The Similar Teen Drama Journeys of James Van Der Beek and Chad Michael Murray

James Van Der Beek and Chad Michael Murray have more in common than you may think.

Not only did they both star on a core teen drama, but they both also recurred on another core teen drama. In fact, their teen drama journeys are remarkably similar and connected.

Let’s begin with Van Der Beek. He made his first TV appearance in a 1993 episode of “Clarissa Explains It All” at 16 years old. It wasn’t until “Dawson’s Creek” began in 1998 that Van Der Beek had a starring role on television. He was a series regular on the show for all six seasons. Five years after “Dawson’s Creek” ended, Van Der Beek was cast on “One Tree Hill” in a recurring role and appeared in four episodes in 2008-2009.

Now let’s look at Murray. He made his first TV appearance in a 2000 episode of “Undressed” at nearly 19 years old. He was later cast on “Dawson’s Creek” in a recurring role and appeared in 12 episodes in 2001-2002 (including a scene with future “One Tree Hill” co-star Hilarie Burton). It wasn’t until “One Tree Hill” began in 2003 that Murray had a starring role on television. He was a series regular for the show’s first six seasons.

In other words, Van Der Beek starred on “Dawson’s Creek” and then recurred on “One Tree Hill” while Murray recurred on “Dawson’s Creek” and then starred on “One Tree Hill.” It’s like they’re mirror images of each other in the teen drama world. Plus…

• Both Van Der Beek and Murray scored their first TV credit in their teens.

• Both Van Der Beek and Murray had their first experiences as main TV characters via the teen dramas.

• Both Van Der Beek and Murray starred on their respective teen dramas for six seasons.

• Van Der Beek and Murray had scenes together in both teen dramas.

• Both Van Der Beek and Murray’s iconic characters are seniors in high school when they get baby sisters named Lily.

• Murray’s teen drama began airing on The WB the same year Van Der Beek’s teen drama stopped airing on The WB.

• And, on a personal note, both Van Der Beek and Murray have been married twice, currently appear to be in a state of wedded bliss with their respective wives, and are the parents of multiple kids.

Their careers and personal lives may otherwise diverge, but their similar teen drama journeys are really something to behold.