Together, the friends fall in and out of love, support each other amidst family strife, and capture the hearts of audiences across the country.

Just in time for the show’s twentieth anniversary, The O.C.’s creator Josh Schwartz and executive producer Stephanie Savage are ready to dive into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today. With Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic and bestselling author Alan Sepinwall conducting interviews with the key cast members, writers, and producers who were there when it all happened, Welcome to the O.C. will offer the definitive inside look at the beloved show—a nostalgic delight for audiences who watched when it aired, and a rich companion to viewers currently discovering the show while it streams on HBO Max and Hulu.

The O.C. paved the way for a new generation of iconic teen soaps, launched the careers of young stars, and even gave us the gift of Chrismukkah. Now, it’s time to go back where we started from and experience it all over again.

Includes exclusive interviews with: Ben McKenzie * Mischa Barton * Adam Brody * Rachel Bilson * Peter Gallagher * Kelly Rowan * Melinda Clarke * Tate Donovan * Chris Carmack * Autumn Reeser * Willa Holland * Samaire Armstrong * Alan Dale * Colin Hanks * Amanda Righetti * Navi Rawat * Shannon Lucio * Michael Cassidy * McG * Imogen Heap * Alex Greenwald * Ben Gibbard * Paul Scheer * Doug Liman * and many more!

Product details

  • Listening Length: 11 hours and 18 minutes
  • Author: Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Alan Sepinwall
  • Narrator: Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Alan Sepinwall, Josh Bloomberg, Robert Fass, Andrew Eiden, Fred Sanders, Ewan Chung, Kaleo Griffith, Michael David Axtell, Alyssa Bresnahan, Karissa Vacker, Therese Plummer, Amy Landon, full cast
  • Whispersync for Voice Ready
  • Audible.com Release Date: November 28, 2023

About this item

Product details

Listening Length 11 hours and 18 minutes
Author Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Alan Sepinwall
Narrator Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Alan Sepinwall, Josh Bloomberg, Robert Fass, Andrew Eiden, Fred Sanders, Ewan Chung, Kaleo Griffith, Michael David Axtell, Alyssa Bresnahan, Karissa Vacker, Therese Plummer, Amy Landon, full cast
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Audible.com Release Date November 28, 2023
Publisher HarperAudio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0BXQYF5SR

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Customers say

Customers find the book an interesting read with unvarnished thoughts from key players. They also appreciate the conciseness and the unvarying opinions of the key players in the film and TV industry.

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7Customers mention
7Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book an interesting and fascinating read, with key figures speaking on what made The OC.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"I love that i have some reading to do. This book will def keep me busy. It has a lot of communication with the actors and actresses...." Read more

"...This is a fascinating interview tell all, with key figures speaking on what made The OC the machine it was during its time...." Read more

"...I loved all the stories and felt like everyone gave good honest insight into the show’s making and day to day operations" Read more

"Great oral story of the amazing show the OC" Read more

4Customers mention
4Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book concise, honest, and forward. They also say it's one of the best oral histories they've read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...beginning and a writer and film/tv enthusiast, it was great to read unvarnished thoughts from all the key players on the show for every aspect of it..." Read more

"...in the Bilson - Clark podcast over about 90 episodes, but it’s much more concise and great to have all in one volume as opposed to watching close to..." Read more

"...I don't think it's as dramatic as some may hope for. They seem honest and forward, but they're not really dirt-spilling, they stop short of that,..." Read more

"An absolute delight, one of the best oral histories I've ever read..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
I am a HUGE O.C fan. Always will be
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024
I love that i have some reading to do. This book will def keep me busy. It has a lot of communication with the actors and actresses. Getting to know them better is exciting. I love reading auto biographies.
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4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024
Good read, pretty much what you'd expect. I don't really expect there to be (m)any readers who weren't fans of the show. So you learn a lot of interesting things about the behind the scenes we didn't know. I don't think it's as dramatic as some may hope for. They seem... See more
Good read, pretty much what you'd expect. I don't really expect there to be (m)any readers who weren't fans of the show. So you learn a lot of interesting things about the behind the scenes we didn't know. I don't think it's as dramatic as some may hope for. They seem honest and forward, but they're not really dirt-spilling, they stop short of that, understandably. And maybe less dirt to spill than one might imagine? If you watched the, the read feels reflective of that. Reading about the earlier seasons is more fun and therefore gets a higher page count than the latter seasons.

That said, there were a few basic errors.

Page 177 says Season 2 would have 25 episodes. No. It had 24. Season 3 had 25.

Grammar, on page 285: "he chases after Ryan to insists that he's not trying to steal his girlfriend."

Insists?

Page 333 says the show would end with 96 episodes. It had 92.

Minor mistakes, sure, but ones that should've been caught and make it appear homework wasn't fully finished.

Anyway if the publishing company is looking for new editors, hit me up ;)
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
CALIFORNIA, HERE WE COME…. Again!
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2023
It’s been 20 years since The Pilot episode, and my first time watching a show I fell in love with from the very first opening scene. This is a fascinating interview tell all, with key figures speaking on what made The OC the machine it was during its time.... See more
It’s been 20 years since The Pilot episode, and my first time watching a show I fell in love with from the very first opening scene.

This is a fascinating interview tell all, with key figures speaking on what made The OC the machine it was during its time. Hearing the content from the bts team, and actors - is truly wild, and interesting to hear what really went on. I also can close the chapter in my brain always wondering the true reason why they wrote Marissa off the show.

This was a pleasant surprise to find out this book was even created. This show was an integral part of me growing up in middle school and high school.

It’s now inspired me in rewatching the show, and playing the old Mix albums (hope they make their way to vinyl one day!)

The ONLY “critique” I had is that they may have expanded more, and spent more time detailing out each season. I feel like they get sort of rushed, or just lightly glossed over. The book could have been 600+ pages and I would have read every single word, it was that captivating!

Overall, could not recommend this book more to those who were avid or casual watchers of this show.
5 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
An excellent behind the scenes resource for fans of the show
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
I blew through this book in a couple of days. As an avid fan of the show since the beginning and a writer and film/tv enthusiast, it was great to read unvarnished thoughts from all the key players on the show for every aspect of it, from the highs of season 1 to the lows of... See more
I blew through this book in a couple of days. As an avid fan of the show since the beginning and a writer and film/tv enthusiast, it was great to read unvarnished thoughts from all the key players on the show for every aspect of it, from the highs of season 1 to the lows of season 3, from developing the pilot to balancing the needs of the show with the needs of the network, to the music that played such a prominent part of the show's life. Sepinwall does a wonderful job taking us on this ride, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great resource for avid “The OC” fans
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023
Written on a very personal level, heavily relying on quoting actual interviews with most everyone connected with the show, edited and organized to seamlessly flow and tell the story behind the creation, filming, and legacy of “The OC.” Similar to Janine... See more
Written on a very personal level, heavily relying on quoting actual interviews with most everyone connected with the show, edited and organized to seamlessly flow and tell the story behind the creation, filming, and legacy of “The OC.”

Similar to Janine Bassinger’s Oral History of Hollywood, but focused on a smaller scale solely on The OC. Reads very much like an alternate soundtrack DVD commentary.

Much of this information was covered in the Bilson - Clark podcast over about 90 episodes, but it’s much more concise and great to have all in one volume as opposed to watching close to 100 hours of podcasts of “Welcome to the
OC B”
2 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
An absolute delight, one of the best oral histories I've ever read
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
I tore into this book with glee, flipping through and seeing great stories everywhere I turned. Alan Sepinwall brought the best critic-meets-fan perspective, offering a clear-eyed view of the show while celebrating what works and getting to the bottom of what... See more
I tore into this book with glee, flipping through and seeing great stories everywhere I turned.

Alan Sepinwall brought the best critic-meets-fan perspective, offering a clear-eyed view of the show while celebrating what works and getting to the bottom of what didn't.

Love seeing the creators being so open to sharing the inside stories, along with actors who largely have the distance from the material to provide perspective.

I wrote an oral history book myself, and this book made me deeply jealous for a wide variety of reasons. An absolute must-buy for any O.C. fan.
4 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A jump back in time
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
Well done on this book! I loved all the stories and felt like everyone gave good honest insight into the show’s making and day to day operations
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Took Me *Right back where we started from...*
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
A deliciously delightful VIP-credentialed look at one of my most favorite fictional universes!
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Sabrina e Roberto
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
10+
Reviewed in Italy on January 27, 2024
meraviglioso
meraviglioso
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Maximilian W.
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Super Buch für Fans der Serie!!!
Reviewed in Germany on December 26, 2023
Das Buch ist wirklich klasse! Es ist sehr locker geschrieben und auch für Leute wie mich, die sonst eigentlich nur selten mal ein Buch lesen, perfekt gemacht! Wenn einem die Serie sehr gut gefällt, dann macht man meiner Meinung nach mit dem Buch hier absolut nichts falsch!See more
Das Buch ist wirklich klasse! Es ist sehr locker geschrieben und auch für Leute wie mich, die sonst eigentlich nur selten mal ein Buch lesen, perfekt gemacht! Wenn einem die Serie sehr gut gefällt, dann macht man meiner Meinung nach mit dem Buch hier absolut nichts falsch!
Das Buch ist wirklich klasse! Es ist sehr locker geschrieben und auch für Leute wie mich, die sonst eigentlich nur selten mal ein Buch lesen, perfekt gemacht!
Wenn einem die Serie sehr gut gefällt, dann macht man meiner Meinung nach mit dem Buch hier absolut nichts falsch!
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Corinne
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2023
I bought this book bc I loved the o.c and this book just re-affirmed my love for it. The writing and structure of the book was great and very easy to follow and highlighted the main parts of the O.C. I loved hearing everyone’s opinion on the events and I hope Alan Sepinwall...See more
I bought this book bc I loved the o.c and this book just re-affirmed my love for it. The writing and structure of the book was great and very easy to follow and highlighted the main parts of the O.C. I loved hearing everyone’s opinion on the events and I hope Alan Sepinwall does another book like this 😍
I bought this book bc I loved the o.c and this book just re-affirmed my love for it. The writing and structure of the book was great and very easy to follow and highlighted the main parts of the O.C. I loved hearing everyone’s opinion on the events and I hope Alan Sepinwall does another book like this 😍
One person found this helpful
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