Part I: The End's Not Near, It's Here with Ben McKenzie & Josh Schwartz

The end is near- Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are recapping the last episode of The OC series. Today the ladies are joined by Ben McKenzie and Josh Schwartz for a special two-part episode of Season 4, Episode 16, “The End's Not Near, It’s Here.”
The End’s Not Near, It’s Here Synopsis: Six months after the earthquake, everyone makes decisions that will determine the rest of their lives.
Please check out Ben’s new book, “Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud,” that you can pre-order on Amazon at this link: www.amazon.com...
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[@icc2010]

Its like The OC is ending all over again😭😭😭😭

[@claudiastrater]

Seriously!

[@raytrevino3184]

😢 Californiaaaaaaaa

[@maximilianschmitz1988]

So cool to have Ben on the podcast. He sure talks more than Ryan 😂

[@nicolekulikowski2401]

Lmao my thoughts exactly!

[@ojambamyjamba]

So much more. And the octave in the voice too! Lol. Whatta guy.

[@gabelogan5877]

He also has a bachelor's degree in economics and wrote a book with his professor about the fraudulency of cryptocurrency and testified in front of Congress about the crypto scam market.

[@markcapilitan3484]

@@gabelogan5877 he was on Bill Maher about 2 weeks ago...very intelligent & well worth a listen (only 10 minutes!)

[@gabelogan5877]

@@markcapilitan3484 Ugh. I appreciate Ben sounding the Alarm but You can't pay me to watch that bigot's show. Was Bill Maher for or against crypto?

[@Hammerlock100]

In the best possible sense we have closure at last seeing Ben McKenzie reunited with the OC cast members and Director. #OC soul ❤

[@dylancooper3690]

But he left before Part 2. I guess he's not sticking around for the actual episode recap?

[@Hammerlock100]

@@dylancooper3690, Hi Dylan, I’m just sitting here in the cheap seats. Time will tell. When’s the next podcast, do you know?

[@dylancooper3690]

@@Hammerlock100 I think Part 2 is next week.

[@pierrealves2906]

That first scene between Ryan and Marissa is so iconic. 🥺💜

[@x-rayvision3802]

So good to see Ben and the ladies back together 😭😭💙

[@dylancooper3690]

Interesting that Ben talked about Autumn much more than Mischa.

[@mannaminne4279]

@@dylancooper3690 isn't it quite obvious that mischa don't like anyone in the crew expect for Melinda and Tate?

[@themocking.jay_]

@@mannaminne4279and adam

[@thecreamyone3606]

Thank all of you so much for everything!!!! This is bittersweet but the OC is in my heart forever 🧡🧡🧡

[@jasonliang2932]

Can't believe you guys finally got Ben! Wow!

[@j.jenkins1885]

Happy Ben finally came on the podcast. It’s unfortunate it took so long, he seemed to remember a lot and has a warm, charming energy to him. Great episode.

[@sabrinafirlej1044]

PLEASE DO THE MINI SERIES. MY HEART WOULD EXPLODE.

[@ssaandyyss]

It's 2023 and I still think that The OC is one of the greatest shows out there even after 20 years! ♥ I'm rewatching it all over again now and I'm stoked like I wanna get to the next episode. Unfortunately they don't make these kind of shows anymore.

[@Drycask]

Ben is right about the show having heart. Sandy has a lot more to teach this world. Sincerity was a key ingredient.

[@AnnaLizzyRose]

Love that Ben came on the podcast! So happy he did. I have loved what rewatching The OC with you ladies! I'm feeling an OC reunion coming on...would love to see Seth and Summer as parents and the other characters as Grandparents, Sandy would be the best Grandpa wouldn't he! I can totally see Ryan as a foster parent or adopting a few kids.

[@gianmarcomattinzoli8718]

Guys, we all owe you much, you gifted us with great characters and great moments, thank you for ever

[@cinenova1]

Tik tok made me watched The O.C. in 2024, and... I´M IN LOVE WITH THE SHOW

[@bladebrown4191]

The premiere of this show consumed a part of my life immediately after high school graduation and the next four years in a way that no other TV event following it ever could, and I never saw that coming 😂. It makes me feel a little old, but also grateful to have come of age during The OC’s original run. Thanks to all involved for revisiting this moment in time!

[@skatedurr]

I've looked forward to this pod every week for the last two years & it has made me laugh, cry and learn so much more about the O.C on & off the screen. Thanks KAST media for putting together this ride, I truly enjoy every second! 💖

[@justebernotaite]

So relieved Ben showed up! ❤

[@vincenty747]

I love how Ben is anti crypto, my respect for him has gone up tenfold.

[@zeitgeistx5239]

He majored in economics in college and got into crypto and then quickly realize it’s a Ponzi scheme.

[@tamiresmachado5436]

I love how appreciative of the show and everything that has happened to them because of it they all seem to be. Honestly, I wasn't expecting Ben to feel this way, given the fact that he used to not want to talk about The OC, but I'm glad he's actually thankful and sees how important it was in his life ❤

[@tamiresmachado5436]

Ben seems surprisingly happy to be joining them... I'm so glad about that! ❤

[@SiminaKiss]

I loved Ben and Autumn as a couple the most. I would have loved a 5th season. I‘d be hear for 8 episodes.

[@Swameh]

Same honestly, I loved them together

[@alineaikoyoshidagalvao1450]

I was so team Ryan & Taylor ❤️

[@pyrobuum7805]

​@@alineaikoyoshidagalvao1450no Ryan marissa

[@marialice86]

totally agree

[@pyrobuum7805]

@@marialice86 che bella ragazza che 6 posso chiederti come ti chiami

[@oc2538]

I love that this is Part I, cus I need to slowly be weaned off the podcast. Can't go cold turkey. Love that Ben and Josh were on. Rachel & Mindy you both are so lovely.

[@nsgmma4680]

So Marissa didn't die. Jimmy rigged something up with the hospital using some underhanded tactics. Took Marissa away to keep her safe from the OC. She was in a coma for months. She has amnesia since the accident and doesn't remember. During a trip Seth and summer see this girl overseas that looks exactly like Marissa. That's how the reunion season of The OC should start.

[@MaryamRainwater]

This is an interesting take!

[@SumanSridhar1023]

She died in Ryan's arms...kinda hard to spin that

[@nsgmma4680]

@@SumanSridhar1023 Is it really? It's the OC. The last scene was her losing consciousness and it fading out. Anything could have happened between then and the hospital. It's not hard to write something that makes sense. It is television, miracles do exist.

[@auroraborelia9504]

LOVE THIS! I've often said that they can incorporate her leaving for safety reasons. So, Volchuk, maybe she left because he almost killed her and she knew nobody would be safe. When Marissa was in Ryan's arms, it looks like she lost consciousness.. they could really use this. Don't make the same mistake twice and do a show without Mischa Barton.. we the fans are owed that much

[@rachelramey5121]

Hey, anything is possible. Season 4 could have all just been a fever dream and Ryan wakes up with Marissa next to him.

[@silviamckenzie]

Thank you so much for bringing Ben on (you saved the best for last 😝): THIS MADE ME SO HAPPY! Always been a Ryan girl (and gotta admit I wouldn't been opposed to a Ryan/Summer situation, since they were my two favorite characters): I'm so glad to see him so relaxed and at ease while talking about the show and that chemistry between you all guys? It's still there, still lightning in a bottle! 😍 Can't wait for next week, it's been a heck of a journey and I loved rewatching the show each week before listening to the podcast. I'm gonna miss it!

[@juliatutor8099]

Thank you Ben for finally showing up!!! No, indeed, just like a drama unto itself,the perfect way to go out....Bravo....

[@michellezweiban9090]

What an amazing podcast. Looking forward to part 2. Thank you so much, Rachel and Melinda (and to every single guest), for making this podcast happen. A part of my soul will forever be in a 2003 OC loophole, blasting “California” and reading comics outside the Bait Shop. Love you all so much. Thank you all for leaving me a lot funnier and a lot better off than I could have been had The OC never happened ❤️ Melinda and CG- can’t wait for Bye Bitches!!! ❤️🥰

[@biancavautier1495]

You’re right about Aussies loving the OC! I’m 30 now and started the OC when I was 14. I re-watch it every year. Can’t express how much this show means to me. Thank you for doing this podcast 🫶🏼

[@CrAZychicke]

Same :)

[@NickTaylorRickPowers]

I just found this podcast and am now re watching the OC From the start Fkn loved the OC

[@natosbagliato22]

I'm very happy to see that Ben, like Adam, are happy to have been a part of the show. For a long time I thought they were denying it but hearing them talk like that it's really rewarding! Thank you so much for this podcast, it's been an amazing journey!

[@ashg2895]

I was hoping the best was saved for last & that Ben would be your last guest! As a long-time fan, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all the guests who came on the podcast, & to all the crew members who worked on the podcast.. but the biggest thank you goes out to Rachel & Mindy! Thank you so much for doing this. The OC has remained one of my favorite shows since it 1st aired, so this podcast meant a lot. Also.. Mindy, I really hope that you continue your podcast journey & start your own podcast because you are amazing at it.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BroadIdeasPod]

She is! Check out the video after this one we posted, titled After The OC and hear all about Mindy's new podcast!

[@rei__tv]

I cried 3 times rewatching the final episode yesterday to prepare for this pod. 😭

[@jenniferlypka]

I am so here for the OC limited series!!!! ❤️ please Josh make it happen!

[@fleuriex6234]

The O.C. is my entire childhood. So many memories :)

[@lizaperez3389]

Omg I loveeee Ben!! I'm so glad he did this. He deserves way more roles than we've seen him in

[@GlowingAprilSky]

I can't believe the podcast is coming to an end 🥺🥺 Ladies, thank you for this incredible walk down memory lane ❤ I've enjoyed every single episode of it!!! Now that Ben finally made it, it is the time for Cassidy to make his finale appearance 😅

[@barryserpa5174]

Thanks Rachel and Melinda and the people we don't see here for this podcast for all 4 seasons! You guys have done a wonderful job taking us back to the show and giving us guests and stories about what went on backstage, not to mention seeing the lovely faces of Rachel and Melinda Thanks ladies 😉

[@eliasmendez9394]

How much I enjoyed this talk! So nostalgic ;)

[@BetweeAngstAndReason]

THANK YOU for seeing the whole show through. My inner teenage heart is full.

[@edwincatalan5000]

I was smiling the whole episode !!! It is phenomenal to see this cast together and taking again, sharing stories . Huge fan of the OC forever.

[@tamiresmachado5436]

Oh, look at that... Ben's daughter's on her way to becoming a huge The OC fan!

[@jab070]

I’ve had a shitty week; shitty year, really, and this helped heal my heart for today ❤

[@kimbateman226]

It was lovely to see Ben, he seems like a really genuine person, but a bit disappointed that he did not say much about Mischa and how they got on, on the set and never mentioned the fantastic scenes they did together. Ii know this podcast was more to do with the finale, but some insight would have been good, even when Mischa was own she kept things under wraps. Anyone got any views. It would been nice for Mischa and Ben to come on the podcast together. I thought seasons 1 to 3 were best, did not really take to four. I know everyone has their preferences. Thanks for doing the podcast Rachel and melinda

[@yui2006]

I want ben and mischa too

[@CourageousDreamerAllon4journey]

I 100% agree with you (about season 4, especially)

[@rachelryan127]

They got on reeeaaaalllly well during first and second season. Then something must have "happened" in private, because all of a sudden they didn't talk fondly of each other anymore. And it's sooo obvious that there had to be a reason. Because they were so close before that. I think nowadays they can't stand each other anymore. We'll probably never know why. But it shows

[@kimmiebardot6213]

@@rachelryan127 listen to Mischa's recent Call Her Daddy podcast appearance. She spilled. They were in a relationship during the first season. She was 17 and he was 25. Nobody was more beautiful than 00s Mischa so I get how he could be enchanted by her, but that kind of age gap doesn't fly the way it did back then, doubt he will ever address it though.

[@Twinithuy]

Waiting for part 2, 3 and 4 of this interview... just finished rewatching the whole serie and loved every minutes

[@nicolevenvideos]

so happy he agreed to be on the podcast! After Mischa, he needed to come!

[@PNWSoulJess]

Great to see this little reunion, it’s wild that it’s been 20 years since the show wow.

[@brandonedwards4517]

2 things we're always going to wonder 1st-What if Marissa never died? 2nd-What would a 5th season be like and what stories could they have told? Remember they jump 4yrs at the end of the finale

[@thecreamyone3606]

Rachel was teary eyed at the end..... Just like me 😥

[@ilikemoviesalot9033]

Yeeeessssss!!! I saw this and almost dropped my phone in the toilet.

[@nataliaramos6413]

Thank you so much for this episode! Amazing show and amazing podcast!! Crying for real! Ben is AMAZING ❤🥺

[@MrKapothi]

It's such a pleasure to see you guys interacting again. I can feel the good energy and I love it with all my heart. And I love Ben McKenzie since 2003 so....

[@brian4878]

Eight episode mini series...do it Ben and Josh!!

[@anniekaroth5636]

This is so great!!! It's great to know his experience in the show 😊 And I'm surprised that he wrote a book, a lot of his co star said he is smart. I like to see him direct again, he directed 3 episodes in Gotham, and wrote 2 episodes as well.

[@pierrealves2906]

I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. 💜🥺💜

[@theinstabookworm6428]

Omg I love Ben. I never realized how funny he is!

[@sheilabonau8681]

I just watched OC now and would of never figured it was 20 yrs old! Loved the clothes all the ladies wore....beautiful special pieces. Loved it! P S Loved Ben!

[@giulia7694]

Great episode! It’s been great to see everyone come back and revisit the show! ❤️

[@ArielAriel-rg8ng]

When Ryan leaves his home remembering his first day there and Marissa..so heartbreaking..Marissa didn't deserve to die.

[@francescapapini7421]

Ryan is one of my favorite character ever ❤❤

[@jessiec6695]

This is amazing!!! My heart is so full! Thank you Rachel and Melinda for such an amazing podcast. One of the best episodes yet!

[@LenuskaT]

I guess THIS episode will definitelly have a looots of views 🥰

[@dylancooper3690]

194,000 so far for Mischa's appearance.

[@crism5810]

I agree with Rachel. Let’s get season 5 with Ben directing.

[@francinewitte1089]

One of the coolest things about this show was how in the first episode, Sandy tells Ryan “you gotta have a plan” and in the last shot, Ryan has an actual plan, (a rolled up blueprint) in his hand. I find this very satisfying.

[@ChowDownDetroit]

The OC had 92 Episodes. Now with 10 episodes a season is the normal for TV. That means The OC now would be like 9 seasons!

[@ldwyer4]

LIMITED SERIES yess make it happen guys !! 🔥💕

[@bnjvi01]

So good to see Ben!! So sad this podcast is ending going to miss listening to you guys every week. Please do another podcast.

[@KaaciiLovee]

We NEED another season, literally would make my life!!

[@kiely4561]

It ended at the perfect time for me, the final scene where Ryan calls over to the kid and asks if he needs any help was just a great way to curtain call the show, it didn’t have a chance to become bad due to going on for to long like one tree hill etc.

[@fernandasarantes6088]

Ben!!! ❤❤❤ I'm so happy ❤❤❤

[@rongriguts3660]

One of the best shows ever.

[@idgymenzies4142]

All the people who saw me out on the trail today with my earbuds in, smiling and laughing while I listened to this, must have thought I was crazy. Just like every Tuesday for the last two years. Well done!

[@thecreamyone3606]

That's a funny n cute scenario. Im always thinking the same thing, "These people must think I'm nuts!" One second I'm laughing hysterically, the next second I'm getting all teary eyed n then clapping.... Good times... This podcast will be missed.

[@edbatalha2231]

Was cool!!! Good energy! For the thousandth time, thank you for doing this!

[@ChowDownDetroit]

This is the best podcast series. Ben showing up completes the series perfectly.

[@goldwolf8517]

The legend is back❤❤❤❤

[@benjaminrichter4559]

❤❤❤ Thank you

[@pierrealves2906]

I'm crying more than it's probably normal. 🥺😭💜

[@jasminemorraine9920]

🤩👏🙌❤❤❤😍🤗🎬🍊👏🎙️💕Love this!! The cutest sweaters!! Welcome Ben McKenzie and TheOC creator on this podcast, It was so great for having them to talked about the show... Ben he's amazing and adorable!! TheOC show～ I love Season 4, this season 4 is great, so many fun things to watched, so epic, full of surprises in the story scene...for me It's really so enjoyable and tension and so beautiful to watched, I love it!!! Loved the world you guys do in TheOC, and I loved TheOC since it first aired, it was so fun rewatching the whole series with you🥰

[@gjg676]

It’s amazing seeing the actors and actresses being even funnier, nicer and more interesting than the characters they were playing ❤ I genuinely love you all. Watching you again spending time together is a huge gift. Thanks for this

[@Shizalumni]

This was so much fun, I had a huge smile on my face the whole time I was watching.

[@icc2010]

I was watching the show at age 7. I was 11 when the show ended. I was like the only person in my school class that did. Thanks for giving me expectations for high school lol

[@WalterMoran]

🥹🥹🥹 tears of joy seeing Ben finally on the podcast and reunited with you ladies. 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 we really need to see at least a full cast reunion all together. Even if it’s through zoom/podcast

[@melsoma2307]

OMG!!! I'm literally re-watching the entire series right now, AND I am on the finale!!!! The O.C. series finale is one of my favorite series finales of all time!!! 🤗💕

[@OrphenKirisame]

OMG, I can't believe I just found out about this podcast, just one day after a lenghty OC rewatch. Thanks for making this happen, time to watch all the podcast. Greetings from Spain!

[@rachelryan127]

Lots of the earlier episodes got deleted, for example the Adam Brody one. And Alexandra patsavas. So sad. Haven't got a chance to watch it. Such a bummer :(

[@pierrealves2906]

Ben is so amazing and it's so fucking awesome realizing again how much all this means to me and how much I love all of you guys. Can't wait for what's next but already grateful for all we get. Love you all. Thank Melinda and Rachel for the pod. And Josh for creating all of it. Rachel/Summer will always be my favorite haha. O.C. forever. 💜🥺💜

[@melindaclarke9299]

Thanks for the love!!!

[@hugo3925]

I have waited for this for so long thank you

[@Anu185-m7g]

Best show ever watched

[@MrReese]

Oh my God, I can't believe you actually did it, you got Ben on the podcast! Unbelievable and so good 😱🥳.

[@RY-fe3rt]

Thank you for this podcast. That was awesome. What a privilege for Ben to cut his teeth on a show like the OC. As a leading man, no less. So glad he showed up in the end. Can't wait for the limited 8 eps. Hats off!

[@fabianalvarez8908]

Is this the last podcast? Thank you for doing this for the fans. We have been waiting for it like literally 20 years. Hope to see you all together in an special on HBOMAX or something. Greetings from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@crin28]

This came out right after I graduated, so I was the right age group, but didn’t actually watch it until just recently. I have to say, it’s a fun watch.. even as a 40 yr old. 😊 Thanks guys!

[@gabbywgoodhair]

My question was answered!! I am freaking out 😭 Thanks guys ❤

[@lsunnylady]

Awww love this. PLEASE do a 2 hour reunion or something! I miss the OC

[@robertalegrand7781]

The series ended with exactly what we needed, and the podcast is doing the same! Cue the Patrick Park song...

[@BrunoPina.]

Thank you very much for having been a part of my adolescence

[@marie-soleildobie7495]

Omg You posted my message from when I asked for Ben to come ❤ 😭

[@j.johnson7891]

The 8 episode's NEED to happen

[@cassinaus]

Yes! Loved the shout out to Australia! The OC aired when I was in my early 20s, have rewatched it several times, and absolutely loved the show. It was iconic. I had no idea Ben was married to the incredible Morena. I can't believe he did her dirty like that, the first time they met!! 😂 so great to see Ben after all the years.

[@Revive.30]

The one we have been waiting for

[@nicolevenvideos]

I just pre-ordered the book! Can't wait

[@francescapapini7421]

I can't believe it Ben omgg ❤

[@hOtneO]

Holy crappo! I remember like the beginning of this whole podcast of rewatching the old The OC episodes, and it was this calming gravity blanket on my pandemic heighten anxiety, and now we're finally wrapping this baby up heading into summer. It's been a sweet fond time down memory lane! Thanks Rachel and Melinda and guests for doing this for The OC fans! I wished I could get my The OC boxset DVDs autographed by Rachel and Melinda somehow. Oh wellzz. Where's The OC boxset on Bluray 4K dammit?!! Season 1 was the Shitz and it's grainy AF!

[@RevoZtuns]

haven’t watched the pod in a while tbh, but I COULDNT MISS THIS ONE !!!

[@Cangirl94]

Anyone find it odd that in both Mischa and Ben's interview, neither of them are mentioned? Like they are the 2 main characters and not one thing was mentioned on how they worked together, fond memories, ect. Something bad must've happened between them! Just strange no acknowledgement whatsoever.

[@adaswedentr]

it's so sad

[@KellyDean-rt9ws]

What are you talking about? Ben did mention her! He said that he remembers meeting Adam, Rachel & Mischa and that they all clicked. He even called the Ryan and Marissa scene in the pilot iconic! I would’ve loved for him to talk about it more but he does mention her.

[@kimbateman226]

I totally agree, something odd about the whole Ben and Mischa thing, it would have been nice for them to reunite and if there was a bad issue a while ago, to put it to rest

[@Cangirl94]

@@KellyDean-rt9ws I'd hardly call that a mention. Im just saying after working together for many years as the main characters you'd think more would be brought up about one another.

[@rachelryan127]

They got on reeeaaaalllly well during first and second season. Then something must have "happened" in private, because all of a sudden they didn't talk fondly of each other anymore. And it's sooo obvious that there had to be a reason. Because they were so close before that, they went to premieres together, they pranked each other, they were very close. I think nowadays they can't stand each other anymore. We'll probably never know why. But it shows