The OA

Watch The OA

  • TV-MA
  • 2016
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.8  (114,851)

The OA was a Netflix original series that premiered in 2016 and concluded in 2019 after two seasons. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the show has gained a cult following for its mysterious and intricate storyline that explores themes of faith, spirituality, and identity.

The series follows the journey of Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling), a young woman who returns to her hometown in Michigan after being missing for several years. Prairie was blind when she disappeared, but miraculously gained her sight while in captivity. When she returns to her community, Prairie insists on being called "The OA," and refuses to talk about what happened to her during her absence.

The first season of The OA centers around Prairie's attempts to put together a team of individuals who can help her with a mission that she claims is meant to save the world. This group includes Steve Winchell (Patrick Gibson), a troubled high school student; French (Brandon Perea), a sensitive and intelligent teenager; Buck (Ian Alexander), a transgender teenager who is struggling with his identity; Jesse (Brendan Meyer), a drug addict with a troubled home life; and Betty Broderick-Allen (Phyllis Smith), a teacher who has lost her sense of purpose.

As Prairie shares her story with the group, The OA explores the boundaries between faith and science, reality and fantasy, and individualism and community. The show's complex narrative style incorporates elements of thriller, science fiction, and existential drama, and is known for its nonlinear structure that jumps between timelines and dimensions.

One of the key subplots in the first season revolves around the relationship between Prairie and Homer (Emory Cohen), a fellow captive who she meets while in captivity. Homer becomes a significant figure in Prairie's mission, and as the two grow closer, the show further explores the themes of love and sacrifice.

The second season of The OA picks up where the first left off, with the group embarking on a new mission that involves traveling to another dimension. This season introduces several new characters, including Karim (Kingsley Ben-Adir), a private investigator who becomes involved in Prairie's mission, and Pierre Ruskin (Vincent Kartheiser), a tech billionaire who has ties to the mysterious organization that holds the key to Prairie's mission.

In many ways, the second season serves as a continuation and expansion of the groundwork laid out in the first. The show's themes are further developed, and the stakes are raised as the group faces new challenges in their quest to save the world. The OA also pushes the boundaries of its stylistic and narrative structure, incorporating new medium such as video games and interpretive dance.

Throughout its two seasons, The OA is a show that rewards close attention and engagement from its viewers. Its storylines and characters are complex and multi-faceted, and its themes are often open to interpretation. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, The OA is a unique and compelling journey that offers a rare blend of storytelling, spirituality, and cinematic innovation.

The OA is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on December 16, 2016.

The OA
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Seasons
Chapter 8
8. Chapter 8
March 22, 2019
While BBA and the others converge on the clinic, Nina persuades Hap to show her his research, and Karim unlocks one of the house's final secrets.
Chapter 7
7. Chapter 7
March 22, 2019
Karim returns to the house with reinforcements, OA tries to access Nina's memories, and Hap offers to discharge Scott -- after one last experiment.
Chapter 6
6. Chapter 6
March 22, 2019
As BBA and the kids head west, an alarming news report forces them to speed up their plans. Jesse wrestles with lingering trauma from the shooting.
Chapter 5
5. Chapter 5
March 22, 2019
After a harrowing ordeal, OA and Karim find themselves locked inside a labyrinth of puzzles. Nagging doubts prompt Homer to snoop on Dr. Percy.
Syzygy
4. Syzygy
March 22, 2019
Karim visits Nina at the clinic for help finding the secret entrance to the house. Meanwhile, Hap meets a fellow traveler, and Homer goes on a date.
Chapter 3
3. Chapter 3
March 22, 2019
In Michigan, Steve begs the gang to try jumping to another dimension, and a presence in Buck's mirror inspires an unlikely pilgrimage.
Chapter 2
2. Chapter 2
March 22, 2019
At the clinic, OA discovers what happened to her friends back at Hap's. Karim turns his attention to a doctor who worked for Pierre Ruskin.
Angel of Death
1. Angel of Death
March 22, 2019
While private eye Karim Washington scours San Francisco for a missing teen who was involved in a cryptic game, OA wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings.
Description
Where to Watch The OA
The OA is available for streaming on the Netflix website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The OA on demand at Netflix.
  • Premiere Date
    December 16, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (114,851)