Olivia Wilde names Mischa Barton as her best kisser from 'The OC'

Olivia Wilde has settled a long-standing The OC debate, revealing that Mischa Barton, not Adam Brody, was her favourite on-screen kiss during her time on the hit teen drama.

Appearing on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Wilde reflected on playing Alex Kelly in season two of the series and was asked to choose between Barton and Brody as the better kisser. The actress didn't hesitate, declaring Barton the winner. “Mischa,” Wilde said, before adding, “She's so beautiful and a really good kisser.”

Wilde portrayed Alex, the bisexual manager of the Bait Shop, who became romantically involved with both Seth Cohen, played by Brody, and Marissa Cooper, played by Barton. While her relationship with Seth was short-lived, Alex and Marissa's romance became one of the show's most talked-about storylines and marked one of the first same-sex relationships between main characters on a primetime teen drama.

Looking back on the storyline more than two decades later, Wilde said she remains proud of its cultural impact. She recalled how the kiss between Alex and Marissa aired during Sweeps Week and noted that featuring a character as popular and idealised as Marissa exploring her sexuality helped challenge stereotypes and broaden representation on television.

Wilde also shared that she still hears from fans who say the storyline helped them understand their own identities or opened conversations with their families about sexuality. The actress said she appreciates knowing that something filmed so many years ago had a lasting effect on viewers.

Although she praised both co-stars, Wilde's answer left little room for debate. More than 20 years after The O.C. first aired, the actress still remembers her scenes with Barton fondly — and credits their chemistry with helping create one of the show's most memorable romances.