The O.C. backdrop
Drama
The O.C. poster

The Worst Episodes of The O.C.

Every episode of The O.C. ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The O.C.!

The Worst Episodes of The O.C.

Ryan Atwood, a teen from the wrong side of the tracks, moves in with a wealthy family willing to give him a chance. But Ryan's...
Binge this in 2d 16h•Peaking at 9.1/10
FOX
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons4

All1234

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    The O.C. Season 4 Episode 11 - The Dream Lover
    6.8/10(509 votes)

    #1 - The Dream Lover

    S4:E11

    Ryan overcomes his indecision and competes with Henri-Michel for Taylor's affections. Che leads Seth on a trek of spiritual renewal. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Julie have to do some damage control.

    Director:Patrick R. Norris
    Writer:Leila Gerstein

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The O.C. Season 4 Episode 10 - The French Connection
    6.9/10(513 votes)

    #2 - The French Connection

    S4:E10

    Taylor's ex-husband comes to Newport and causes a rift in her relationship with Ryan. Seth goes to Seattle to obtain Dr. Roberts blessing, while Summer "travels to the past" for 48 hours. Kaitlin finds love, while Julie finds problems with Kirsten.

    Director:John Stephens
    Writer:J. J. Philbin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 15 - The Heavy Lifting
    7.1/10(514 votes)

    #3 - The Heavy Lifting

    S3:E15

    Kaitlin prepares herself to head back to school. Ryan has doubts about his relationship with Marissa after helping out Sadie. Kirsten and Julie make plans for a Valentine's Day party.

    Director:Ian Toynton
    Writer:Stephanie Savage

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 16 - The Road Warrior
    7.1/10(505 votes)

    #4 - The Road Warrior

    S3:E16

    When Ryan and Sadie go on a road trip to search for one of Johnny's relatives they end up in Ryan's old neighborhood in Chino, which brings the two closer together. While the two are away Marissa is implicated in Johnny's death and Seth and Summer learn the truth about Julie and Dr. Roberts new secret.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writer:Mike Kelley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 18 - The Undertow
    7.2/10(513 votes)

    #5 - The Undertow

    S3:E18

    When an old friend returns to Newport, Ryan decides to help her, which causes problems for him and Sadie. When Summer and Seth run into another rough patch Taylor tries to help them out. Sandy has to deal with more problems with the Newport Group and Marissa must deal with being alone.

    Director:Robert Duncan McNeill
    Writers:J. J. Philbin, Mark Fish

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 19 - The Secrets and Lies
    7.2/10(498 votes)

    #6 - The Secrets and Lies

    S3:E19

    Julie and Dr. Roberts announce their engagement and the Cooper ladies move in with Summer and her dad. Meanwhile, Marissa drifts away from the group and Summer when she seeks solace in the bad company of Volchok and his crew. Ryan tries to move on with Sadie, but Seth's concerns for Marissa get in the way. At the Newport Group, Sandy's woes with Matt continue and Kirsten surprises Seth with a night out.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writers:Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of The O.C.

    READ
  7. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 6 - The Swells
    7.3/10(507 votes)

    #7 - The Swells

    S3:E6

    Marissa discovers something in Johnny that Ryan lacks and Charlotte convinces Julie and Kirsten to throw a charity event. After discovering fake IDs in Charlotte's purse, Julie confronts her.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writer:J. J. Philbin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 13 - The Pot Stirrer
    7.3/10(473 votes)

    #8 - The Pot Stirrer

    S3:E13

    Kaitlin starts going out with Johnny with the sole motive of making Marissa jealous. Seth starts getting nostalgic as he prepares for his Brown interview.

    Director:Norman Buckley
    Writer:John Stephens

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The O.C. Season 4 Episode 9 - The My Two Dads
    7.3/10(501 votes)

    #9 - The My Two Dads

    S4:E9

    Kaitlin is assigned a tutor after she presented a ruffled report to her class. Julie comes clean to Kirsten about who Frank really is. Summer and Seth continue their recent commitment despite how they really feel about it. When Ryan's dad comes to the Cohen's for dinner things don't go as planned.

    Director:Michael Schultz
    Writers:Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The O.C. Season 4 Episode 12 - The Groundhog Day
    7.3/10(514 votes)

    #10 - The Groundhog Day

    S4:E12

    Sandy, Ryan and Seth prepare for Kirsten's upcoming 40th birthday party, however Kirsten learns some news that will change her life forever. Kaitlin tries to stop her mother having a secret love affair. Taylor visits a therapist and Ryan pretends that he doesnt miss her. Elsewhere Che finally learns that Seth isn't his soulmate.

    Director:Ian Toynton
    Writer:Mark Fish

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The O.C. Season 1 Episode 16 - The Links
    7.4/10(685 votes)

    #11 - The Links

    S1:E16

    Oliver plans a trip for the gang, but things don't go as well as everyone might have hoped- except for Oliver of course. Summer really plants herself into "friendship" within Anna and Seth's relationship. Jimmy and Sandy decide to go into business together. Caleb and Julie return from Europe, and Hailey and Kirsten butt heads. Ryan finds himself in the cold.

    Director:Michael Lange
    Writers:Erica Messer, Debra J. Fisher

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The O.C. Season 1 Episode 22 - The L.A.
    7.4/10(777 votes)

    #12 - The L.A.

    S1:E22

    When Summer and Marissa run into Grady Bridges, the star of Summer's favourite prime-time soap 'The Valley', he invites them to an LA party, and they accept. On the road trip to LA, Seth, Summer, Marissa, and Ryan run into Hailey, now working at a strip club. Jimmy and Sandy present their restaurant to Newport's finest and approach Caleb for some financial help.

    Director:David Barrett
    Writer:Josh Schwartz

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The O.C. Season 2 Episode 13 - The Father Knows Best
    7.4/10(551 votes)

    #13 - The Father Knows Best

    S2:E13

    As Sandy continues working on Rebecca's case, Kirsten questions how strong their feelings are for one another. Seth continues his downward spiral in the aftermath of Zach and Summer's Valentine's night together, while Marissa confronts her fear about her relationship with Alex. Caleb offers Lindsay a place in his family, but not without a paternity test.

    Director:Michael Lange
    Writer:John Stephens

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 2 - The Shape of Things to Come
    7.4/10(548 votes)

    #14 - The Shape of Things to Come

    S3:E2

    Social Chair Marissa tries to plan this year’s carnival but is having much difficulty due to a little pest named Taylor. Sandy is surprised to find Kirsten has been released from rehab but instead of informing him, she has been living with another woman named Charlotte who she met in rehab. Julie and Sandy meet with the Dean and Dr. Kim to discuss Ryan and Marissa’s future at Harbor High. Later Ryan and Marissa partake in a similar meeting. Elsewhere Jimmy meets a man and feels more than open to discuss his money problems with him.

    Directors:Doug Liman, Tony Wharmby
    Writers:Allan Heinberg, Josh Schwartz, J. J. Philbin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 9 - The Disconnect
    7.4/10(480 votes)

    #15 - The Disconnect

    S3:E9

    Marissa visits Johnny at his house after his accident to see how he is doing. Julie and Kirsten get a contract for their new catering business while Sandy, Ryan and Matt meet with investors.

    Director:Tony Wharmby
    Writer:Stephanie Savage

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The O.C. Season 1 Episode 17 - The Rivals
    7.5/10(697 votes)

    #16 - The Rivals

    S1:E17

    Sandy and Jimmy have plans to sign papers for the Lighthouse... but is Jimmy ready? Oliver makes his plans official to Ryan, but Ryan just cannot catch a break from anyone and finds himself in an all too familiar position. Summer has a "big" new boyfriend... for a little while. And Julie gets a job.

    Director:Ian Toynton
    Writer:Josh Schwartz

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The O.C. Season 1 Episode 25 - The Shower
    7.5/10(629 votes)

    #17 - The Shower

    S1:E25

    Marissa plots to ruin her mother's happiness by inviting someone from her mother's past to the wedding shower, while Sandy attempts to hide Theresa's return to the O.C. from Ryan. When Ryan discovers Sandy's lies and Theresa's reasons for coming back, he puts himself in a dangerous situation. In the meantime, Seth's unimpressive first meeting with Summer's father leaves their relationship in doubt.

    Director:Sandy Smolan
    Writer:J. J. Philbin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The O.C. Season 2 Episode 11 - The Second Chance
    7.5/10(558 votes)

    #18 - The Second Chance

    S2:E11

    After hearing about Lindsay and Ryan's failed attempt at dinner with Caleb the night before, Kirsten arranges a dinner that she can supervise. But her presence makes no difference when Ryan and Caleb butt heads and disaster strikes. Sandy keeps Rebecca's presence in Newport a secret from Kirsten after deciding to take her case to court. Marissa and Alex's relationship intensifies, while Seth and Summer spend a lot of time together at Zach's insistence.

    Director:Tony Wharmby
    Writers:Josh Schwartz, Drew Z. Greenberg

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. The O.C. Season 2 Episode 12 - The Lonely Hearts Club
    7.5/10(582 votes)

    #19 - The Lonely Hearts Club

    S2:E12

    It's Valentines Day 2005 in O.C. when Sandy and Kirsten's conflict about Rebecca continues. Ryan tries to make peace with Caleb to spend Valentines Day with Lindsay. While Seth, Zach, and Summer head to San Diego in hope to make their Comic Book idea succeed Seth has a breakdown and ends up in a lonely state. Marissa and Alex take a step forward in their relationship while Julie returns from her trip in hope to reconnect with Marissa.

    Director:Ian Toynton
    Writer:J. J. Philbin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. The O.C. Season 2 Episode 16 - The Blaze of Glory
    7.5/10(550 votes)

    #20 - The Blaze of Glory

    S2:E16

    Spring has flung in Newport where Marissa recruits Ryan to help her with Harbor School's Pep Rally Bonfire. Alex accepts that her and Marissa are from two different lives and knows she is fighting a lost cause. Seth is stuck and misses last year's good times while Summer disagrees and tells him it's time to move on. Meanwhile, Julie still doesn't know what she is gonna do about her blackmailer and seeks some advice from Sandy. Kirsten wants Carter to stick with the magazine despite his reservations.

    Director:Robert Duncan McNeill
    Writer:Mike Kelley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. The O.C. Season 2 Episode 20 - The O.C. Confidential
    7.5/10(546 votes)

    #21 - The O.C. Confidential

    S2:E20

    Sandy and the boys devise a plan to save Trey from going to jail after he took the fall for supplying drugs at his birthday party. Kirsten and Carter, fulfilling more than their editorial duties, take a trip to Featherbrook's winery. Meanwhile, Caleb returns home and questions his marriage with Julie.

    Director:Tony Wharmby
    Writer:Mike Kelley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 5 - The Perfect Storm
    7.5/10(496 votes)

    #22 - The Perfect Storm

    S3:E5

    Ryan decides to make a life-changing decision that Sandy reluctantly supports; Marissa looks to her new friends to help with her latest crisis with Ryan; Summer and Seth go on a mission to reveal a secret between Taylor and Dean Hess; Charlotte makes Julie an offer that she can't refuse.

    Director:Tony Wharmby
    Writer:Mike Kelley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 12 - The Sister Act
    7.5/10(493 votes)

    #23 - The Sister Act

    S3:E12

    It's winter break and Kaitlin Cooper has returned home from her Montecito boarding school.

    Director:Ian Toynton
    Writer:Leila Gerstein

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 17 - The Journey
    7.5/10(504 votes)

    #24 - The Journey

    S3:E17

    Ryan thinks about not inviting Marissa to his 18th birthday after their falling out but Sandy tries to get him to invite a relative. After months of avoiding telling Summer and Marissa the truth Neil and Julie tell Summer and Marissa the truth.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writer:John Stephens

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. The O.C. Season 3 Episode 20 - The Day After Tomorrow
    7.5/10(501 votes)

    #25 - The Day After Tomorrow

    S3:E20

    When college acceptance and rejection letters are received the kids must consider what path they are going to follow. Ryan and Sadie are trying to decide what they will do after high school. Taylor holds a college party and Summer and Marissa fix their friendship problems.

    Director:Norman Buckley
    Writer:Leila Gerstein

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"The Dream Lover" is the worst rated episode of "The O.C.". It scored 6.8/10 based on 509 votes. Directed by Patrick R. Norris and written by Leila Gerstein, it aired on 1/18/2007. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "The French Connection".