Is The O.C. basically a modern version of Beverly Hills 90210?

[TMC]

First and foremost, both shows were on Fox and shows took place in Southern California.

Beverly Hills 90210 was about twins who moved from Minnesota to the glamorous and wealthy Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, The O.C. was about a guy from Chino being taken in by a rich family and living in the glamorous and wealthy O.C.

• Marissa Cooper is basically Brenda Walsh.
  Ryan Atwood is basically Dylan McKay.
  Seth Cohen is I guess a mix of Brandon Walsh and David Silver.
  Summer Roberts is Kelly Taylor

Also, both shows covered similar topics like addiction, sex, rape, romances, dealing with psychos, friendships, etc.

However, The O.C. is based off of the creator (Josh Schwartz) time spent partying with rich kids in Laguana Beach, CA. Basically, he was like Ryan, an outsider to all of these rich kids and their way of life. The O.C. is considered different or on a higher level because of it's writing, the first season was nominated for an Emmy, which shocked everyone because teen dramas just don't get those accolades. Also, the show was adult orientated too, the parents had their own storylines and plenty of adults watched the show, it wasn't just for teens.