Dawson's Creek chronicles one boy's coming of age journey and his lifelong friendship with a girl from a vastly different home life. The vivid and absorbing relationship between Dawson (Van Der Beek) and Joey (Holmes) is at the core of the series. Buddies since they were small children, the two are faced with the challenge of sustaining their close friendship in spite of their budding romantic relationship, their emotional, physical and intellectual growth and the changing world around them.

Three new characters joined the show in season 2. Monica Keena returns as Abby Morgan, who was previously seen in last year's "Breakfast Club" episode. Meredith Monroe and Kerr Smith join the cast as siblings Andie and Jack McPhee, children of a formerly wealthy family, who now face reduced circumstances.

The show was conceived, developed and written by Kevin Williamson ("Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and the upcoming "Killing Mrs. Tingle"), who continues to serve as executive producer of the series. DAWSON'S CREEK presents a somewhat autobiographical and almost shockingly honest portrayal of teenage characters dealing with real-life issues. Williamson believes that today's teenagers, who are exposed to an unprecedented amount of violence, sex, drugs and unsavoury role models, are growing up fast.

Refreshingly open, DAWSON'S CREEK is loosely based on Williamson's real-life experiences growing up in rural North Carolina and the special relationship he shared with his own best friend. As it presents a very honest portrayal of the painful experiences of the teenage years interspersed with incredible moments of pure exhilaration, fun and joy, DAWSON'S CREEK provides a fresh and gripping approach to the vast and diverse universal emotions associated with growing up. Never underestimating the 16-year-old mind, the series deals with sensitive issues that reflect the concerns of four characters striving for self-awareness, while afraid of losing something special and not being able to find anything to replace it in the future.

The agony and ecstasy of sweaty palms, surviving puberty intact and figuring out life in general are just some of the themes that surround the central characters of Dawson's Creek. During a time when friends and family have an enormous impact on their lives and future, the four worry about where they're heading and what they'll be when they grow up. Afraid of doing something stupid, or making mistakes that have lifelong consequences, each of the four characters must learn to deal with the other gender, their own sexuality as well as the question of whether or not to engage in sex, and how those decisions impact their long term friendships.

Utilizing a compelling array of contemporary music, DAWSON'S CREEK also addresses topical issues that set off lively debates among the characters and will hopefully do the same among viewers.

Shot on location in Wilmington, North Carolina, DAWSON'S CREEK is full of pieces of Williamson's life what he thought about as he lay in bed at midnight many years ago, what he wishes he'd said in certain situations or how he wishes things had gone as opposed to what really happened -- inspiring and intimate portrayals of some of life's most precious firsts. The first kiss, the first love, the first heartbreak.

Whether you are anticipating these special moments, living through them, or fondly reminiscing about them, DAWSON'S CREEK offers something very special to a wide variety of television audiences.