July 31, 2003, 2:06PM

Fox adds rich-folks drama 'O.C.' to its lineup

By LANA BERKOWITZ

Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

Reckless teens and secretive adults help Fox get a jump on fall with The O.C. , a drama premiering at 8 p.m. Aug. 5 on Channel 26.

For those of us who don't keep up with pricey Southern California real estate or memorize Beverly Hills ZIP codes, O.C. stands for Orange County. This series is set in wealthy Newport Beach.

These rich families have problems that sometimes get in the way of shopping and partying. Their fabu lifestyles especially intrigue a poor kid dropped in these shark-infested waters.

Here's a players guide to help you sort through the waves of suds:

•Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie) -- The troubled youth. His car-stealing brother gets poor Ryan arrested, his dad is in prison, his motherUs boyfriend hits him, and his mom kicks him out of the house. But he still has his bicycle.

The cast of The O.C. is Fox's chance to get a jump on the prime-time fall soap season, beginning Aug. 5.

•Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) -- Idealistic rich guy. He's a public defender who invites the troubled youth to stay at his family's pool house, but the poor kid is sometimes allowed in the main house.

•Kirsten Cohen (Kelly Rowan) -- Sandy's megarich wife. She's suspicious of Ryan and worries about her awkward son, Seth.

•Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) -- Awkward son. Sandy and Kristen's awkward son doesn't have a lot of friends. He's kind of awkward.

•Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) -- Beautiful girl next door. It looks like cool Marissa and outsider Ryan will be at the center of this storm.

•Jimmy Cooper (Tate Donovan) -- Dad in trouble. The feds are at the door, and Marissa's dad is about to crack up.

•Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke) -- Vain mom. Marissa's mom looks and acts like her sister.

•Luke (Chris Carmack) -- Jealous boyfriend. Marissa's hunky guy drives a big truck and likes to beat on Seth and Ryan.

•Summer (Rachel Bilson) -- Crazy friend. Marissa's pal drinks, flirts and says mean things.