In a heartwarming blast from the past, Dawson’s Creek stars Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are reuniting for Happy Hours, a trilogy of romantic dramedy films set to begin filming in New York City in July 2025. The announcement, made on July 21, 2025, has sent fans into a frenzy, reigniting nostalgia for the iconic teen drama that aired from 1998 to 2003. Holmes, who is writing, directing, and starring in the project, will join Jackson in portraying former lovers who reconnect years later, rekindling their romance while navigating the complexities of careers, family, and personal dreams. The real-life exes, who dated briefly during the early seasons of Dawson’s Creek, bring a unique authenticity to their roles, fueling speculation about their onscreen chemistry and offscreen bond. This article delves into the details of Happy Hours, the significance of their reunion, fan reactions, and the challenges of reviving their beloved dynamic, drawing on recent reports and social media buzz.

A Nostalgic Reunion: From Dawson’s Creek to Happy Hours

Dawson’s Creek, created by Kevin Williamson, was a cultural phenomenon, following the lives of teens in the fictional Capeside, Massachusetts, with Joey Potter (Holmes) and Pacey Witter (Jackson) as the fan-favorite couple whose onscreen romance captivated audiences. The pair’s real-life relationship, which began in 1998 and ended amicably in 1999, added authenticity to their chemistry, with Holmes telling Rolling Stone in 1998, “I fell in love, I had my first love, and it was something so incredible and indescribable… He’s now one of my best friends.” Their enduring friendship, highlighted by Jackson’s April 2025 comments on the Dinner’s on Me podcast that he remains “very close” with Holmes, sets the stage for their collaboration on Happy Hours.

Announced on July 21, 2025, via Holmes’s Instagram, Happy Hours is described as a “character-driven dramedy” about two people—played by Holmes and Jackson—who reconnect as adults, balancing love, careers, and family responsibilities. Holmes gushed, “Working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship. Happy Hours is a love story that includes so many people I adore.” The trilogy, with production on the first film underway in New York and the second and third to follow, promises an emotional journey of “shared joys, loss, and hope,” per Deadline. The story’s premise, likened to the Before Sunrise trilogy for its focus on evolving relationships, resonates with millennials craving mature romance narratives.

The Plot and Cast: A Modern Love Story

Happy Hours follows the characters of Holmes and Jackson, former sweethearts who cross paths years later, rekindling their connection while facing life’s challenges. The synopsis, reported by Vanity Fair, highlights their struggle to balance careers, family duties, and personal dreams, with flashbacks featuring younger versions of their characters, played by Johnna Dias-Watson and Jack Martin. The inclusion of a baby stroller in set photos suggests their characters may have a child, adding a layer of familial complexity. The trilogy’s emotional depth, described as exploring “love, regret, and responsibility,” aims to connect with audiences navigating similar adult milestones.

The cast is bolstered by a stellar ensemble, including Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds), Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat), Joe Tippett (The Morning Show), John McGinty, Donald Webber Jr., and Nathan Darrow. Parker, known for her nuanced performances, and Wu, bringing comedic flair, enhance the dramedy’s appeal, while Dias-Watson and Martin’s flashback roles evoke the youthful energy of Dawson’s Creek. Holmes, directing her fourth feature after All We Had (2016), Alone Together (2022), and Rare Objects (2023), brings an indie sensibility to the project, blending intimate storytelling with mainstream appeal. Jackson, fresh off the canceled Doctor Odyssey and Karate Kid: Legends, adds his seasoned charisma, promising a dynamic reunion.

Set photos from July 21, 2025, in New York City show Holmes and Jackson laughing and conversing, with moments like Jackson kissing Holmes’s forehead and Holmes resting her head on his shoulder, echoing their Dawson’s Creek chemistry. Filming in locations like Washington Square Park, with Holmes in a pink flannel and Jackson in a green jacket, captures a casual yet intimate vibe, fueling fan excitement.

Fan Reaction: A Millennial Dream Come True

The announcement has electrified Dawson’s Creek fans, particularly elder millennials who see Holmes and Jackson’s reunion as a nostalgic triumph. On X, @paceysjens tweeted, “Three whole movies of this… the banter… the chemistry… I’ve never won this much in my life,” while @bestrongerxox declared, “Real television is back!” TVLine reported fans “freaking out,” with comments like “Joey and Pacey forever” and calls for a “Pacey’s Creek” reboot. Former co-stars joined the hype, with Busy Philipps commenting, “We are seated,” and Sasha Alexander adding, “Love this!!! Can’t wait!!” The viral response, with hashtags like #HappyHours trending, underscores the enduring love for Joey and Pacey’s romance.

However, some fans are cautious. A TVLine commenter noted, “I like Joey and Dawson… I don’t think [Holmes] has gotten better since then,” citing mixed reviews of her directorial efforts like Rare Objects. The trilogy’s ambitious scope—three films shot back-to-back—raises concerns about maintaining quality, especially given Holmes’s dual role as star and director. Despite this, the promise of seeing Holmes and Jackson’s chemistry, described by Star as “very obvious and natural,” has fans optimistic.

The Significance of Their Reunion

Holmes and Jackson’s collaboration is more than a nostalgic gimmick; it’s a testament to their enduring bond. Holmes’s Instagram post emphasized their friendship, stating, “I am so very grateful to be working again with so many of my wonderful friends.” Their real-life history—dating briefly in 1998–1999 and remaining close friends—adds authenticity to their roles as exes reconnecting. Holmes’s 1998 Rolling Stone quote, “He’s been in the business so long, and he’s really helped me,” reflects Jackson’s early mentorship, which likely informs their professional ease today.

The project also marks a career milestone for Holmes, who has transitioned from teen idol to multifaceted filmmaker. Her directorial work, praised for its intimacy in Alone Together, showcases her growth, though some fans remain skeptical of her ability to helm a trilogy. Jackson, whose recent roles in Fringe and The Affair highlight his versatility, brings a grounded presence, making their pairing a draw for both Dawson’s Creek fans and new audiences. The trilogy’s focus on mature themes resonates with millennials, as CBC News noted, addressing a generation “craving representation” in their 30s and 40s.

Challenges and Expectations

Reviving the Joey-Pacey magic carries risks. The original Dawson’s Creek thrived on youthful angst, and Happy Hours must adapt this dynamic to adult characters without feeling like a reboot. The trilogy’s comparison to Before Sunrise suggests a reflective tone, but it risks alienating fans expecting the original’s soapy drama. Holmes’s dual role as director and star could strain the project, as some fans criticized her earlier films for uneven execution. Additionally, the lack of a confirmed release date—though filming suggests a potential 2026 premiere—creates uncertainty, per Swooon.

Romantic rumors, fueled by set photos of Holmes and Jackson’s affection, have been debunked by Entertainment Tonight, with a source clarifying, “Rekindling a romantic relationship is not likely. They are just friends.” This dispels speculation but highlights the public’s investment in their chemistry, which the films must deliver. The ensemble cast and Holmes’s indie sensibility aim to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling, appealing to a broad audience.

Cultural and Commercial Impact

Happy Hours taps into a wave of Y2K nostalgia, following successes like Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, which targets millennials with mature romances. The trilogy’s New York setting, emotional depth, and star power position it as a potential hit, with Us Weekly noting that set photos have fans “in a chokehold.” Whether released in theaters or on a streaming platform, the films are likely to draw viewers eager for Holmes and Jackson’s reunion, especially with no Dawson’s Creek reboot planned.

Conclusion

Happy Hours is a dream come true for Dawson’s Creek fans, reuniting Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson as onscreen lovers in a trilogy that explores love, loss, and reconnection. Holmes’s role as writer, director, and star, alongside Jackson’s charismatic return, promises a blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling. With a stellar cast, including Mary-Louise Parker and Constance Wu, and production underway in New York, the films are poised to capture hearts in 2026. Despite challenges in meeting sky-high expectations, the duo’s enduring friendship and chemistry ensure Happy Hours will be a poignant celebration of second chances, proving that Joey and Pacey’s spark still shines.