Television
March 27, 2002
The WB’s Drama “Dawson’s Creek” Paddles Its Way To Its 100th Episode
(March 27, 2002 – Burbank, CA) — “DAWSON’S CREEK” celebrates its landmark 100th episode on April 17, 2002 (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET) with a fun-filled Spring Break episode on The WB.
Debuting in January of 1998, “DAWSON’S CREEK” premiered as the top-rated show in The WB’s history and instantly became a pop culture phenomenon, putting the new network on the map and branding it as the destination for teens and young adults. The young stars, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and Kerr Smith have graced dozens of magazine covers including TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly, GQ, Jane, Seventeen, Teen People and Flaunt magazine.
"The moment ‘DAWSON’S CREEK’ premiered, we knew we had something special, creating a world of wish-fulfillment and empowerment for teens and adults,” said Jordan Levin, President, Entertainment at The WB. “The show continues to grow and define a generation as well as a television genre."
Most of the young cast of “DAWSON’S CREEK” launched their careers on the show and have translated their success into feature film stardom. Van Der Beek starred in the box-office hit “Varsity Blues” and can next be seen in Roger Avary’s “Rules of Attraction.” Holmes parlayed her talent to the big screen starring opposite Michael Douglas in “Wonder Boys” and Cate Blanchett in “The Gift.” Williams received rave reviews for her performance in HBO’s saga of the lesbian experience in America, “If These Walls Could Talk II” and starred opposite Kirsten Dunst in “Dick.” Jackson appeared in the television adaptation of the acclaimed play “The Laramie Project” for HBO and can next be seen in the upcoming independent feature “The Safety of Objects” opposite Glenn Close. Smith hid from “death” in the box office hit “Final Destination.”
The show won the 2000 GLAAD Award for “Outstanding Drama Series” for its honest portrayal of a teenage boy (Smith) coming to terms with his sexuality. The series also won the Teen Choice Award for Best Drama in 2000. Van Der Beek, Holmes and Jackson have also received Teen Choice nominations for their roles in the show over the last few years.
The 100th episode is full of surprises as Joey’s (Holmes) icy demeanor melts when Charlie (Chad Michael Murray) follows her to Florida where she is enjoying Spring Break with the gang, and she spends the night with him unaware that Dawson (Van Der Beek) is on his way to tell her that he loves her. Things heat up even more when Audrey’s (Busy Philipps) first love, Chris (guest star Chris Hartford, MTV veejay), shows up and comes between her and a jealous Pacey (Jackson).
Filmed on location in Wilmington, Durham and Raleigh, North Carolina, “DAWSON’S CREEK” was created by Kevin Williamson and is executive produced by Paul Stupin, Tom Kapinos and Greg Prange for Columbia TriStar Television. # # #