To the untrained ear, finding a connection between basketball, ravens, brotherhood and North Carolina feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, to fans of the hit Warner Bros (WB) drama series One Tree Hill (OTH), those words may elicit laughter, tears or a combination of both. The pilot episode of the show premiered September 23, 2003, and instantly morphed itself into a magnetic piece of media. While the malicious actions of executive producer and creator Mark Schwan behind the scenes negatively altered the show’s production environment, the commitment of the cast to honor the heart of the program allows audiences of the 2020s to still fall in love with OTH. This feat, alongside the chemistry between the actors and the show’s innovative use of music, OTH continues to shine a bright light in the world of TV. 

Set in the fictional small town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, OTH follows the lives of half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott, portrayed by Chad Micheal Murray and James Lafferty. This series delves into their journey as they navigate family, romance and everything in between. Initially, the relationship between the brothers mirrors that of their father; the ill-intended Dan Scott portrayed by Paul Johansson, and their uncle, the kind-hearted Keith Scott portrayed by Craig Sheffer. 

Alongside the Scott boys, a group of witty and magnetic female characters round out the initial principal cast. Bethany Joy Lenz portrayed the loyal and musically gifted Haley James Scott; Sophia Bush played Brooke Davis, the popular head cheerleader with a heart of gold; Hilarie Burton portrayed the tragically charismatic, yet good-natured Peyton Sawyer; Moira Kelly played Lucas’ mother, the fierce Karen Roe; Barbara Alyn Wood portrayed Nathan’s mother, the alluring Deb Scott; and Barry Corbin warmly portrayed Coach Whitey Durham. From the pilot episode, the cast of OTH exerted an infectious charm through every line delivered, whether tackling comical moments filled with hijinks and missteps or diving into the various emotional trials the characters faced. It felt as though each cast member knew how to flawlessly capture the essence of a scene.

“OTH is still very relevant today. OTH touched on all teen topics, such as romance, sports, academics, etc. However, it also touched on sensitive topics that still impact us today, such as school shootings. There is an episode of OTH that shows the emotional distress school shootings can cause and how it affects everyone involved. It is very relatable as we have had far too many mass shootings this year. It takes a proactive stance on educating those about the teenage experience, and sadly some of the things most teens have to go through,” magnet alum Alina Autry said. 

As the cast evolved over the years with the introductions of new characters, the chemistry within the show felt palpable throughout its nine-season run– particularly in the realm of romance. OTH’s longest-lasting couple, Nathan and Haley, stand as a testament to the power of young love. After marrying in the finale of season one, the pair faced several trials: teen pregnancy, injuries and disapproval from their families. Yet, the tenacity of Nathan and Haley’s relationship shaped them into a beloved couple amongst all of the characters on OTH. This authenticity speaks not only to the on-screen chemistry between the characters but also to the off-screen bond between Lenz and Lafferty. Their remarkable ability as actors allowed them to authentically depict a committed and loving relationship between two young people as they began their lives. 

Another loveable aspect of OTH lies in its dedication to friendship. In a small town, one’s strength resides in the company they keep and fortunately for the principal cast of the show, their inner circles provide support, loyalty and honesty. OTH presented audiences with a plethora of fierce female friendships, but a stand-out pair rests within the bond of Brooke and Peyton. Over the six seasons Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton shared the screen, they portrayed the dramatic and trying times of teenage girlhood in a way that pushed audiences to advocate for them. Amidst trials such as absent parents, cheating boyfriends, or any obstacles Brooke and Peyton faced, they emerged from it all stronger in the end. 

The show highlighted the significance of cross-gender friendships with the unwavering bond of Lucas and Haley. Throughout the earlier seasons, OTH committed itself to showcasing friendship between the parents as well, including Karen and Deb. Their antics brought a youthful vibrancy to the show, allowing these two dominant maternal figures to enjoy light-hearted moments together. 

Throughout its tenure, OTH seamlessly incorporated music as another integral character within the cast. Each season features a storyline that revolves around the musical prowess of OTH’s residents. In season two, the spotlight shone on Haley’s musical journey during her tour with Chris Keller, portrayed by Tyler Hilton. Tree Hill’s nightclub, Tric, served as an event hub for important events in season three, hosting pivotal occasions such as Nathan and Haley’s wedding party and Peyton’s Breast Cancer Benefit Concert. Season five marked the birth of Red Bedroom Records— Peyton’s record company sourced throughout Tree Hill. 

While the vast majority of the musical storylines focused on Peyton or Haley, all of Tree Hill’s residents obtained the chance to witness several performances from popular artists of the early 2000s. Notable names such as Sheryl Crow, Gavin DeGraw and Fall Out Boy left a significant mark on the show, intensifying dramatic scenes and moody montages within their musical prowess. The show’s soundtrack also featured songs by Citizen Cope and Jack’s Mannequin— hidden gems of the early 2000s that remain etched in the minds of viewers. The show also provided Lenz a space to show off her vocal talents, through the production of songs such as “Halo,” and a cover of “When the Stars Go Blue.”

During the nine years that OTH aired on TV, an unfortunate dark cloud hung over the production environment— the presence of Schwan. The executive producer of the show used his position to create toxic work conditions for several women working on OTH, including Bush, Morgan and Daneel Ackles, who portrayed Rachel Gatina on the show. The women of OTH spoke up and out against Schwan in 2018, a feat that subsequently ended his career in the entertainment industry. In a successful effort to reclaim the rapport and camaraderie taken from them under Schwan’s reign, Bush, Morgan and Lenz created the podcast “Drama Queens”, where they unpack old episodes and discuss them with fresh eyes alongside former co-stars. The rest of the cast also participates in events that honor the legacy of Tree Hill. November 2022, several members of the main cast participated in a Friends with Benefit (FwB) Charity Convention in Wilmington, North Carolina. Altogether, they took photos with fans, played basketball and raised funds for charity. 

As the time between the premiere of OTH and the modern day continues to pass by, fans can still find several ways to appreciate the show. For the times OTH has evoked gut-wrenching sobs or fits of laughter, the show continues to imprint itself on every person who views it. 

“I started watching OTH during Covid as a Freshman. Due to virtual learning, I longed for the traditional high school experience and felt that OTH was a good representation. I believe that OTH is very accurate [for] teenagers today. The show touches on various topics: such as the meaning of friendship, teamwork, courage and loyalty. Allowing viewers to feel understood and with a ‘piece of mind,’’ senior Destiny Elliot said.