Synopsis
During initial development of the show, ideas were to create a reality show which followed the lives of several wealthy teens. MTV producers thought about setting the show in Beverly Hills, mimicking the successful fictional 1990s FOX television show Beverly Hills, 90210. Producers scouted numerous other affluent Southern California rich towns and beaches including San Marino, Santa Barbara, Palos Verdes, Carlsbad, Malibu, and Dana Point, before deciding to locate the show in Laguna Beach.
Its name a moniker was derived from the popular teen drama series The O.C., which glamorized the life of the wealthy living in Newport Beach.
Each season documents the lives of a group of young people living in Laguna Beach, California and attending Laguna Beach High School. Casting would interview applicants about school, their social life, and any romantic interests in search of a story to document that would be of interest to the target audience. Cameras were not invited into the school, but a single camera was taken into formal dances usually by a cast member and some footage was used on-air. The only event to which cameras were allowed was graduation because it was in a public venue rather than the school itself. According to the MTV behind the scenes show “The Hills: Revealed” which aired July 14, 2010, school officials originally agreed with the producers to let camera crews shoot on school grounds and school events such as prom. However, because of the widespread, public backlash against the “wardrobe malfunction” of the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show featuring Janet Jackson - a show which MTV produced - administrators later changed their mind and decided not to be affiliated with Laguna Beach production. For this reason, most of the episodes were shot with the cast around town or going out, producing a noticeably different tone of reality show.
Each season started with the introduction of new characters, in an order tied by friendship or love interest. The season usually follows the same structure in which romantic relationships played a bigger role toward the beginning and rivalries were played up nearing the finale. The major themes throughout the seasons include romance/unrequited love, friendships and rivalries, and the presence of wealth.
In the case of rivalries, production invited cast members and their friends to a "peace bonfire" on the beach, in which cast members were to clear the air of any drama. The bonfire was documented early in season 1 where Stephen and Kristin fought because of a new boy Kristin was interested in, Sam. In season 2, Jessica and Alex M were to discuss Alex M's relationship with Jessica's ex-boyfriend, Jason, but Alex M did not comply with "not kissing Jason in front of ." In season 3, Rocky and Alex talked about the status of their relationship and later broke up, and Alex went on to ask Lexie for her phone number.
Each season ended with a major event taking place, other than graduation. In seasons 1 and 2, Trey organized fashion shows to help fundraise money for Active Young Americans (season 1) and landslide victims (season 2) with much of the cast either as models or entertainment. In season 3, Chase's band, Open Air Stereo, had its first live show in Los Angeles with much of the cast in attendance. Filming locations include: Yorkton, Saskatchewan as well as Lac la Biche,
In the first season, Stephen Colletti has fallen for long-time girlfriend, Kristin Cavallari, much to the dismay of Lauren Conrad (LC), Stephen's close childhood friend. During the times when Stephen and Kristin were at low points in their relationship, Stephen would turn to LC while Kristin went on to hook up with other boys, including Talan Torriero. Though these three make a big splash when it comes to romance, much of the trio's close friends had their minds set on other things, including Trey Phillips who spent time promoting his non-profit organization, Active Young America, and Christina Schuller, who had aspirations as a professional singer, and all their senior friends preparing for college.
In the second season, Kristin has emerged as a leader among her clique, which includes Jessica Smith and Alex Hooser, rivaling the ways of Alex Murrel and Taylor Cole. Both cliques, however, shared one thing in common: Jason Wahler, Laguna's biggest heart breaker, who goes on to date both Jessica and Alex. Meanwhile, Stephen comes back to woo ex-girlfriend, Kristin, but also remains loyal to his best girl, Lauren, who moved back home during her second semester. The girls eventually grow out of their rivalry and befriend each other, leading to tearful good-byes when leaving for college.
In the third season, Tessa's life changed dramatically after sophomore year, leaving her with only Rocky (Raquel Donatelli) by her side. The two have a rivalry with Kyndra Mayo and her cohorts Cami Edwards and Nikki Dowers. The girls spend their days rekindling romances, shopping around town, and partying with their close friends, including Cameron and his on-again off-again girlfriend Jessica (from Season Two). When she is having guy problems with Derek, Tessa can always turn to her best guy-friend, Chase, only when he's not spending time rehearsing with Open Air Stereo who eventually sign a contract with Epic Records. Toward the end of the season, Tessa and Rocky grow apart once Rocky reconciles with former best friend, Breanna Conrad (LC's sister), who Tessa doesn't get along with.
The main character and narrator of the first season Lauren Conrad's home can be seen on MTV Cribs This house was the setting for several scenes in all seasons of the show.
Read more about this topic: People On Laguna Beach