
Dawson's Creek
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Dawson Leery, Joey Potter, and Pacey Witter are life long friends, whose lives start to rapidly change when a new girl, Jen Lindley, moves in next door to Dawson and the foursome start high school. Chronicling the passage from adolescence to young adulthood, they are joined by two other newcomers to Capeside: brother and sister Jack and Andie McPhee and, when they go to college, by Audrey Liddell. Set in the fictional town of Capeside, MA., Dawson's Creek is the coming of age story of a close knit group of friends on the verge of adulthood.
Highest-rated episodes all ranked
- 01
CastawaysAfter agreeing to pose as Pacey's sister at a business party, Joey demands to be taken home. When Pacey makes a quick stop at a local K-Mart they are accidentally locked inside the store. They're forced to spend the night there and talk about their friendship and relationship, both past and future. After the night is over they are both left to ponder what the future has in store for them. - 02
DetentionIn what is said to be one of the best episodes, the gang, after committing various violations at school, gets stuck together for an 8 hour Saturday detention, where Dawson and Pacey turn against each another; and Joey offers a tearful partial explanation for her anger toward Jen. - 03
ReunitedDawson and Joey's romantic dinner is ruined by the presence of his parents; Pacey suspects Andie of being unfaithful to him.
Castfull cast & details
Episodes by season
Season01Best season
- S01E01
PilotJanuary 20, 1998Film buff / Steven Spielberg obsessive Dawson Leery finds his best friend Joey, growing jealous of his attraction to a newly arrived neighbo - S01E02
DanceJanuary 27, 1998Dawson has his own taste of jealousy , as Jen accepts an invitation to a Capeside dance from Cliff ,the school Quarterback. Joey tells Mrs.L - S01E03
KissFebruary 3, 1998Dawson tries to manufacture the perfect romantic kiss with Jen. This while he tries to stay in the background ,working on the film class's m - S01E04
DiscoveryFebruary 10, 1998Dawson finds out about his mothers affair, then discovers Joey knew about it. He then turns to Jen, but soon regrets doing so after she tell - S01E05
HurricaneFebruary 17, 1998As a major hurricane moves inland towards Capeside, everyone takes refuge at the Leery House.With tensions already high, the flames are fann - S01E06
BabyFebruary 24, 1998Capeside is abuzz with rumors of a teacher's indiscretion, rumors that prove fateful for Pacey and Tamera. Meanwhile, Joey and Jen get a lif - S01E07
Season's bestDetentionMarch 3, 1998In what is said to be one of the best episodes, the gang, after committing various violations at school, gets stuck together for an 8 hour S - S01E08
BoyfriendMarch 10, 1998Jen is surprised by a visit from Billy, an ex from her NYC days.That leaves Dawson wondering exactly where he stands with her.Joey has a few - S01E09
RoadtripMarch 17, 1998Looking to cause trouble, Billy takes Dawson and Pacey on a boys night out. As Dawson tries to put Jen to one side, he meets another woman. - S01E10
Double DateApril 28, 1998In an unlikely move to prove they can still remain friends Dawson and an unwitting sidekick go on a double date with Jen and Cliff. While wo - S01E11
The ScareMay 5, 1998Friday the 13th is a traditional time for Dawson to try to scare the life out of his friends and this year he plans a seance.News reports of - S01E12
Beauty ContestMay 12, 1998Joey and Pacey enter a beauty competition; Jen regrets her breakup with Dawson. - S01E13
DecisionsMay 19, 1998Joey debates leaving for France to study for a semester. Then goes to see her father in prison. This makes Dawson finally act on his feeling
Season02
- S02E01
The KissOctober 7, 1998Dawson and Joey have kissed....so what's next? Jen finds herself on the edge of this blossoming romance, and doesn't like it.Pacey meets and - S02E02
CrossroadsOctober 14, 1998An entry in Joey's journal leaves Dawson fretting so much, he completly forgets Pacey's 16th Birthday and their plans. Jen encouraged by Abb - S02E03
Alternative LifestylesOctober 21, 1998An economics class project sets Dawson and Jen as a married couple, Pacey and Andie as husband/wife and Joey as a single parent.Jen uses thi - S02E04
Tamara's ReturnOctober 28, 1998Tamara Jacobs, the teacher Pacey had a liason from last year returns to Capeside they have an awkward reunion of sorts. At the same time And - S02E05
Full Moon RisingNovember 4, 1998As a full moon hits Capeside, everyone begins to act a little off.Pacey is concerned when he sees Andie's homelife:Dawson becomes affected b - S02E06
The DanceNovember 11, 1998At the Homecoming Dance, Dawson witnesses a moment between Joey and Jack and hears about their kiss.This seemingly leads to the end of their - S02E07
The All-NighterNovember 18, 1998With an important English test around the corner, the group gather for an all night study session at wealthy and on the make Chris Wolfe's h - S02E08
The Reluctant HeroNovember 25, 1998Pacey steps up for Andie when her mother has a psychotic break in a public place.While Joey goes on a kind of date with Jack, Dawson joins J - S02E09
The ElectionDecember 16, 1998Andie runs for student council and enlists Pacey and Joey's help.What she hasn't planned for is rival Abby who as a campaign tactic, exposes - S02E10
High Risk BehaviorJanuary 13, 1999Sitting through auditions for Dawson's next movie prompts a conversation between Jen and Dawson that could change the nature of their curren - S02E11
Sex, She WroteJanuary 20, 1999Chris and Abby find an anonymous note on the classroom floor suggesting the writer and the receiver had sex the night before.Staying true to - S02E12
Uncharted WatersJanuary 27, 1999Dawson and Mitch go on a father-son fishing trip with Pacey and his critical, alcholic father Sheriff John Witter, whose favorite pastime se - S02E13
His Leading LadyFebruary 3, 1999As Dawson films his new movie, memories are rehashed.Especially when the actress portraying Joey, Devon takes things a little too far in obs - S02E14
To Be or Not to Be...February 10, 1999Jack is forced to read his poem out loud for an English assignment.However the nature of the work, leaves the Capeside gossip mill working o - S02E15
...That Is the QuestionFebruary 17, 1999An unexpected visit from their estranged father makes Andie happy, but forces Jack to confront his own feelings, his father's attitude towar - S02E16
Be Careful What You Wish ForMarch 3, 1999Prompted by the advice of Andie's thereapist , she and Dawson ,on his sixteenth bithday have a night of underage drinking and blues.At the L - S02E17
Psychic FriendsMarch 10, 1999Dawson tries to get a professor's opinion on his movie, and Joey seeks to date someone who is actually interested in Jack. - S02E18
A Perfect WeddingApril 28, 1999A Capeside wedding forces Joey to confront his family's reputation. - S02E19
Abby Morgan, Rest in PeaceMay 5, 1999Abby drowns, forcing Joey to face the death of his mother and causing Jen to lose faith in everything. - S02E20
Season's bestReunitedMay 12, 1999Dawson and Joey's romantic dinner is ruined by the presence of his parents; Pacey suspects Andie of being unfaithful to him. - S02E21
Ch... Ch... Ch... ChangesMay 19, 1999Dawson looks for a subject for the end of his film class, and Andie and Jack's father insists on taking them from Capes. - S02E22
Parental Discretion AdvisedMay 26, 1999Dawson fights Mr. Potter's drug trade, and Pacey confronts her father.
Season03
- S03E01
Like a VirginSeptember 29, 1999—After being away all summer, Dawson returns to face a decision about Joey; Jen uses cheerleading tryouts to teach someone a lesson. - S03E02
HomecomingOctober 6, 1999—Dawson's first sexual encounter with Eve causes a great surprise; Pacey discovers that Andie was unfaithful to him. - S03E03
None of the AboveOctober 13, 1999—Dawson is faced with an ethical dilemma when Eve gives him a copy of a major college entrance exam. - S03E04
Home MoviesOctober 20, 1999—Dawson's documentary about Jack, a gay soccer star from Capeside. - S03E05
Indian SummerOctober 27, 1999—Dawson tries to unravel the mystery surrounding Eve, and Joey's boss begins to take an interest in Andie. - S03E06
Secrets and LiesNovember 10, 1999—Jen hosts a tea for the former Capeside Prom Queens; Andie tries to get Pacey back. - S03E07
Escape from Witch IslandNovember 17, 1999—Dawson summons his friends to make a documentary about a local witch legend. - S03E08
Guess Who's Coming to DinnerNovember 24, 1999—Jen's mother arrives unexpectedly for Thanksgiving. - S03E09
Four to TangoDecember 1, 1999—Dawson is suspicious of Pacey's awkward behavior and misconstrues his actions when he learns Pacey has been spending time with Joey. Meanwhi - S03E10
First Encounters of the Close KindDecember 15, 1999—In Boston, where Dawson participates in a film festival, Andie and Joey visit the university campus while Jack explores the gay scene in the - S03E11
Barefoot at CapefestJanuary 12, 2000—Jack seeks his first gay experience; Dawson discovers that a rival is sympathetic to his parents' divorce. - S03E12
A Weekend in the CountryJanuary 19, 2000—They all organize to make a good impression after Pacey arranged for an influential travel writer to visit the Potter sisters' inn. - S03E13
Northern LightsJanuary 26, 2000—Pacey's stage fright threatens to ruin the opening night of the school play; Joey agrees to date a college student. - S03E14
Valentine's Day MassacreFebruary 2, 2000—Pacey convinces Dawson and his friends to attend a crazy Valentine's Day party. - S03E15
Crime and PunishmentFebruary 9, 2000—Pacey seeks revenge after a vandalism attack on the mural Joey made at school; Andie's guilt for being unfaithful intensifies after learning - S03E16
To Green, with LoveFebruary 16, 2000—Joey organizes his friends and family to support the battered principal at Capeside High School. - S03E17
Cinderella StoryMarch 1, 2000—Joey learns that there is someone else in A.J.'s life, Dawson tries to help his mother open the new restaurant. - S03E18
NeverlandApril 5, 2000—As Pacey prepares to tell Dawson about her feelings for Joey, she tries to avoid another kiss. - S03E19
Stolen KissesApril 26, 2000—A spring break trip to see Dawson's aunt brings Pacey and Joey even closer; Andie falls in love with Pacey's old friend, while Jen becomes j - S03E20
The Longest DayMay 3, 2000—Joey and Pacey break the news to Dawson. - S03E21
Show Me LoveMay 10, 2000—Dawson and Pacey use a regatta to wage war for Joey's affection. - S03E22
The Anti-PromMay 17, 2000—Dawson organizes an alternative prom. - S03E23
True LoveMay 24, 2000—Dawson realizes that he is the one who stands in the way of Joey's happiness; Grandma insists that Jen and Jack repair their love lives befo
Season04
- S04E01
Coming HomeOctober 4, 2000—There is uncertainty in the air when Pacey and Joey return to Capeside after their journey that lasted all summer. - S04E02
Failing DownOctober 11, 2000—Joey is looking for a new job and gets one at the Yacht Club pretending to know a very affluent family. She is tricked by her boss's son, Dr - S04E03
Two Gentlemen of CapesideOctober 18, 2000—A hurricane that threatens Pacey and Jen forces Dawson and Joey to try to save their lives. - S04E04
Future TenseOctober 25, 2000—Everybody starts to think about their future, and how they are getting into college. Joey's concerned about Pacey not having grades good eno - S04E05
A Family WayNovember 1, 2000—Gail drops a bomb at Dawson saying that she might be pregnant. Joey seeks advice from Jen, now that she has the feeling sexual intimacy with - S04E06
Great XpectationsNovember 8, 2000—Andie gets accepted into Harvard in advance, but accomplishing what should be the biggest thing in her life doesn't exactly makes her happy. - S04E07
You Had Me at GoodbyeNovember 15, 2000—The opportunity to take some time off before going to college prompts Andie to try and get everyone together before she leaves. - S04E08
The Unusual SuspectsNovember 22, 2000—Dawson, Pacey and Jack are all prime suspects in the masterful senior prank against Principal Peskin, but after their interrogations reveal - S04E09
Kiss Kiss Bang BangNovember 29, 2000—Dawson asks Mr. Brooks' advice on becoming a director. Joey takes Pacey to a dinner hosted by an exclusive college. - S04E10
Self RelianceDecember 20, 2000—Joey can't find a moment alone to study or deal with her feelings. Dawson's collaboration with Brooks begins, rejuvenating his film making s - S04E11
The Tao of DawsonJanuary 10, 2001—Pacey tries to ruin Dawson's efforts to woo his sister; Drue's mischief will end with him and Joey locked in a closet. - S04E12
The Te of PaceyJanuary 17, 2001—Joey decides to help throw a surprise birthday party for Pacey with his mother, not knowing about Pacey's 'birthday curse'. The party goes h - S04E13
HopelessJanuary 31, 2001—Dawson is uncomfortable meeting Gretchen's friends; Joey and Pacey decide to help Drue out of an important date. - S04E14
A Winter's TaleFebruary 7, 2001—While his friends wrestle with sex during a ski trip last year, Dawson discovers that he was given power over Mr. Brooks's life. - S04E15
Four StoriesFebruary 14, 2001—As Pacey and Joey discuss their first sexual experience, Brooks's death clarifies Dawson and Gretchen's relationship; a psychologist pressur - S04E16
Mind GamesFebruary 28, 2001—The results of the Senior Polls have ramifications for Dawson, Joey, and Pacey, as the three try to ignore the tauntings of pollmaster Drue - S04E17
AdmissionsApril 11, 2001—Joey's enthusiasm for college is tarnished when he learns how much it will cost him. - S04E18
Eastern Standard TimeApril 18, 2001—School Kick Day sends Dawson and Gretchen on a trip to Maine; Jen takes Joey to New York to confront her father. - S04E19
LateApril 25, 2001—As Gale struggles with an overdue baby, Joey worries that she might be pregnant. - S04E20
PromicideMay 2, 2001—While fueling a couple of potential romances, Capeside's prom threatens the future of two more. - S04E21
Separation AnxietyMay 9, 2001—Gretchen's return to college forces Dawson to make an important decision; Jen resists when Grandma wants to sell the house to pay for colleg - S04E22
The GraduateMay 16, 2001—The Class of 2001 graduation brings friends and family together as you prepare to separate them. - S04E23
CodaMay 23, 2001—Accepted early to USC, Dawson finds his last night in Capeside has arrived much sooner than everyone had originally anticipated. While Dawso
Season05
- S05E01
The BostoniansOctober 10, 2001—Dawson is a freshman film student in Los Angeles, while Joey starts college at an Ivy League university in Boston. Instead of focusing on th - S05E02
The Lost WeekendOctober 17, 2001—Pacey gets a job at a bar and meets an attractive Hispanic waitress named Karen. Although Karen has a very non-friendly boyfriend, that does - S05E03
Capeside RevisitedOctober 24, 2001—Dawson is hit with tragedy after he heads home to Capeside to break the news to his parents that he is dropping out of USC to be with Joey, - S05E04
The Long GoodbyeOctober 31, 2001—Lifelong friends Dawson, Joey and Pacey put past grudges behind them in the wake of the tragic death of one of their fathers. Along with Jac - S05E05
Use Your DisillusionNovember 7, 2001—Dawson takes Joey up on her invitation for a weekend in Boston, but the two have reservations once there. Meanwhile, Jack is surprised when - S05E06
High AnxietyNovember 14, 2001—Dawson is having trouble with anxiety attacks since his father's death, so he tries to escape reality on a night of debauchery with Jack and - S05E07
Text, Lies and VideotapeNovember 21, 2001—Jen helps Dawson go to the shrink he ran away from last week. Dawson still thinks that the whole idea of sharing his thoughts with a complet - S05E08
Hotel New HampshireNovember 28, 2001—Dawson takes Jen on a road trip to a small film festival in New Hampshire where his documentary is being honored. The spotlight is intoxicat - S05E09
Four Scary StoriesDecember 12, 2001—After watching scary movies, Joey, Pacey and Jack talk about their creepiest experiences and urban legends. Joey shares her story of how she - S05E10
Appetite for DestructionDecember 19, 2001—Pacey offers to cook for the gang on their weekly dinner (an event they always plan on doing but always fail to). Jen and Dawson return earl - S05E11
Something WildJanuary 16, 2002—Joey and Audrey go to a nightclub to celebrate both Joey's grades and fall break. There, Audrey tries to convince Joey to have some real fun - S05E12
Sleeping ArrangementsJanuary 23, 2002—Dawson and Jen realize that living together is not as much fun as they hoped to be. Between ruined toothbrushes and bathroom overcrowding, t - S05E13
Something WilderJanuary 30, 2002—It's Dawson's first day in his new film school. Oliver (the somewhat obnoxious filmmaker Dawson met on the film festival) starts showing him - S05E14
Guerilla FilmmakingFebruary 6, 2002—Directing Oliver's movie is not an easy task. First, Dawson has to deal with Audrey's (who took the leading part) complaints about Oliver's - S05E15
Downtown CrossingFebruary 13, 2002—Joey is held up and forced to clean up her account by a street mugger, who is accidentally run over by a car just after mugging Joey. The me - S05E16
In a Lonely PlaceFebruary 20, 2002—Jen and Audrey are tempted to risk their new relationships with Dawson and Pacey after interviewing a couple of cute musicians. Meanwhile, P - S05E17
Highway to HellApril 3, 2002—Charlie asks Joey to sing with his band at a distant club, which requires Pacey to give them a ride. Pacey and Charlie hate each other, and - S05E18
Cigarette BurnsApril 10, 2002—Oliver tells Dawson he's arranged a screening for their movie, which is yet to be finished. Dawson freaks out, but Joey comforts him saying - S05E19
100 Light Years from HomeApril 17, 2002—It's Spring Break and the gang goes down to Miami to party! But not everything is a reason to celebrate. Audrey and Pacey go through their f - S05E20
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)April 24, 2002—Charlie's band lands a deal for a tour and Charlie asks Joey to go with him, but she doesn't want to leave college in the middle of the seme - S05E21
After HoursMay 1, 2002—Pacey's new boss proposes more professionalism in the workplace and promises to leave behind her attraction towards him, even offering Audre - S05E22
The AbbyMay 8, 2002—Pacey leads a revolt against Alex at Civilization. Dawson, Joey, and Audrey return to Capeside, leaving Audrey to wonder about their pasts. - S05E23
Swan SongMay 15, 2002—As summer approaches, everyone gets ready for various travels. Dawson prepares to head out for LA with Audrey, while Jack and Jen get ready
Season06
- S06E01
The Kids Are AlrightOctober 2, 2002—Dawson returns to Boston after working as an assistant director in Los Angeles over the summer and reunites with Joey who has spent a relati - S06E02
The Song Remains the SameOctober 2, 2002—Dawson & Joey's reunion leads to an evening of truth and intimacy, which is ruined when Dawson receives a phone call from another woman. - S06E03
The Importance of Not Being Too EarnestOctober 9, 2002—Joey accidentally sends an emotional email addressed to Dawson throughout the Worthington campus; Pacey's first week on the job gives him a - S06E04
Instant Karma!October 16, 2002—Dawson finds himself in an awkward situation when he is put between Joey and the intoxicated leading lady of his film. Audrey allows herself - S06E05
The ImpostorsOctober 23, 2002—Dawson's manages to 'get the girl' when a producer visits the "Wicked Dead" movie set to fire Natasha and close down production. Audrey is e - S06E06
Living Dead GirlOctober 30, 2002—When Dawson assists Todd in throwing a blow-out Halloween party, Todd and Natasha have Dawson believing he is seeing the ghost of a legendar - S06E07
Ego Tripping at the Gates of HellNovember 6, 2002—Audrey gets drunk before her band performs and worries her friends, especially CJ who suspects a deeper problem. Meanwhile, Eddie and Joey a - S06E08
SpiderwebsNovember 13, 2002—Dawson comes through with No Doubt concert tickets, but he and Natasha's first public date ends in a brush with the law. Joey and Eddie have - S06E09
Everything Put Together Falls ApartNovember 20, 2002—Natasha is drawn to a handsome new actor who arrives to the set. Meanwhile, Joey spends the night at Eddie's apartment but misses Professor - S06E10
Merry MayhemDecember 11, 2002—Dawson and Gail invite everyone back to Capeside for Christmas, but Dawson confronts Natasha about her one-night stand; Joey's happiness wit - S06E11
Day Out of DaysJanuary 15, 2003—Back in LA, Dawson is asked by the studio to direct re-shoots but is conflicted about being disloyal to his mentor. Meanwhile, Joey hasn't h - S06E12
All the Right MovesJanuary 22, 2003—Joey follows Eddie to his family home where they face up to their true emotions and the obstacles they must overcome to be together. Back in - S06E13
Rock BottomJanuary 29, 2003—Joey convinces Eddie to cross the country to take Audrey to rehab; Dawson discovers that directing in Hollywood will be more difficult than - S06E14
Clean and SoberFebruary 5, 2003—Pacey and Jack throw a party full of surprises; Visiting Audrey in rehab, Dawson first meets a filmmaking legend. - S06E15
Season's bestCastawaysFebruary 12, 2003After agreeing to pose as Pacey's sister at a business party, Joey demands to be taken home. When Pacey makes a quick stop at a local K-Mart - S06E16
That Was ThenMarch 26, 2003—Professor Hetson recruits Joey to babysit his daughter, Hayley; Dawson visits Capeside High; Pacey returns to Capeside after his father has - S06E17
Sex and ViolenceApril 2, 2003—Joey fills in as Joey's secretary; Dawson heads to L.A. to try and sell his teen movie idea. - S06E18
Love BitesApril 9, 2003—Joey is surprised by Eddie's return; Jen gets devastating news; Dawson asks Pacey to invest in his film. - S06E19
LovelinesApril 16, 2003—Audrey returns from rehab; Jen abruptly dumps C.J.; Eddie wonders why Joey won't sleep with him since they reconcile; The gang has their pro - S06E20
Catch-22April 23, 2003—Pacey's investment advice for Dawson's ends up costly Dawson his life savings; Jack and David reach a crossroads; Joey decides to take a lea - S06E21
Goodbye, Yellow Brick RoadApril 30, 2003—Pacey has to return to Capeside and inform Dawson that their investment in the stock market is gone; Jen's mother makes a visit to Boston wh - S06E22
Joey Potter and the Capeside RedemptionMay 7, 2003Joey rallies the group to help make Dawson's film; Pacey returns to live with his brother after losing his job. - S06E23
All Good Things...May 14, 2003After five years, the gang reconvenes in Capeside for Gail's wedding but one of them faces a health crisis. - S06E24
...Must Come to an EndMay 14, 2003The gang rallies around one of their own as they face a major health concern.
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