‘One Tree Hill’ Star Says Reboot Might Be Just Around the Corner

In the words of Gavin DeGraw, “I don’t want to be anywhere other than…” in front of my TV watching reruns of “One Tree Hill.” Let’s face it, fans of the show have been re-watching the series since it finally began streaming. So much so that several have been begging creators for a reboot, after so many movies and shows have been making a comeback.

It’s been over a decade since Tree Hill closed its doors, but that may be changing soon. Austin Nichols, AKA the ever-handsome Julian Baker, just gave fans the biggest update yet on the long-buzzed-about “One Tree Hill” reboot. While walking the carpet at the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” premiere, Nichols told People the project is “in a really good place.”

It’s Finally Happening!

“I don’t have all the answers,” he said, “but I know they’ve been working on it for a long time. They made a deal with Netflix, and they’re working on the scripts. Netflix has to approve some before giving the green light. I know there’s been some notes going back and forth, so it’s in a healthy place.”

“One Tree Hill,” which aired from 2003 to 2012 across nine drama-packed seasons, followed a group of teenagers, later adults, in a fictional North Carolina town. At its peak, the show helped define a generation, and thanks to streaming, like we said, it’s found a whole new audience.

“A whole new generation found it,” Nichols added. “It made us realize that it was something. I think we appreciate it more now because sometimes, when you’re on it, you don’t really know what you have.”

Sophia, Hilarie & the Plan to Reclaim Tree Hill

The first whispers of a reboot came in August 2024 when “OTH” legends Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan posted near-identical Instagram messages teasing their return as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer. Yes, the iconic fan-favorite duo will be back to cause more organized chaos.

“What if you really can go back home?” they wrote. “If there’s an opportunity to team with brilliant creatives and build a space where all our friends can show off their talents? Own our history? Reclaim our turf? Honor our fans? Sign us up.”

Since then, the project has gained serious momentum. Becky Hartman Edwards is penning the reboot with support from executive producers Jensen and Danneel Ackles (yes, Rachel Gatina is in the mix). Emily Moss Wilson is also on board as producer, and the show is headed to Netflix.

The reboot is reportedly set 20 years after the original finale. Brooke and Peyton are now mothers of teens, navigating modern-day parenting while facing old themes like grief, insecurities, and, of course, you guessed it, messy love.

Burton hinted at the show’s updated tone in an interview last fall, saying, “This go-around, being able to work with a team of women and look at these stories through a female lens is something that’s so vital to me.”

Who’s In, Who’s Out, & When’s It Coming?

As of now, there is no official word on a full cast list, but as we can see, Nichols seems game. Bush and Burton are locked in, and Ackles is reportedly open to reprising her role as Rachel. If you’re executive producing it, you might as well also come out, right?

Chad Michael Murray, who played Lucas Scott, hasn’t committed either way, telling Variety, “There’s been no conversations. But the fan base is infectious, and if this show does come to fruition, I’m excited for them to go through this journey.”

As for a release date? Well, don’t hold your breath just yet. Jensen Ackles recently told Collider, “Danneel, Sophia, and Hilarie are moving quickly. I’ve stepped back a bit, but I’m on the emails. I think everybody’s hoping to be to camera this year.”

In June, Nichols said scripts are still bouncing between creatives and Netflix. But, there is no confirmed shoot date as of yet. “I think it’s very close,” he said. “If they can get everybody happy, I think we’ll have some good news soon.”

Let’s Hope The Ravens Return Soon!

So…is Tree Hill really reopening its doors? All signs point to yes! But in classic “OTH” fashion, we’ll have to wait for the dramatic reveal.

Until then, catch all nine seasons on HBO Max or Hulu, and keep your playlists ready. Something tells us “I Don’t Want to Be” is about to hit your ears again. Because let’s be real, there’s only one Tree Hill. And it’s where everything’s better, and everything’s safe.

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