AOne Tree Hillsequel is in the works on Netflix, and there are already a ton of updates about the return of the 2000s classic. Debuting in 2003 on The WB (later CW), the series originally concerned the lives of high-school-aged brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) in the fictional North Carolina town of Tree Hill. However, as the series continued throughout its nine-season run, other characters began to take focus, and the story matured. Though one of many teen dramas in the Aughts,One Tree Hillhas managed to stand the test of time.
Hopes of a revival have been high since the series went off the air in 2012, and like many of its long-running contemporaries,the final few seasons ofOne Tree Hillwere lackluster. Behind-the-scenes controversies involving show creator Mark Schwahn’s sexual harassment accusations further clouded the show’s reputation, and a sequel has the chance to fix past mistakes. Now, Netflix has thrown their hat in the ring and plans to revive the popular teen drama in a new era. Instead of simply remaking the show, the streamer is continuing the story ofOne Tree Hill.
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I’m Shocked That Netflix’s One Tree Hill Sequel Show Is Returning Without Confirming This Major Character
Netflix’s One Tree Hill sequel show has only confirmed two returning main characters, with an important cast member’s involvement looking unlikely.
The One Tree Hill Sequel Latest News
A Development Update From One Of The Stars
Burton emphasized that the sequel is aimed at fans of the original as well as newcomers who aren’t familiar with the Aughts classic.
With work still plugging away behind-the-scenes, the latest news comes in the form ofa development update on theOne Tree Hillsequel. Original series star Hilarie Burton has returned to serve as one of the series' executive producers (alongside co-star Sophia Bush), and she praised the work done by showrunner Becky Hartman Edwards to bring the series back to life. Thoughshe was quick to stress that it hasn’t been green-lit yet, Burton emphasized that the sequel is aimed at fans of the original as well as newcomers who aren’t familiar with the Aughts classic.
Read Burton’s comments here:
We were very, very lucky that we got a showrunner, Becky Hartman Edwards, who is so experienced, and her ability to connect with her writers room, the people on set, all the actors, she is magical at that. So, we get to be hands off in that capacity and really be more on the business side of things. You know, “How are we going to go back to Wilmington, North Carolina, and have it feel like the good old days, but also be new and fresh for a brand new audience?” So, we’re in the very, very, very early stages. Nothing is greenlit at this point, but I know it’s being presented, and I believe in it, and I’m proud of it, and I love that family of people, so fingers crossed. If it goes, I think everyone will be in a really good place.
The One Tree Hill Sequel Is Confirmed (In Development)
Netflix Is Developing A Continuation
Hilarie Burton has long been a champion for theOne Tree Hillrevival, hinging most of her support on her desire to reframe the conversation after the original lacked proper female representation.
Several years after earnest calls for a sequel were put out by original stars Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton, it has been confirmed thatNetflix is developing aOne Tree Hillsequelseries.Bush and Burton are returning to reprise their roles as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer, respectively, and Becky Hartman Edwards will represent Warner Bros. as executive producer and writer. Jensen Ackles and Danneel Ackles will also serve as producers, with the latter in talks to reprise her role as Rachel Scott. Original starChad Michael Murray reportedly isn’t interested in returning as Lucas Scott.
One Tree Hillconcluded on August 18, 2025.
Hilarie Burton has long been a champion for theOne Tree Hillrevival, hinging most of her support on her desire to reframe the conversation after the original lacked proper female representation. In a post on her officialX(formerly Twitter) page in 2021, Burton said “Men telling the stories of girl sexuality is a red flag. I want a do-over with a girl boss.” This sentiment is particularly poignant considering Burton and several other female cast members' very public sexual harassmentaccusations against creator Mark Schwahn.
The One Tree Hill Sequel Cast
Two Original Stars Are Returning
Because the project is still in development, the fullcast of theOne Tree Hillsequel isn’t known. However, two original stars have signed on, and that suggests that more will also join in the near future. Championing the return from the beginning,Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton will return to reprise their roles as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer, respectively, while also serving as producers. Danneel Ackles is in talks to reprise her role as Rachel Scott, and with Ackles also producing, she’ll likely sign on. Early reports suggest that Chad Michael Murray won’t be back as Lucas Scott.
The One Tree Hill Sequel Story Details
20 Years After The Finale
With female voices finally being heard in the storytelling process,One Tree Hill’s sequel can be something more than a cynical nostalgia trip.
Though all the details are being kept under wraps, the upcomingOne Tree Hillsequel is said to take place 20 years after the events of the original series.Brooke and Peyton will be the focus as they remain close friends and attempt to raise teens through the same life challenges that they facedall those years before. As expected, the sequel will focus on the interpersonal struggles of adults and teens, but if Burton’s earlier comments are any indication, it will be more representative. With female voices finally being heard in the storytelling process,One Tree Hill’s sequel can be something more than a cynical nostalgia trip.
One Tree Hill
Cast
Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, One Tree Hill chronicles the complicated and intertwined lives of its residents. Following half-brothers and rivals Lucas and Nathan Scott as they compete both for positions on their school basketball team and for the affection of their fellow students, Tree Hill’s community is built around community spirit and the complex workings of the ever-growing Scott family.
