The WB To Air The Pilot Episode Of “Dawson’s Creek”

(March 10, 2003 – Burbank, CA) – As The WB’s groundbreaking drama “DAWSON’S CREEK” winds its way to a two-hour series finale on Wednesday, May 14 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET), the network will treat viewers to an encore performance of the controversial pilot episode on Wednesday, March 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET). The highly anticipated 1998 premiere of “DAWSON’S CREEK” was a milestone for The WB. The program posted an exceptional 2.6/6 among adults 18-49, and was particularly strong among women 18-34 (3.7/9) and women 18-49 (3.3/8). The best-ever performance on the young network at that time, the episode attracted a huge teen audience (7.5/22), # 1 in the time period, and reigned supreme among female teens, leading the night with an 11.3/35. This strong female teen rating outperformed that week’s Wednesday teen duo of “Beverly Hills, 90210” (11.1/31) and “Party of Five” (9.3/28) on FOX. The first episode was written by series creator Kevin Williamson and begins with the sophomore year of high school for Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) and his best friend, Josephine “Joey” Potter (Katie Holmes), who are struggling with the knowledge that their lifelong friendship is about to change. Adding to Joey’s confusing emotions is the arrival of the radiant Jennifer Lindley (Michelle Williams), who appears to be “the girl next door,” but harbors a dark secret that gives her an air of mystery. Rounding out the clique is Pacey Whitter (Joshua Jackson), whose gift for sarcasm is topped only by a knack for stumbling awkwardly into adult situations. The series finale, which is being written by Williamson and series co-producer Maggie Friedman, will focus on the show’s original core cast and will flash forward to the years following college graduation and a memorable event which reunites them all in Capeside. Filmed on location in Wilmington, North Carolina, “DAWSON’S CREEK” is executive produced by Paul Stupin, Tom Kapinos and Greg Prange for Sony Pictures Television. # # #