The first graph of Tom Shales' (RIP!) review of "The O.C." from 2003:
Encumbered by a script that is nearly breathtaking in its imbecilic banality, "The O.C." makes one long for the cold comforts of a sleazy-minded "reality" show. Fox is trying to pass off this moody, moon-faced trifle, a drama about rich young brats in Orange County, Calif., as the first series of the new fall season (in August?). But if there's any justice left in television, "O.C." will be canceled by the time the actual fall shows premiere.
