On October 23, 2003, the CW premiered what would eventually become one of its most iconic shows: One Tree Hill. The show, which ran for 9 seasons, is still relevant today (with references in more recent shows such as Glee and iZombie) and it has a loyal fanbase that remains active. The show goes from teens living their daily lives to psycho stalkers (yes, that is meant to be plural) and back again, and while it may sound crazy, it obviously struck a chord with its audience. So, why is One Tree Hill’s legacy so long-lasting?
First, let’s get context out of the way. Lucas Scott, played by Chad Michael Murray, is a broody, introverted, basketball-loving boy, and his half-brother, Nathan (James Lafferty), is the personification of the “popular jock” trope. Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton) is a moody music lover who is both Nathan’s girlfriend and Lucas’s crush. Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush) is a fun-loving, party-girl cheerleader who is best friends with Peyton, and finally, Haley James (Bethany Joy Lenz) is Lucas’s best friend and the certified “school nerd.” The show follows this “core five,” as they navigate high school and adulthood in their small town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. Over the course of the series they go through a lot, but also discover the importance of being themselves and learning from their mistakes.
Why is this show still talked about today? It could be the incredible soundtrack (Gavin DeGraw will always have a place on my playlist!), or the crazy soap-opera style drama, but in my opinion, it’s most definitely the show’s relatability. Yes, the series starts in 2003, and kids these days don’t make mixtapes for the guy that they like or wear Juicy Couture tracksuits. But that doesn’t matter. Every character is different and complex, making it incredibly easy to find yourself in at least one of them, and the plot is so full of different events and conflicts that viewers are bound to relate. You could identify with one of the many family dynamics that are portrayed on the show, like Lucas having a single mother or Brooke’s parents being MIA. Or, you may see yourself in the dreams that every single character has for their future. High school is a time when people are figuring out what they’re interested in, and all of these characters find their passions, whether it be fashion for Brooke, music for Peyton, or writing for Lucas.
The most relatable part of the show, however, is the interaction among characters. From Lucas and Nathan, two brothers always bickering, to Brooke and Peyton, best friends who’ve grown up together and share everything with each other, it’s hard not to find at least one friendship or relationship that feels familiar. All of the relationships are filled with humor, immaturity (especially in the high school years), imperfections, and love. And what more could you ask for? High school relationships aren’t perfect. People, especially teenagers, make mistakes, and high school is, most of the time, where they make them. Nathan is awful in the beginning, but grows into a loving husband. Peyton begins as a moody teenager who hates the world, but learns how to open up to people. In general, all of the characters are human, which is the best thing a character can be.
With the show’s popularity being so long-lasting, and nostalgia being very trendy right now, it is no surprise that One Tree Hill is getting the reboot treatment. Except, instead of rebooting the series, three of the stars are coming back for a rewatch series. Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Hilarie Burton, in June of 2021, launched their brand new podcast Drama Queens. Every Monday, they watch an episode of this beloved show where they first gained their fame, and the stars discuss storylines and behind-the-scenes info. While I would have loved a reboot, listening to these actresses speak about characters that I know so well is compelling and emotional, making me feel like I’m watching the show all over again.
I definitely recommend checking out One Tree Hill, especially if you’re in the mood for lots of drama. And, for fans of the show, Drama Queens provides so much insight into what made the show a lasting hit, and is definitely one of my favorite routines for Mondays. Maybe Drama Queens will inspire you to rewatch the series—and if you do, let your friends know what episode you’re on by updating your BingeRoom account!
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