Each generation of college students seems to have had a nighttime soap opera favorite. In the 80s we had the excessive consumption prevalent in “Dallas” and “Dynasty”. The 90s brought “Beverly Hills 90210” and the wealthy but socially concerned inhabitants of West Beverly High.The latest salacious offering is Fox’s “The O.C.,” and college students around the country are clearing their schedules and programming their Tivos so they won’t miss the action on Wednesday nights.

Set in the southern California seaside town of Newport Beach, “The O.C.” tells the story of Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie), an outsider from the other side of the tracks who is, essentially, adopted by a wealthy couple, Sandy and Kirsten Cohen.

Ryan spends most of his time in pursuit of Marissa (Mischa Barton), the beautiful but troubled girl next door. Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) is the Mercutio to Ryan’s Romeo, adding levity to the, at times, tense romantic tanglings. Seth is the heart of the show. He is the anti-hero, the existential wonderer that knows his place in life but longs for something more.

Though reprehensible in their behavior, the occupants of Newport Beach allow us to glimpse a world that few of us have seen first hand, where money and status rule every step you take and ethics are a side note.

Thank God it is so much fun to watch. With more alliances than Survivor and as much backstabbing as a meeting of former Martha Stewart employees, this show never fails to titillate.

Consistently outperforming its competition in the coveted Nielsen ratings category of viewers 18-35, “The O.C.” has become the surprise hit of the season. California here we come.