If you were a fan of teen dramas in the 2000s -- chances are, you wanted to be a Tree Hill Raven. One Tree Hill stole the hearts of viewers from the pilot episode. The angsty and perfectly dramatic episode had viewers picking a favorite Scott brother and sensing that all of the bonds and relationships shown would have several complicated layers.
As the episodes progressed, fans realized the heart of the series was far deeper than just picking Team Nathan or Team Lucas. As characters were introduced and their storylines interwoven and uncovered, it was easy to see yourself as a Peyton or a Skills. It was evident that the romances and friendships were similar to what fans were experiencing in their own lives.
It's easy to understand why the series was such a hit and why it continues to create a buzz with existing fans and new ones. Today, we're sharing with you some of the comments made by those who spent years portraying our favorite characters on One Tree Hill.
10 Sophia Bush Steered Brooke's Character Arc
Sophia Bush has spoken out about how important Brooke Davis is to her heart, and part of that is because of Sophia herself. She didn't buy into every direction given to her for Brooke's story - and because of that, a diverse and powerful character was born.
"One of the things I really wear like a badge of honor is that my bosses were like, 'It’s just so much easier to stop fighting with you about this, so we’re just going to start steering this woman in a direction that will make you call us less about how it’s inappropriate to behave this way.'"
9 Jana Kramer Recalls What Stopped Some Close Relationships From Being Formed
Jana Kramer isn't the first cast member who spoke out about conditions that made forming relationships hard. While Kramer didn't name anyone specifically, it's sad that it took years for some of their bonds to form -- in some cases, after the show had ended.
"When I was on the show ... there was just some, not cattiness, but just, 'You can't talk to this person if you're friends with this person.' So I wasn't very close to James because of certain situations on the set at the time."
8 Hilarie Burton-Morgan Would Be Up For A Do-Over With Girl Bosses
In a Tweet, Hilarie Burton shared that she'd be up for a do-over of the iconic series with girl bosses. Some cast members have spoken out about the hyper-focus of the sexualization of young female leads on the series.
Burton noted that an advocate would have made a difference and would go for a do-over with a girl boss.
7 Chad Michael Murray Considers Wilmington 'Home'
In an interview with People Magazine, Chad Michael Murray discussed Wilmington, North Carolina. The city was the backdrop for One Tree Hill, and the magic of the series is still contained in everything from the Riverwalk to the streets they frequently filmed on.
"It's just kind of like home," Murray says. Fans of One Tree Hill can agree. Murray joked about a Cheers kind of vibe in the city that he spent years growing up in.
6 Stephen Colletti Credits 'One Tree Hill' Fans For Continued Success
When Stephen Colletti and James Lafferty joined forces for their series Everyone Is Doing Great, they channeled the One Tree Hill fan base. Those who grew up watching the series were quick to latch on to a new project with two cast favorites. In fact, some even donated money for funding and traveled to screenings for episodes of the new show! Stephen Colletti had this to say to EW.
"We were lucky enough to sell out screenings for the first two episodes and most of those people were One Tree Hill fans, and we got really great feedback. We kind of realized maybe this One Tree Hill audience is growing up with us and maybe they're ready for this in the same way that we were ready to make this."
5 Sophia Bush On The Possibility Of A Reboot
Sophia Bush recently spoke on the topic of a One Tree Hill reboot, and while she didn't give anything away, she did say three words fans have been waiting to hear. The idea that the cast would be up for another shot at life in Tree Hill is more than enough. In an interview with ET's Katie Krause, Sophia Bush had this to say about a reboot.
"I mean, I can't spill all of our secrets, but I'd say never say never."
4 Chad Michael Murray Told Bethany Joy Lenz Big 'One Tree Hill' News
Bethany Joy Lenz talked with The Today Show about some of her earliest memories of One Tree Hill. From audition jitters to connecting with Chad Michael Murray as he told her that she got the part, the memories light up her face. "I was walking to my car and Chad raced out after me and he said 'Hey congratulations, this one's definitely yours.'"
Bethany also said that it didn't take too much to get into character, as far as being Haley goes, she used a lot of herself and what she knew to truly embrace who she was.
3 James Lafferty Talks His Wake Up Call After 'One Tree Hill's' Wrap
When discussing his new series with co-star Stephen Colleti, James Lafferty shared that their experiences with One Tree Hill ending helped them both channel their new characters.
“I can relate to where Jeremy (Lafferty's character) is in our show from my own experience, just coming off of One Tree Hill and just being so young on that show, and I guess, naive. I thought that when that show ended, things would be pretty easy for me, that it would be easy to work again in television. Coming out of One Tree Hill, I think it was a real reality check. It was a real wake-up call as to how incredibly competitive it is out there."
2 Hilarie Burton-Morgan On That Pete Wentz Storyline
One of Hilarie Burton-Morgan's storylines involved a certain Fall Out Boy member. Playing himself, Wentz had a three-episode stint on One Tree Hill where he had a "thing" with Burton-Morgan's, Peyton Sawyer.
Burton-Morgan recently spoke with People Magazine about Wentz being a good sport, regardless. "Poor Pete. Pete really thought he was just coming on the show to play like, a cool dude, and the next thing you know, it looks like he's having an affair with a high school girl."
1 Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, And Bethany Joy Lenz Are 'Nervous' To Rewatch The Series
During the first episode of the new hit podcast "Drama Queens," Hilarie Burton-Morgan, Sophia Bush, and Bethany Joy Lenz covered some of the bases of the beginning of their journey to Tree Hill. They also shared that it's been a while since they revisited the series. While the premise of seeing it all unfold again, and some of it for the first time, is exciting -- it's also a bit nerve-racking!
The trio mentioned everything from learning to act to some heavy moments and emotions going on behind-the-scenes as things they're sort of nervous to see play out, but they're doing it together!