More than two decades after Dawson’s Creek captured the hearts of a generation, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are back together, reigniting the magic that made Joey Potter and Pacey Witter one of television’s most iconic couples. Their reunion, however, isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it’s a cinematic event that has fans buzzing with excitement and speculation. The duo is starring in a new romantic film trilogy titled Happy Hours, with Holmes not only acting but also writing and directing. As photos of their cozy on-set moments flood the internet, fans are left wondering: is this just a movie, or could art be mirroring a rekindled real-life romance?
The story of Happy Hours feels like it was ripped from the pages of a Dawson’s Creek script. The trilogy follows two former sweethearts who reconnect as adults, navigating love, family, and career challenges while rediscovering their bond. The parallels to Joey and Pacey’s slow-burn romance are undeniable, and the casting of Holmes and Jackson—whose on-screen chemistry defined a generation—feels like a deliberate nod to their shared history. Filming began in New York City in July 2025, and early images show the pair laughing, sharing coffee breaks, and exuding an effortless connection that has fans swooning.
For those who grew up in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Dawson’s Creek was more than a TV show—it was a cultural touchstone. The series, which ran from 1998 to 2003, followed a group of introspective teenagers in the fictional town of Capeside, with Joey and Pacey’s will-they-won’t-they romance stealing the spotlight. Their love story, marked by witty banter, heartfelt confessions, and a tear-jerking finale where they sailed off into the sunset, left an indelible mark on viewers. Off-screen, Holmes and Jackson briefly dated during the show’s early seasons, adding a layer of authenticity to their performances. Holmes once described their relationship as her “first love,” a sentiment that still resonates with fans who dream of a real-life Joey and Pacey.
The announcement of Happy Hours has sent shockwaves through the Dawson’s Creek fandom. Social media is abuzz with reactions, from ecstatic GIFs of Pacey and Joey to emotional posts about “elder millennials healing.” The trilogy’s premise—a character-driven dramedy about love, loss, and hope—strikes a chord with audiences now in their 30s and 40s, who see reflections of their own life journeys in the story. Holmes, at 46, and Jackson, at 47, bring a maturity to their roles that promises to elevate the narrative beyond teenage angst, exploring the complexities of love in adulthood.
Behind the scenes, the reunion is a testament to the enduring friendship between Holmes and Jackson. Holmes has publicly expressed gratitude for working with her “wonderful friends,” emphasizing that collaborating with Jackson after so many years feels like a celebration of their bond. Photos from the set show them in high spirits, whether they’re rehearsing late into the night or sharing quiet moments between takes. Their chemistry, described as “undeniable” by onlookers, suggests that the spark that made Joey and Pacey so beloved is still very much alive.
The timing of this reunion adds fuel to the rumor mill. Both Holmes and Jackson are currently single, following high-profile divorces—Holmes from Tom Cruise in 2012 and Jackson from Jodie Turner-Smith in 2023. Fans, ever hopeful for a fairy-tale ending, have latched onto this detail, speculating that their on-set closeness could hint at something more. While there’s no concrete evidence of a romantic revival, the idea of two former flames reconnecting after decades apart is the kind of narrative that feels straight out of a Hollywood script.
Happy Hours is also a significant milestone for Holmes, who has been carving out a space as a filmmaker. Following her directorial efforts in Alone Together (2022) and Rare Objects (2023), this trilogy marks her most ambitious project yet. She’s not only writing and directing but also starring alongside a talented ensemble, including Mary-Louise Parker and Constance Wu. The films promise a blend of humor, heart, and raw emotion, with a focus on authentic human connections—a theme that resonates deeply with Dawson’s Creek fans.
For Jackson, the project is a return to the romantic roles that first made him a heartthrob. Known for his work in Fringe, The Affair, and Doctor Odyssey, he brings a seasoned perspective to Happy Hours. His recent comments about staying close with his Dawson’s Creek co-stars, including supporting James Van Der Beek through his cancer diagnosis, highlight the tight-knit bond among the cast. This sense of camaraderie adds an extra layer of authenticity to the project, making it feel like a labor of love.
As production continues, the anticipation for Happy Hours grows. While no release date has been confirmed, the trilogy is already being compared to Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy for its intimate exploration of love over time. For fans, the real magic lies in seeing Holmes and Jackson together again, their chemistry as potent as ever. Whether or not their on-screen romance spills into real life, their reunion is a gift to millennials craving nostalgia and hope. As the world watches, one thing is certain: Joey and Pacey’s legacy lives on, and Happy Hours might just be the love story we all need.
