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Season 1 – The OA

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The OA Dec 2016 Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
76% Tomatometer 68 Reviews 79% 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

What to Know

Critics Consensus

The OA is more than OK.

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Critics Reviews

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Emily St. James Vox May 16, 2019
2/5
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. Go to Full Review Hugo Rifkind The Times (UK) Mar 29, 2019
I quite like it. The first series was like nothing else. Go to Full Review Ed Power Daily Telegraph (UK) Mar 22, 2019
4/5
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. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Sep 13, 2024
5/5
‘..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…’ Go to Full Review Jennifer Bisset CNET Apr 6, 2023
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. Go to Full Review Li Lai Mediaversity Reviews Aug 9, 2019
A-
The OA showcases minority voices that are largely ignored in American media. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Peter B @RT58516657 6 days ago Painfully slow, meandering and shallow with a storyline that aims for deep but doesn't have the substance for anything more than a shallow teen drama. Deserved to be cancelled. See more Takeachance H @TakeaChance Sep 1, 2026 Interesting concepts but execution clunky. What should have been most emotional part of show ended up being awkward and silly with performative dance. Interested enough to watch season 2 but also leary that it will carry on with the silliness. See more Kristin D @RT76063875 Aug 22, 2026 One of my all time favorite shows. Can’t believe they canceled it See more Aman T @bobtj Jul 15, 2026 Absolutely loved this show. One of the most incredible stories I have ever seen in my life. I still hope somehow another season will come out. See more Sona S. @PerSona2 May 4, 2026 It is one Of My All Time Favorites the first episode is boring but then once she starts telling her story, it starts getting so interesting. I started watching this when I was around 14, I still recommend it at 23. The Original Angle See more R. F. F @RT36265540 Apr 18, 2026 My all-time favorite show. Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij combine myth, found family, and hope in impossible circumstances in a way that uplifts the soul. We need this kind of art today more than ever. See more 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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