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Trailer

The OA

2016 – 2019Show2 seasons16 episodesTV-MA

MysterySci-Fi & Fantasy
76
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.8Metacritic638.4Rotten Tomatoes84%83%

An awe-inspiring, gripping mystery series about mystery and the mind, with standout performances and score.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Skip it if you want fast pacing · you want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

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Not for laughs.

Shows with

Episodes

2 seasons · 16 episodes · best: S2E8 "Overview" 9.0

Episodes

8.1
8.6

Story

This is a dream but you're wide awake.

Seven years after vanishing from her home, a young woman returns with mysterious new abilities and recruits five strangers for a secret mission.

Feels like

  • Metaphysical Mystery
  • Near-Death Experience Drama
  • Non-Linear Narrative Puzzle
  • Spiritual & Philosophical Sci-Fi
  • Atmospheric & Haunting
  • Emotional Character Study
  • Surreal Dream Logic
  • Intricate Plot Architecture
  • Sting Soundtrack Showcase
  • Existential Thriller

Cast

24 of 88 · most episodes first

Crew

Directors
Zal Batmanglij, Andrew Haigh, Anna Rose Holmer
Written by
Dominic Orlando, Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij
Produced by
Jill Footlick, Aida Rodgers, Ashley Zalta
Music by
Saunder Jurriaans, Danny Bensi, Rostam Batmanglij

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

December 16, 2016 · March 22, 2019 · Ended

First aired
December 16, 2016
Last aired
March 22, 2019
Status
Ended
Length
2 seasons · 16 episodes
Age rating
TV-MA
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language
Genres
Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery, Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
129 countries

Tropes

Mad Scientist, Extreme Doormat, Straight Gay +9

  • Mad Scientist
  • Extreme Doormat
  • Straight Gay
  • Lima Syndrome
  • Spiritual Successor
  • Why Don't You Just Shoot Him?
  • Twice-Told Tale
  • My Beloved Smother
  • Dimensional Traveler
  • Impersonation Gambit
  • Ascended Extra
  • Flatline Plotline

12 of 62 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The OA?"

Questions about The OA

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The OA?

Netflix

In the United States, The OA streams on Netflix. It also streams in 128 other countries.

Is The OA worth watching?

76
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 63).

Can I half-watch The OA?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for ambiguity and 8 for complexity.

Is The OA good for date night?

and 2 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing Safe

Yes: romance is 7 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

What tropes does The OA use?

Mad ScientistExtreme DoormatStraight GayLima SyndromeSpiritual SuccessorWhy Don't You Just Shoot Him?Twice-Told TaleMy Beloved SmotherDimensional TravelerImpersonation GambitAscended ExtraFlatline Plotlineand 50 more

TV Tropes lists 62 tropes for it, including Mad Scientist, Extreme Doormat, and Straight Gay.