In a twist that has millennials everywhere reaching for their nostalgia playlists, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are reuniting on screen for the first time in over two decades. The beloved stars of Dawson’s Creek, who captured hearts as the iconic couple Joey Potter and Pacey Witter, are set to co-lead Happy Hours, a steamy romantic dramedy trilogy written, directed, and starring Holmes herself. Announced in July 2025, this project isn’t just a nod to their shared past—it’s a full-fledged exploration of love, loss, and second chances, with Jackson playing Holmes’ on-screen love interest. As filming kicks off in New York City, fans are already buzzing about the chemistry that once defined a generation, now reignited in a story that’s all about love in its most mature, complicated form.

From the moment Dawson’s Creek premiered in 1998, Holmes and Jackson’s portrayal of Joey and Pacey became the stuff of teen drama legend. Their slow-burn romance, filled with witty banter, heartfelt confessions, and that unforgettable season-three finale kiss, overshadowed even the show’s titular character. Off-screen, the pair dated briefly during the early seasons, adding a layer of real-life magic to their performances. Now, in 2025, with both actors navigating post-divorce lives—Holmes from Tom Cruise and Jackson from Jodie Turner-Smith—their reunion feels serendipitous. As Holmes shared on Instagram, “Working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship,” hinting at the deep bond that has endured. But make no mistake: Happy Hours promises to be steamy, heartfelt, and unapologetically romantic, sparking rumors of on-set sparks and off-screen nostalgia.

This article dives deep into the excitement surrounding Happy Hours, exploring its plot, thematic depth, the stars’ storied history, production details, and the cultural ripple effects. With a cast including heavy hitters like Constance Wu and Mary-Louise Parker, and Holmes at the helm, this trilogy could redefine the rom-com for a new era. As one insider put it, “The spark is obvious,” and viewers are already obsessed with what could be the ultimate Dawson’s Creek callback.

The Plot: A Mature Take on Rekindled Love

At the heart of Happy Hours is a narrative that mirrors the real-life trajectories of its leads: two former lovers who reconnect as adults, navigating the messy realities of careers, family, and enduring affection. The trilogy follows a couple—played by Holmes and Jackson—as they grapple with life’s obstacles while pursuing love. It’s a character-driven dramedy that spans multiple films, allowing for an expansive exploration of their relationship’s evolution.

The first installment, currently filming in New York City, introduces the protagonists as young adults whose paths cross again after years apart. Flashbacks, portrayed by younger actors Johnna Dias-Watson and Jack Martin, delve into their initial romance, evoking the youthful passion of Joey and Pacey. As the story progresses, the films tackle contemporary issues: balancing demanding jobs, raising families, and rediscovering intimacy amid midlife challenges. One teased scene involves the couple sharing a “happy hour” drink, symbolizing stolen moments of joy in chaotic lives.

Unlike the teen angst of Dawson’s Creek, Happy Hours aims for maturity. Holmes, drawing from her own experiences as a single mother to daughter Suri Cruise, infuses the script with authenticity. “It’s about love despite life’s inevitable obstacles,” she explained in a recent interview, emphasizing themes of resilience and reconnection. Jackson’s character, a charismatic yet flawed professional, complements Holmes’ strong-willed lead, setting the stage for steamy encounters that build on their proven chemistry.

The trilogy structure allows for serialized depth: the first film focuses on reunion and reignition, the second on conflicts like career clashes and family dynamics, and the third on resolution and hope. Supporting characters, including Wu as a supportive friend and Parker as a wise mentor, add layers, making Happy Hours feel like a modern Before Sunrise trilogy—intimate, dialogue-heavy, and emotionally raw. Early set photos show Holmes and Jackson pushing a baby stroller, hinting at parenthood as a central plot point, which could lead to poignant, heartfelt moments.

Themes of Love, Friendship, and Second Chances

What elevates Happy Hours beyond a simple reunion vehicle is its thematic richness. At its core, the trilogy is a celebration of love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and self-reflective. Holmes, who has evolved from teen idol to multifaceted filmmaker, uses the project to explore how relationships mature over time. “Young loves who reconnect as adults” is the connective thread, weaving in shared joys, losses, and hopes.

Friendship emerges as a key motif, echoing Holmes and Jackson’s real-life bond. After dating from 1998 to 1999, they remained close; Holmes once called Jackson her “first love” and “best friend.” This history infuses the films with authenticity, as their characters mirror this dynamic—ex-lovers turned confidants, now exploring if old flames can burn anew.

The trilogy also addresses modern romance’s challenges: work-life balance, co-parenting, and emotional vulnerability. In a post-pandemic world, where millennials (now in their 30s and 40s) crave stories about adult love, Happy Hours fills a void. As pop culture expert Zorianna Zurba notes, it’s healing for a generation facing middle age, offering representation beyond youthful drama. Steamy elements—think passionate reunions and intimate confessions—add heat, but they’re grounded in realism, avoiding rom-com tropes for deeper emotional stakes.

Loss and hope round out the themes, with the films examining grief from past relationships and the optimism of second chances. Holmes’ directorial style, seen in Alone Together (2022) and Rare Objects (2023), favors introspective narratives, promising a tone that’s both humorous and heartfelt. For fans, it’s a meta-experience: watching Joey and Pacey “grow up” on screen.

Behind the Scenes: Holmes at the Helm, Jackson’s Return

Holmes’ multifaceted role—writer, director, star—marks a career pinnacle. Since Dawson’s Creek, she’s built a diverse resume, from blockbusters like Batman Begins to indie directing gigs. Happy Hours is her most ambitious project yet, a trilogy produced independently with filming back-to-back in NYC. Set photos capture her in action: beaming at Jackson, high-fiving crew, and directing with poise.

Jackson, fresh off Doctor Odyssey and Karate Kid: Legends, brings gravitas. His portrayal of complex men aligns perfectly with the role, and his enthusiasm is palpable. “It’s a testament to friendship,” Holmes echoed, but insiders whisper of “obvious sparks” off-set, with the pair spending time together incognito in the city.

The ensemble elevates the project: Wu adds comedic flair, Parker depth, and others like Tippett and McGinty diversity. Production emphasizes intimacy, with NYC locations providing a vibrant backdrop—parks, streets, and cozy bars evoking romantic realism.

Visually, expect Holmes’ signature style: warm cinematography, natural lighting, and fluid dialogue scenes. Sound design, potentially featuring nostalgic tunes, will enhance the emotional pull.

Performances: Chemistry That Never Faded

Holmes and Jackson’s reunion is the trilogy’s biggest draw. Their Dawson’s Creek chemistry—banter, tension, tenderness—remains legendary. Early photos show it intact: laughing on benches, deep conversations, affectionate gestures. Holmes brings vulnerability, Jackson charm, promising performances that blend nostalgia with fresh insight.

Supporting actors shine: Wu’s wit, Parker’s wisdom. Younger counterparts Dias-Watson and Martin capture the essence of youthful romance, bridging past and present.

Oscar buzz? It’s early, but their history could spark awards chatter, especially for Holmes’ triple-threat effort.

Fan and Critic Reactions: Nostalgia Overload

The announcement sent the internet into meltdown. Fans on X and Instagram proclaim, “Joey and Pacey forever!” with memes and throwbacks flooding feeds. Co-stars like Busy Philipps reacted enthusiastically, calling it a “victory” for millennials.

Critics hail it as timely: a rom-com for adults, tapping into reunion trends like Nobody Wants This. Romance rumors add intrigue, though both stars emphasize friendship.

Culturally, Happy Hours revives Dawson’s Creek‘s legacy, introducing it to new audiences while healing elder millennials. In an era of reboots, this original story stands out.

Conclusion: A Trilogy Worth the Wait

Happy Hours is more than a reunion—it’s a steamy, soulful ode to love’s endurance. Holmes and Jackson, once teen icons, now deliver a mature romance that promises tears, laughs, and swoons. As filming continues, anticipation builds for a release that could redefine their careers and spark a rom-com renaissance.

Whether it’s the chemistry, themes, or sheer nostalgia, this trilogy has fans hooked. As Holmes put it, it’s about friendship and love—and this time, it’s all about them.