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Season 1 – The OA

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The OA 2016 Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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76% Tomatometer 68 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In addition to her role as creator and executive producer of this mind-bending series, Brit Marling also plays the role of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who returns home after a 7-year disappearance. Her sudden return is not the only miraculous occurrence: everyone is shocked to learn that Prairie is no longer blind. While the FBI and her parents are anxious to discuss Prairie's disappearance, she won't talk about what happened during the time that she was missing. Zal Batmanglij, the co-creator and an executive producer of the series, is the director of every episode.
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The OA — Season 1

The OA — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The OA is more than OK.

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Critics Reviews

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Emily St. James Vox It feels like the sort of show that would be a background joke in an episode of BoJack Horseman and/or something Jack Donaghy would pitch on 30 Rock. Rated: 2/5 May 16, 2019 Full Review Hugo Rifkind Times (UK) I quite like it. The first series was like nothing else. Mar 29, 2019 Full Review Ed Power Daily Telegraph (UK) Bonkers with a vengeance, it duly sent many unsuspecting Netflix subscribers pogoing for cover. But those who reconciled themselves to the riptides of wackiness were pleasantly swept off their feet. Rated: 4/5 Mar 22, 2019 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com ‘..Brit Marling created one of TV’s most idiosyncratic shows in The OA, a weird and often wonderful sci-fi drama about an ordinary angel of sorts…this metaphysical sci-fi drama marks her successful transition from cult film-star to mainstream powerhouse…’ Rated: 5/5 Sep 13, 2024 Full Review Jennifer Bisset CNET Surreal at times. Yet instead of floating images gently knocking against each other, the sci-fi here is delivered with the grounded assuredness of a Christopher Nolan movie. It moves with the same relentless force. Apr 6, 2023 Full Review Li Lai Mediaversity Reviews The OA showcases minority voices that are largely ignored in American media. Rated: A- Aug 9, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jay P absolutely horrendous, what a giant waste of time. and to end the first season on a cliche situation with a dance number is beyond stupid. in fact it doesn't take a lack of knowledge but a distinct stupidity and unawareness of what entertainment should be. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/16/25 Full Review Kristine A It’s SO good! Such a different theme and I loved it. The acting was phenomenal. If you get it, you get it. It’s a deep thinking show, so the people leaving crappy reviews haven’t thought about other dimensions much. It definitely can feel confusing, but that’s the point. We aren’t fully meant to understand the entire universe. If you try to predict where the show is going, you won’t enjoy it as much. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the twists and turns of this philosophical TV show. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/25 Full Review Trina S I LOVED this show! I was impressed with the unusual story line. I was so disappointed that they canceled it, considering it had pretty good reviews. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/21/24 Full Review Anastasiia M Reminds me a lot of the series Lost. Very slow-paced, pretentious nonsense that leads nowhere. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 10/20/24 Full Review Heather D 8 years later and this is still my favorite series of all time. Nothing will ever compare. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/30/24 Full Review Samuel L I think of it as the kind of modern-day mythology that we're sorely lacking. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/26/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The OA — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Brit Marling

Creator

Zal Batmanglij

Creator

Brit Marling

Prairie Johnson

Emory Cohen

Homer

Scott Wilson

Abel Johnson

Phyllis Smith

Elizabeth '`Betty" Broderick-Allen

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 1: Homecoming A mysterious woman turns up at a hospital with strange scars on her back, unable to explain where she's been for the past seven years. Details Episode 2 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 2: New Colossus The OA looks back on the events of her life that followed a childhood accident, leading her to a significant encounter years later.. Details Episode 3 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 3: Champion A journalist makes the family an offer; Home and the others forge a bond while they devise their desperate scheme. Details Episode 4 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 4: Away The OA finds new perspective on the group's plight; Homer vows to uncover what Hap's experiments are really about. Details Episode 5 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 5: Paradise While Hap focuses on a new test subject in Cuba, Homer and the OA work to perfect their escape plan. Details Episode 6 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 6: Forking Paths A startling turn of events gives Hap's work a new urgency as the group continues its search for the final movement. Details Episode 7 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 7: Empire of Light Events take a toll on the OA, including an ominous new dream and an outing with Nancy and Abel; Steve's life is in turmoil again. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 16, 2016 Chapter 8: Invisible Self The others begin to see OA's story in a new light after she recounts a dramatic final night at Hap's; a dream begins to make sense. Details

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The OA — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Zal Batmanglij
Creator
Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij
Executive Producer
Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Sarah Esberg, Michael Sugar, Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date
Dec 16, 2016
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