James Van Der Beek Shares Flashback Photo With Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams And Joshua Jackson To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Dawson’s Creek

When I was nine, I remember a couple of girls talking about Dawson’s Creek at school.

I remember it was a Wednesday night and I decided to check it out.

I recall everything about that evening. We had a television in the kitchen at that time.

I decided to keep my mom company as she made dinner and I watched the show.

The first episode I ever saw was ‘Rest In Peace Abby Morgan.’ It was half way through season two and a recurring character had just died.

But I was hooked.

Perhaps I was too young to watch it, but I loved how well rounded the characters were.

The show didn’t talk down to me and how every problem and insecurity I had Dawson’s had me covered.

To this day I am adamant the all the answers to life are found in seasons 1-6 of Dawson’s Creek.

If you haven’t guessed already Dawson’s Creek is my favorite TV show of all time. Twenty years ago last Saturday, the first episode of the hit teen drama aired. 

And in celebration of its anniversary, Dawson himself, James Van Der Beek, took to Instagram to reflect on the show’s milestone.

The now 40-year-old (what!) shared a throwback photo of himself along with cast mates Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams. 

‘The little pilot we shot in that small town for that fledgling network aired, changed our lives and launched our careers,’ Van Der Beek wrote.

‘Thank you to the Wilmington, North Carolina crew and community who raised us & kept us sane, thank you to the many talented writers and producers who gave of your hearts talents and put up with us.’

‘And thank you especially to the fans of the show.’

In the past it seems like James has had a love/hate relationship with the show.

He also admitted that he hasn’t watched most of the show.  

‘It’s a funny relationship we have… your experience of this project is what you saw on camera, while my memories are mostly what I experienced off of it,’ he said.

‘And yes, it’s true that I haven’t seen most episodes (it became healthier at a certain point to just commit 100% on the day and let it go completely.)’

‘But the beauty of this arrangement is that my impression of the show now is what you’ve all reflected back to me over the years… and it’s been lovely to witness.’

‘So thank you to anyone who’s ever expressed appreciation for the work we did – it makes me feel proud to be associated with these three fine people (and the rest of the cast.’

‘And proud to have been a part of #DawsonsCreek. This one will always have a special little place in my heart.’

Dawson’s Creek aired on The WB from January 1998 until May 2003. 

James is a married father of four, with a pilot, Pose, in the works.