The O.C. creators reveal network pressure behind killing off Mischa Barton's character

The creators of 'The O.C.' have revealed that the decision to kill off Mischa Barton's character, Marissa Cooper, in the show's third season finale was due to network pressure. Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage expressed regret over the storyline, stating that they wished they could have found an alternative solution. The audience reaction to Marissa's death was not well-received, and the creators felt that the audience had not been served or respected. Barton had previously alluded to financial factors and alleged bullying on set as contributing factors to her departure from the show.