Adam Brody Reveals Whether His and Leighton Meester’s Kids Have Watched “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl”

**Adam Brody and Leighton Meester on Parenting and Their Early Careers**

The celebrity couple Adam Brody and Leighton Meester have made headlines not just for their acting careers, but for their approach to parenting as well. As parents to two children, a daughter named Arlo, born in 2015, and a son born in 2020, the couple has chosen to shield their kids from the limelight, preferring to let them grow into their own identities away from the screens that made them famous.

In a recent discussion at the 2026 Emmy Awards, where Brody was nominated for his role in the series “Nobody Wants This”, he revealed that neither of their children have yet seen their parents in their breakout roles. Brody specifically mentioned their iconic performances in shows such as “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl”. He expressed his intention to allow his children to discover these series on their own terms, stating, “I’m going to let them find their own way, and if they find their way to it, you know, they can have it.”

Meester and Brody, who tied the knot in 2014, have found a balance between their professional lives and family responsibilities. They tend to keep details about their children private, allowing them to grow up free from public scrutiny. This is a conscious decision, as both parents appreciate the value of keeping their family life intimate and safeguarded from the pressures of fame.

Meester has often spoken about how her experiences as a mother have influenced her acting. In March 2022, she shared with *Cosmopolitan UK* that playing a mother in the Netflix thriller “A Weekend Away” resonated with her personal experiences. Describing the duality of excitement and anxiety that accompanies a weekend away from home for the first time, she conveyed the complex emotions that many new parents can relate to.

In a candid moment with *People* in August 2023, Meester reflected on the profound impact of motherhood on her worldview. She noted how raising children has prompted her to reflect critically on her own childhood, stressing the importance of expressing gratitude for the opportunities available to their family. She stated, “Having children, I want to give them all that we never had when we were growing up, but also to be candid and open about how grateful we should be for everything that we have.”

Despite her love for acting and the fulfilment it brings, Meester has highlighted the guilt that sometimes accompanies her career. After the birth of their son, she shared with *Entertainment Tonight* that the challenge of being away from her children does not seem to diminish over time. “I’ve been thinking maybe it would, but it doesn’t,” she lamented. As demands on her time have increased, she feels the tug of responsibility growing ever stronger.

Meester’s struggles were particularly acute during filming for “A Weekend Away,” which took place in Croatia while her son was still a baby. She recounted the difficulty of separation, expressing the emotional toll of being away from her child during long working hours, saying, “There’s never an easy way of doing it.” She acknowledged that while working is rewarding, it often comes with a price, making it hard to feel fulfilled on either side of her life—be it as an actress or as a mother.

Both Brody and Meester demonstrate a thoughtful approach to parenthood, balancing the rigours of their careers with their commitment to family. By keeping their children away from the public eye and encouraging them to appreciate life on their own terms, they are shaping a nurturing environment that prioritises the emotional wellbeing of their family.

As they continue to navigate the complexities of fame and parenthood, Brody and Meester remain committed to providing a loving, grounded upbringing for their children. Their journey reflects a broader conversation about the challenges and rewards of parenting in the public eye, as they strive to ensure their children have the freedom to craft their own paths.