‘The O.C.’: 4 of the Show’s Most Iconic Moments and the Songs That Made Them
One of the most popular TV shows of the early 2000s, The O.C. became known not only for its dramatic scenes but for its soundtrack.Β
βThe O.C.β opening credits featuring Phantom Planetβs βCaliforniaβ

Not a scene in the teen drama but still an iconic part of the show just the same, the opening credits of The O.C. feature Phantom Planetβs βCalifornia.β
Years since The O.C. went off the air, the song is still synonymous with the series. According to The Washington Post, Stephanie Savage, an executive producer of The O.C., still hears people hum βCaliforniaβ when boards a flight.Β
In a 2018 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Josh Schwartz, the creator of The O.C., opened up about βCaliforniaβ and its journey to becoming the showβs theme song.
Schwartz said he came across the song while putting together a trailer for executives.Β
βWe were worried that that song had been overplayed but we thought it would be effective for the trailer,β Schwartz said. βWhat we came to realize was a lot of people hadnβt heard the song when it first came out. So it became the obvious choice for the main title song.β
Ryan Atwood leaves Orange County while βHoney and the Moonβ playsΒ
One of the first big music moments in The O.C. comes at the end of the pilot, which aired on August 5, 2003. Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) gives Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) a ride back to Chino, California.
As theyβre pulling out of the driveway, Ryan sees Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) standing outside while Joseph Arthurβs βHoney and the Moonβ plays.Β Schwartz said the scene shot at sunset always included Arthurβs song.Β
βIt was always how we wanted the end of the show to feel before even knowing what exactly the end of the show was going to be,β he told Entertainment Weekly.Β
Marissa Cooper and Ryan Atwood share an epic New Yearβs kiss to Finley Quayeβs βDiceβ
In The O.C. Season 1 Episode 14: βThe Countdown,β Marissa and Ryan share an incredible kiss as New Yearβs Eve becomes New Yearβs Day.
After Marissa tells Ryan she loves him and he doesnβt know what to say, Ryan tries to profess his feelings for her before the clock strikes midnight.

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While he races the clock and climbs flights of stairs, Finley Quayeβs βDiceβ plays in the background. Ryan makes with barely a few seconds to spare and he and Marissa share a kiss made even more epic by βDiceβ and confetti.
Jeff Buckleyβs βHallelujahβ plays during Marissa Cooperβs death
When Barton left The O.C. at the end of the showβs third season, the writers killed off Marissa in a car crash. To this day it remains one of the most controversial TV deaths of the early 2000s.
Despite fans being upset with losing one of The O.C.βs βcore four,β Marissaβs death is one of the seriesβ most iconic moments. Ryan carries Marissa from the wreckage while Jeff Buckleyβs βHallelujahβ plays.
What makes the song choice even more special is Ryan and Marissaβs history with the song that started in The O.C. Season 1 Episode 2: βThe Model Home.βΒ
These are just some of the iconic moments and memorable songs The O.C. features.