The O.C., which went off the air 10 years ago this week, was much more than just a Fox primetime soap.
Yes, the slickly-produced and amusingly self-aware series trailed the exploits of a group of privileged Southern California teens, often to dramatic and hyperbolic effect.
Remember when Marissa freaked out and threw a lawn chair in the pool, when she made out with Olivia Wilde or when she shot Trey to that cringe-inducing Imogen Heap soundtrack?
But the hit series, which lasted from 2003 to 2007, captured something special in the zeitgeist, reflecting the popularity and wealth-fueled fantasies of young people across the country.
Soon, every girl in every high school across the country was side-parting their hair like Marissa and bitching about their stepdads or adopting Summer-worthy upspeak.
Ew, Chino!
Above, revisit scorching Maxim photo shoots of the girls who defined a generation: Mischa Barton (Marissa) and Rachel Bilson (Summer).
You’re welcome.