Media > Articles > General Fox 'fall' premiere leads off August's TV highlights KnoxNews By TERRY MORROW July 31, 2003 On Tuesday, Fox is rolling out the first of its new fall shows. But, if you're being practical, you could see the debut of Fox's new teen soap opera "The O.C." (premiering 8 p.m. ET) as coming at the end of a long summer of television. The drama certainly has its summertime elements: attractive kids, beaches, loud music and lots of growing up angst. And for those "Dawson's Creek" fans who are still mourning the demise of that series, "The O.C." could be your thing. "The O.C." refers to Orange County - an upper middle-class area of Southern California known for its money and conservative politics. The show focuses on troubled teen Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie), who ends up living with idealistic attorney Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) and his family. While the invitation may seem like a kind gesture, Ryan discovers his arrival threatens the uptight family and friends in Sandy's world. His wife (Kelly Rowan) isn't happy about their new houseguest while their son, Seth (Adam Brody), sees a new friend. Meanwhile, Ryan intrigues the girl-next-door (Mischa Barton), whose family is falling apart. The premise is "sort of that outsider-looking-in idea that just felt like a great platform for a show," says McG, the executive producer. He says he based the show on his own loner experience growing up. "I'm the kind of guy (who) graduated high school ... (with) an orange afro, neck gear, dolphins and shoe skates so I wasn't one of the beautiful people," he says. Ryan may not have the money or influence that Sandy and his world provide, but he has the best seat in the house to see how the other half live. 2003 Virtual Rain. This is an unofficial fansite with no relation to FOX, Warner Brothers, or any of their associates. This is just a fansite opened for the purpose of exposing the show "The O.C" to new fans across the internet. Original copyright of all photos remain to FOX/WB and are used purely for the purpose of enjoying the show and furthering its fanbase.