IT'S NEW YEAR'S EVE IN NEWPORT BEACH! ON �THE O.C.� THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, ON FOX

It's a countdown to remember when Kirsten has a visitor from out of town. Ryan and Marissa plan to spend a low-key night together with the comforts of popcorn and movies, and Seth decides to tag along for the evening since he hasn't received any better offers. However, when Marissa gets invited to a New Year's shindig, it seems that Ryan and Marissa's special evening together will be spent apart. As the clock ticks closer toward midnight, it appears less and less likely that Ryan and Marissa will share their first New Year's kiss. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Sandy end up going to a party that's really swinging on �The Countdown� episode of THE O.C Thursday, Dec. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (OC-114) (TV-14 D, S)

Cast: Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan Atwood, Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper, Rachel Bilson as Summer, Adam Brody as Seth Cohen, Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen, Tate Donovan as Jimmy Cooper, Melinda Clarke as Julie Cooper, and Alan Dale as Caleb Nichol.

Guest Cast: Amanda Righetti as Hayley

(EDITOR'S NOTE: NORTH SHORE is preempted this night.)