When Ryan Atwood, a tough, guarded, fiercely intelligent 16-year-old plunges headlong into the wealthy community of Newport Beach, he soon discovers that the ruling families of Orange County are every bit as territorial as the tough crowd with which he ran on the streets of Chino. For Sandy Cohen, the idealistic public defender who takes Ryan in; his wife Kirsten, the linchpin of O.C. society; their awkward adolescent son, Seth; and the beautiful troubled girl next door, Marissa - Ryan's presence will forever change their lives.

Title from container. Originally broadcast on television during the 2003-2004 season. Based on the characters created by Josh Schwartz. Contains all 27 episodes from the first season. Special features: additional scenes: introductions by creator Josh Schwartz; audio commentary: on pilot episode by creator Josh Schwartz and producer Stephanie Savage; DVD-ROM features; Easter eggs on three episodes; "Casting the O.C." featurette; "The music of the O.C." featurette; "The real O.C. featuring behind-the-secenes footage and cast & crew interviews" featurette; the music of the O.C. - screen music guide for six episodes.