The beloved show One Tree Hill, which originally aired from 2003 to 2012, is making a comeback with a sequel series currently in development at Netflix. This news has generated excitement among fans who have long cherished the program’s unique blend of drama, romance, and sports. Here’s an in-depth look at what we know about the upcoming series.
A Return to Tree Hill
Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, the original One Tree Hill series follows the lives of half-brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who navigate the complexities of family dynamics, friendship, and romance against the backdrop of high school basketball. Their relationship is initially strained, marked by rivalry and competition, particularly in basketball, which serves as a significant theme throughout the series.
As the series progresses, the brothers/ relationship evolves from animosity to a more supportive bond. Lucas and Nathan’s lives intertwine with a group of friends, including Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton), Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush), and Haley James (Bethany Joy Lenz), leading to intricate love triangles and deep friendships. The series explores various themes such as love, loss, ambition, and the trials of adolescence, often addressing serious issues like mental health, family struggles, and the impact of violence in schools.
While the exact plot details for the sequel series are still under wraps, it will likely bring back some of the original characters the fans have grown to love and introduce a new set of new and younger faces.
Netflix’s decision to develop a sequel to One Tree Hill comes as part of a broader trend of reviving and rebooting popular shows from the past, catering to nostalgic audiences and new viewers. The streaming giant has had success with similar projects, such as Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and Fuller House, and hopes to replicate that success with One Tree Hill.
Original Cast Members Returning
According to Variety, Bush and Burton would reprise their roles from the show in the sequel series with Ackles also in talks to return. As of this writing, it’s not yet clear if other stars from the original series will also come back for the new show.
A Focus on the Next Generation
While the official synopsis for the show has yet to be released, the sequel series will likely focus on the children of the original characters, introducing a new cast of young actors. These characters will navigate the challenges of growing up in the iconic town, facing their own unique set of problems and aspirations.
Who Are Behind the Sequel Series?
Sources told Variety that the original series stars Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Daneel Ackles are executive producing the sequel series. Ackles will exec produce under her Chaos Machine banner along with her husband, Jensen Ackles. Becky Hartman-Edwards of Firefly Lane and Parenthood fame is attached to write and executive produce. Warner Bros. Television, which produced the original series, would also produce the next chapter of the franchise.
Production and Release Date
Netflix has not yet announced a specific release date for the One Tree Hill sequel series. However, fans can expect to hear more about the project’s production timeline in the coming months.
Where to Watch the Original One Tree Hill
All nine seasons of the original One Tree Hill series are currently streaming on Hulu and Max in the United States.