The OC, a teen drama series created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, aired on Fox from 2003 to 2007. An immediate smash hit, the show starred Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Ben McKenzie, and Mischa Barton.
Set in the affluent Orange County, California, the series follows the lives of teenagers and their families as they navigate personal and social challenges.
The OC had a substantial impact on pop culture. It introduced a new generation to indie music, with bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Rooney, and Phantom Planet gaining mainstream attention due to their features on the show. The series also popularized the concept of the “Chrismukkah” holiday, a blend of Christmas and Hanukkah, reflecting Seth Cohen’s mixed religious background.
Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for 21Seeds
The show’s fashion also left a mark, with characters sporting the preppy, Californian chic style that influenced teen wardrobes across the country. Brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister saw a boost in popularity, mirroring the fashion choices of the show’s characters. Although some of us gravitated more towards Julie Cooper Nichol’s (Melinda Clark’s) style… Juicy Couture tracksuits! All day! Errrday!
The OC became notorious for tackling various social issues, including class disparity, substance abuse, and mental health, bringing these topics to the forefront of teen dramas. It was also one of the first shows to use the internet effectively to build a fanbase, with dedicated fan sites and online forums contributing to its cult status.
The show provided epic entertainment and influenced music, fashion, and the way teen dramas addressed social issues, leaving a lasting legacy on early 2000s pop culture. That is why when 21Seeds invited The Knockturnal to their 21st birthday bash for The OC, we threw our bedazzled T-Mobile sidekick into our Louis Vuitton mini pochette and cruised our way over to Hollywood’s best house party.
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for 21Seeds
The OC x 21Seeds “Serving Summer” house party hosted by Rachel Bilson with a surprise performance of “California” by Phantom Planet was this week’s most exciting event! Rachel thanked the crowd for coming and was especially thankful to Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage for their creation of her character, Summer Roberts. The party was spectacular. You actually felt like you were in an episode of The OC. Standing around a pool mimicking Seth and Ryan’s iconic backyard, the audience listened to Phantom Planet rock out while drinking Summer Roberts-approved cocktails and playing backyard games.
Our favorite cocktail was The OC –
The O.C. –
* 1 1/2 oz 21Seeds Valencia Orange Infused Tequila
* 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
* 1/2 oz simple syrup
* Shake all ingredients with 1 1/2 cup of ice for 30 seconds. Pour into glass. Garnish with lime and/or orange slice
Welcome to The OC, B! Drink Responsibly.
Kinsey Schofield is a contributor to The Knockturnal and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
