From the creator of such hit films as the Scream trilogy and I Know
What You Did Last Summer, Dawson's Creek is a coming-of-age drama
that tells the poignant stories of four teenagers growing up in our rapidly
changing world. Dawson's Creek focuses on the relationships of these four
15-year-olds and their lives growing up in Capeside, a small coastal town
in Massachusetts. The title refers to the character of "Dawson," who faces many challenges during the series, one of which is his friendship with lifelong buddy Joey Potter. Since they were children, the two have always been close, until Joey starts to realize that she's having feelings for Dawson that go beyond those she knew as a child. Then there's Dawson's best friend, Pacey, whose schoolboy lust for his sultry English teacher goes from vivid fantasy to awkward reality overnight. To complete the cast, Jennifer moves to Dawson's Creek from New York, and brings along many of the troubles that induced her parents to send her away in the first place.
Dawson's Creek was conceived, developed and written by Kevin Williamson, who decided to loosely base the series on his own childhood. Dawson Leery is partly a reflection of Williamson's own childhood and the setting of Capeside mirrors Williamson's hometown of Southport, North Carolina. Pre-screenings of the show have produced rave reviews by critics, while the show's direct (and at many times shocking) attitude toward sex has also produced some criticism as well:
"I think we're trying to be honest and tasteful," says executive producer Paul Stupin, who helped develop Beverly Hills, 90210 and recruited Williamson after he saw Scream.
Williamson believes that teenagers in the 90s, which are exposed to an incredible amount of violence, sex, drugs, and questionable role models, are growing up fast and can handle the nature of the show.
As it presents a very honest portrayal of the painful experiences of the teenage years interspersed with incredible moments of pure exhilaration, fun and joy, Dawson's Creek provides a fresh and gripping approach to the vast and diverse universal emotions associated with growing up. Never underestimating the 15 year-old mind, the series deals with sensitive issues that reflect the concerns of four characters striving for self-awareness while afraid of losing something special and not being able to find anything to replace it in the future.
The agony and ecstasy of sweaty palms, surviving puberty intact and figuring out life in general are just some of the themes that surround the central characters of Dawson's Creek. During a time when friends and family have an enormous impact on their lives and future, the four worry about where they’re heading and what they'll be when they grown up. Afraid of doing something stupid, or making mistakes that have lifelong consequences, each of the four characters must learn to deal with the other gender, their own sexuality as well as the question of whether or not to engage in sex, and how those decisions impact their long-term friendships.
During the course of the series, the relationships between the show's adult characters are also explored, including Dawson's overly affectionate parents whose insatiable passion belies the instability of their relationship. Jen's conservative grandmother sees fault with many of the people around her and freely shares her unbending opinions. Utilizing a compelling array of contemporary music, Dawson's Creek also addressed topical issues that set off lively debates among the characters and will, it is hoped, do the same among viewers.
Shot on location in Wilmington, NC, Dawson's Creek is full of pieces of Williamson's life -- what he thought about as he lay in bed at midnight many years ago, what he wishes he'd said in certain situations or how he wishes things had gone as opposed to what really happened -- inspiring and intimate portrayals of some of life's most precious firsts. The first kiss, the first love, the first heartbreak. Whether you're anticipating these special moments, living through them, or fondly reminiscing about them, Dawson's Creek offers something very special to a wide variety of television audiences.
