Despite it being over two decades since Dawson’s Creek aired its last episode, the urge to return to the scene of Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and Joey’s (Katie Holmes) first kiss may be stronger than ever. The former cast mates reconnected for Holmes’ new film trilogy — and the cast of Dawson’s Creek reunited in Fall 2025 in New York City. So if all this activity has you yearning for more, we hear you: The late ’90s teen drama — which follows a group of friends as they navigate romantic entanglements, family pressures, and dreams of their future — is now streaming on Netflix. 

The YA series was created by Kevin Williamson (Scream) and starred James Van Der Beek (Varsity Blues) as the titular Dawson, as well as Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, and Katie Holmes. All six seasons of the series — and it’s unforgettable theme song, “I Don’t Wanna Wait” by Paula Cole — make perfect weekend plans.

When will Dawson’s Creek be released?

Stream all six seasons now.

Who’s in the cast of Dawson’s Creek?

• James Van Der Beek (Varsity Blues) as Dawson Leery
• Joshua Jackson (Karate Kid: Legends, Fringe) as Pacey Whitter 
• Katie Holmes (Batman Begins) as Joey Potter
• Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain) as Jen Lindley
• Mary Beth Peil (Halston) as Evelyn Ryan
• Kerr Smith (Riverdale) as Jack McPhee
• Busy Phillips (Girls5eva) as Audrey Liddell 

What happens in Dawson’s Creek?

Dawson Leery (Van Der Beek) isn’t quite like any of the other boys he knows. The high school sophomore is a movie buff and aspiring director whose only dream is to become the next Spielberg. Dawson has two best friends, Pacey (Jackson) and Joey (Holmes), who fight like cats and dogs. Considering that Pacey is a wry, witty, and slightly aimless teen boy who loves nothing more than to get under a pretty girl’s skin, it makes sense that Joey, a sensitive artist from a poor family, would be his de facto target. 

Joey, on the other hand, harbors a secret crush on her childhood friend Dawson, and only tolerates Pacey for him. And besides, in the small coastal town of Capeside, there’s rarely anything better to do than help Dawson make his latest movie, so the unlikely trio are always together. Their slow, sleepy lives get turned upside down when a new girl, Jen (played by five-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams in her breakout role) moves next door to Dawson, and he falls head over heels for her. 

Is Dawson’s Creek based on a book?

No, Dawson’s Creek is not based on a book. 

Is Dawson’s Creek based on a true story?

Dawson’s Creek is loosely inspired by Kevin Williamson’s own childhood; the character of Dawson famously mirrors who Williamson was in high school: a film nerd obsessed with Steven Spielberg. 

Where does Dawson’s Creek take place?

Dawson’s Creek is set in the fictional Massachusetts costal town of Capeside and was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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