Why you should watch Dawson’s Creek on Netflix

Here’s why you should stream Dawson’s Creek on Netflix

Although some of the most popular and fan-favorite shows have been disappearing from Netflix, we’re about to gain a tried-and-true classic. The WB’s generation-defining hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek starts streaming on Netflix at the top of November, ready to give us a welcome rush of nostalgia.

If you’re on the fence about returning to Capeside, Massachusetts for a binge-watch over 20 years later, or you’re a modern teen with tastes that lean a little more Riverdale, don’t worry. The absence of the iconic original Dawson’s Creek theme song might take the wind out of your sails, but it’s never a bad time to indulge in an oldie but goodie.

Dawson’s Creek follows the highs and lows of a group of four high school students in the small town of Capeside. In the beginning of the series, lifelong best friends Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) and Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) avoid the obvious romantic tension between them as the arrival of new girl Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) shakes up their dynamic.

Of course, the series would later become known for creating one of the greatest love triangles on television as Joey’s budding romance with Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) came in between her connection with Dawson. Just being able to relive, or witness for the first time, these love stories play out in such careful detail is one of the joys of streaming this classic on Netflix.

What makes Dawson’s Creek a must-watch?

When it comes down to it, Dawson’s Creek truly ranks as one of the most beloved coming-of-age stories to ever grace TV screens. More so than any other teen drama at the time, the series spoke to and for teenagers with an intelligence that was often hard to come by on television. These characters were smart, in spite of some of their more questionable adolescent actions.

Beyond taking teens seriously (sometimes too seriously, but that’s why we love it, right?), Dawson’s Creek was also unafraid to take storytelling risks. Some of the show’s best episodes are its horror-tinged one-offs, like season 1’s “The Scare” and season 5’s “Four Scary Stories.” Bottle episodes also allowed for further character exploration, whether Joey was getting mugged in “Downtown Crossing” or she and Pacey were trapped overnight at K-Mart in “Castaways.”

Plainly, Dawson’s Creek carved a new space for character-driven teen dramas without losing out on keeping eyeballs glued each week with flourishes of the obligatory melodrama and shocking events. There’s a reason the series lives on in the hearts of many all these years later, and it all comes down to its charming warmth and the four central stars we still love today.

Here’s one appreciated escape to a time and place that feels safe, like visiting old friends in your hometown to catch up. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a show better suited for a binge-watch in the fall season, and you don’t want to wait for the nostalgia to be over (wink). Will you be watching the teen drama classic on Netflix? Share your Capeside thoughts and memories in the comments!

All six seasons of Dawson’s Creek are now available to stream on Netflix.