When it comes to One Tree Hill, we are realistic. We’re not going to pretend that it deserved to sweep awards ceremonies. It was melodramatic, unrealistic and, often, downright bizarre. But that didn’t stop us from loving it. With Chad Michael Murray – one of the Noughties’ most prolific heartthrobs – leading the charge, the town of Tree Hill North Carolina was one of our favourite weekly destinations for nine seasons. Since the show wrapped, its stars have continued to work in the spotlight, and the three main actresses have even reunited for a fab new podcast about the show, called Drama Queens. And, of course, we have the chance to revisit Tree Hill thanks to All4.
So, what else are our favourite teen crushes are up to now.
Chad Michael Murray
As Lucas Scott, Chad was that perfect blend of sweet and salty. He actually drove out of Tree Hill early, but he evidently couldn’t resist the world of teen dramas. In recent years, he’s popped up in eight episodes of Riverdale. He also loves a romantic festive movie: his two most recent credits are Write Before Christmas and Love In Winterland.
Hilarie Burton
Peyton Sawyer was the coolest girl in town, and had the best hair. Can you achieve it with a perm? No, trust us, we tried.
Anyway, since driving off into the distance, Hilarie has starred in White Collar, the Lethal Weapon TV series and Council of Dads. Like Chad, she also loves a snowscape, and has starred in The Christmas Contract and A Christmas Wish. (What is it about America and Christmas movies?)
She has found a real life romance of her own: she married fellow actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan last year, and they have two children. She owns a sweet shop, and also can't resist an occasional OTH reunion, as proven by her Instagram, and her new podcast.
Bethany Joy Lenz
OK, we’re sensing a pattern here. The One Tree Hill cast can’t get enough of Christmas films. Bethany’s contribution: 2018’s Poinsettia’s for Christmas.
The actress, who played Haley, ties with Sophia Bush for the most appearances in One Tree Hill, with an impressive 187 episodes. Recent credits include TV series Pearson, and February’s A Valentine’s Match.
Sophia Bush
Speaking of Sophia, the actress who plays Brooke Davis also managed a post-show career. In recent years, she’s starred in Chalet Girl and Incredibles 2 and has shown up in episodes of Jane the Virgin, Drunk History and This Is Us. What you may not know, though, is that she and Chad were actually married in real life, but divorced in 2006 after one year of marriage.
No sign of Christmas movies for her, so kudos for originality. Plus, she has some gorgeous dogs.
James Lafferty
James played Nathan Scott, Lucas’s jock half brother. Since One Tree Hill finished, he’s acted in shows like The Right Stuff and 2018’s creepy drama The Haunting of Hill House. He was dating Eve Hewson – Bono’s daughter – but that ended in 2015.
Lee Norris
Guess what: Lee, who played Marvin, appeared in A Christmas Wish – starring Hilarie – in 2019. But he’s also given impressive turns in The Walking Dead, Girl Meets World, and Gone Girl.
He and his wife Andrea host a podcast called Married with Television.
Antwon 'Skills' Taylor
Antwon was played by Antwon Tanner - did the writers' room of people run out of inspiration when it came to naming non-white characters? - and enjoyed an expansion of his role throughout the series, appearing in 108 episodes.
He's enjoyed a pretty solid career which has seen guest appearances in Lucifer and NCIS: Los Angeles, but a five-year run in Black Jesus seems to be the highlight.
READ MORE: The Best Shows To Binge On - Without Paying For A Subscription
READ MORE: Yes, That Is Meghan Markle In An Episode Of 90210