Thoughts On The 20th Anniversary Of Dawson’s Creek

We all have those television shows from our teenage years. No matter how old we get, we are always reminded of that juncture in our lives when those television shows come on.

20 years ago tomorrow, the pilot of Dawson’s Creek premiered. Set in a fictional coastal New England town, the show is about four friends who are dealing with everything that comes with being a teenager.

Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is the movie buff/Steven Spielberg wannabe. His best friend, tomboy/girl next door Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) has been climbing up into Dawson’s bedroom and slipping into his bed since they were little. Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) is the new girl in town, shipped off from New York City to live with her grandmother.

This show was must see television when I was younger. I remember pilling into a friend’s dorm room in college every Wednesday at 8PM like clockwork. Created by Kevin Williamson, Dawson’s Creek was one of the hallmark shows of what was then known as the WB network. Created for the then teenage audience, the character arcs and narratives spoke to and spoke of what it is to be a teenager.  The show also paved the way for other teenage dramas that would dot the television schedule in later years.

I can’t believe it’s been twenty years. Perhaps it’s time for another viewing.

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Flashback Friday- Late 90’s Television Edition- Felicity (1998-2002), Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003) & Gilmore Girls (2000-2007

If you are of a certain age, then this post is for you.

In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, a new generation of television shows were on the air.  They spoke to the then young generation and set the standard for future teenage programs.

The first show I am going to discuss is Felicity (1998-2002).

Upon the eve of her high school graduation, Felicity Porter (Keri Russell), has one goal. To catch the eye of her crush, Ben (Scott Speedman). Feeling listless and unsure of her future, Felicity knows only one thing: Ben. Following him to the University of New York, she hopes that being in close quarters with Ben will force him to finally see her. But she does not know that a rash, youthful decision to follow a cute boy across the country will open her world to new opportunities.

I remember when this show premiered. It was different than many of the shows that were around at the time. Felicity was young and hopeful, but also smart and determined. She represented many women of my generation who were daring to strike out on their own for the first time, even if her initial reasons were Ben.

The second show I am going to discuss is Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003).

Adolescence is hard. But if you have friends, it’s just a little easier.

Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is a 15 year wannabe filmmaker. Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) is the girl next door and Dawson’s best friend. Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) is the bad boy. Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) is the new girl in town.

This show was the voice of a generation and at the time, was must see TV.  Wednesday night at 8, everything stopped when Dawson’s Creek was on.  Dawson was the every-man, going through the average teenage tsuris and dreaming of a career in Hollywood. Even now, the theme song brings on fond memories.

The third show I am going to talk about is Gilmore Girls (2000-2007).

In fictional Stars Hollow, Connecticut, single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) had her daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel) when she was a teenager. Now that Rory is growing up, their relationship is changing. They are a quirky mother and daughter duo who are both trying to get by the best way they can. Add in a semi rocky relationship with Lorelai’s traditional, wealthy parents, Richard and Emily (Edward Hermann and Kelly Bishop) and this show was again must see TV.

What drew audiences in was the quirky, yet somehow normal relationship between Lorelai and Rory.  What kept them coming back was how they were able to relate to the characters.

I recommend all three and by the way, writing this post makes me feel old.