Oliver appeared in the series' first season as a thorn in Ryan Atwood and Marissa Cooper's relationship, soon developing a severe obsession with the latter.

Oliver was created by Josh Schwartz, whose concept for the character was "based on a guy...a friend of mine dated who faked having cancer to [hang on to her]."

"[2] Handley also elaborated that "[his] character is very needy due to his past" which would take some of Marissa's attention away from Ryan,[2] and that, by request, he dyed his hair dark for the show to give "a more sinister look".

Marissa and many of their friends dismiss Ryan's warnings as jealousy; Luke Ward (Chris Carmack) believes him, however, having taken an instant dislike to Oliver.

"[1] Other reception noted that he was irritating but "addicting person to watch",[5] that he "was able to exude as much hate that a writer could place on a single character",[6] and that he was an "audience-infuriating nut".

[7] Entertainment Weekly included him their list of "21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever", commenting: "Oliver (Taylor Handley) was around for only six episodes, but it seemed like much longer.

[9] These rumours were untrue (though in the second season finale, after Seth hears a door bell ring he quips: "With the way things are going right now, I bet that's Oliver."