Name: Selling the OC
Genre: Reality
Released: 2022-08-24T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Brett Oppenheim, Jason Oppenheim, Alexandra Hall, Alexandra Jarvis, Alexandra Rose

The first scene of Selling the OC sets the tone with Alex Hall dramatically announcing to her colleagues, “I’m not here to make friends,” as she struts into The Oppenheim Group’s new Orange County office. If only this show had taken that declaration as seriously as its characters do. Instead, what unfolds is a messy, unlikable trainwreck of a reality series that thinks shouting and ostentatious outfits can mask the absence of genuine drama or compelling real estate action.

Created by Adam DiVello for Netflix, Selling the OC is the third entry in the Selling Sunset franchise. It follows Jason Oppenheim (yes, the same one from Selling Sunset) and his team of agents as they navigate their personal and professional lives in Orange County. The first season premiered on August 24, 2022, with eight episodes, and it was renewed for three more seasons, with the fourth premiering in November 2025 before being put on hiatus.

The cast is a mix of returning faces from Selling Sunset and new agents, including Alex Hall, Alexandra Jarvis, Austin Victoria, Polly Brindle, and Tyler Stanaland. The series attempts to replicate the success of its predecessor by focusing on the agents’ personal drama as much as their real estate deals. However, where Selling Sunset had Christine Quinn’s chaotic energy and Heather Rae Young’s glamour to keep viewers hooked, Selling the OC offers a cast that is more grating than engaging.

The show’s biggest misstep is its painfully scripted dialogue and contrived conflicts. In one particularly cringe-worthy scene, Gio Helou and Alex Hall argue at the beach over a client, their exchange feeling as natural as a high school play. The writing is so heavy-handed that even the most basic interactions come across as forced. This is not reality TV; it’s a poorly written sitcom without the jokes.

The few moments of genuine interest come from the real estate transactions themselves. Watching Alexandra Rose close a deal or seeing the opulent homes on display provides a glimpse of what this show could have been with better direction. The production values are high, and the cinematography captures the luxury lifestyle that is the series’ selling point.

However, these moments are too few and far between. The majority of the screen time is dedicated to the agents’ petty squabbles and over-the-top personalities. Polly Brindle’s former modeling career and Austin Victoria’s modeling gigs are frequently mentioned, but these details do little to add depth to their characters. Instead, they come across as superficial attempts to manufacture drama.

The originality of Selling the OC is also questionable. It borrows heavily from Selling Sunset, right down to the formulaic structure and reliance on personal conflicts over professional achievements. The series fails to carve out its own identity, making it feel like a pale imitation of its predecessor. Even the soundtrack, which includes 51 tracks in the first season, feels like a recycled playlist from other reality shows.

The performances are equally lackluster. While some cast members try to bring their A-game, their efforts are undermined by the show’s poor writing and direction. Jason Oppenheim, who is a more prominent figure in this spin-off, comes across as stiff and unnatural, lacking the charisma that made him a standout in Selling Sunset. The new agents, such as Alex Hall and Gio Helou, are equally unconvincing, their attempts at drama falling flat.

In the end, Selling the OC is a disappointing addition to the Selling Sunset franchise. It lacks the charm, charisma, and compelling storytelling that made its predecessor a hit.

Tags: Netflix, Alexandra Hall, Brett Oppenheim, Jason Oppenheim, Selling the OC