Fans of One Tree Hill, rejoice! The long-rumored sequel series is inching closer to reality, and it’s packed with familiar faces and fresh drama. After years of speculation, it looks like the beloved show is getting a revival, with Netflix leading the charge. This exciting development has One Tree Hill fans buzzing with anticipation, especially since it’s been confirmed that original stars Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton will not only reprise their iconic roles but also serve as executive producers.
The sequel, which is currently in development, promises to bring back all the feels from the original series while introducing a new generation of characters. Bush and Burton, who portrayed best friends Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer, are set to return to the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, where they’ll navigate the trials and tribulations of parenthood. The series is being developed by writer and executive producer Becky Hartman Edwards in collaboration with Warner Bros. TV. Jensen Ackles and Danneel Ackles, known for their work through their Chaos Machine banner, are also on board as executive producers, with Danneel reportedly in talks to reprise her role as Rachel Scott. Additionally, Emily Moss Wilson has joined the project as a producer.
For those who might need a refresher, One Tree Hill first premiered in 2003 on The WB (later transitioning to The CW) and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show ran for nine seasons, drawing fans into the lives of its complex characters as they navigated high school, relationships, and the challenges of growing up. The series originally centered on half-brothers Lucas Scott (played by Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who were thrust into each other’s lives despite their tumultuous relationship. As the series progressed, the focus expanded to include the tight-knit group of friends in Tree Hill, with Brooke, Peyton, and Haley James Scott (Bethany Joy Lenz) becoming central figures in the storyline.
The sequel will explore how Brooke and Peyton have grown into their roles as mothers while facing new challenges. The show is expected to delve into themes that will feel familiar to longtime fans—love, insecurities, grief—while also offering fresh perspectives on modern-day parenting. Though details are still under wraps, it’s clear that the sequel will maintain the emotional depth and authenticity that made the original One Tree Hill so beloved.
While Bush and Burton are the only confirmed cast members so far, Deadline reports that informal conversations have taken place with other original cast members. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether more of the show’s original ensemble, including James Lafferty, Bethany Joy Lenz, Robert Buckley, and Austin Nichols, might return. However, it’s been reported that Chad Michael Murray, who played Lucas Scott for six seasons and made a guest appearance in the final season, has no plans to return for the sequel.
One notable absence from the project is One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn, who served as the showrunner for the original series. In 2017, several female cast and crew members, including Bush and Burton, accused Schwahn of sexual harassment, leading to his exclusion from the sequel. The new series, helmed by Bush and Burton, is seen as a reclamation of the show by the women who were once a part of it.
Bush and Burton’s involvement in the sequel is particularly significant given their continued connection to One Tree Hill through their podcast Drama Queens, which they co-host with Bethany Joy Lenz. The podcast, which is currently in its seventh season, has allowed fans to revisit the series alongside the stars, offering behind-the-scenes insights and interviews with guest stars. While Burton has recently stepped back from her podcast duties, Robert Buckley has taken over, ensuring that the One Tree Hill nostalgia continues to thrive.
As excitement builds for the One Tree Hill sequel, fans are eagerly awaiting more details and the official green light from Netflix. With Bush and Burton at the helm, this new chapter in Tree Hill’s story is sure to capture the hearts of both old and new fans alike. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s been with the show since the beginning or a newcomer ready to dive into the drama, the One Tree Hill sequel is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
