I had an epiphany during my work trip to Los Angeles last week.
My light-bulb moment: I don’t think I could live there.
I’m not a city girl to begin with, and driving around L.A. — or rather, being a passenger in an Uber — just frustrates me with all the traffic and whatnot. I couldn’t do it full time.
But I will also admit that though this was my fourth trip to the City of Angels, I still get giddy going through Beverly Hills.
Yes, yes — “Beverly Hills, 90210” rarely actually filmed there, but I feel a deep, special connection when I see the sights. Crossing Rodeo Drive, seeing the iconic “Beverly Hills” sign, driving past Hillcrest Road (even though Casa Walsh’s “Hillcrest Drive” address is fictional)… it all strikes something in my core and makes me feel like I’m visiting my favorite world and am just moments away from running into Kelly and Dylan.
Those weren’t the only teen drama connections to my trip, either. On my one free night, I had dinner at Craig’s — technically in West Hollywood, but right next to Beverly Hills — in large part because owner Craig Susser was on “The O.C.” (in multiple roles, as he discussed on “Welcome to the OC, Bitches”). I also chose to dine there because the restaurant is known to be popular with celebrities and I am pop-culture obsessed. Alas, I didn’t spot anyone, but there were paparazzi outside when I left.
Meanwhile, at Dave & Busters with my co-workers one night, I played a computerized trivia game and one of the questions was about “The O.C.” I couldn’t believe it. Then on my last night, my colleagues and I went to a karaoke bar and I contemplated singing “The O.C.” or “One Tree Hill” theme songs. Instead I ended up doing Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” (quite poorly, so everyone was probably happy it wasn’t the 10-minute version).
Also, if I had any doubt I was in L.A., one of the lobby tables at my hotel was covered with issues of The Hollywood Reporter.
While I don’t know yet if I’ll be going back again next year, I do enjoy visiting for a few days. But living there? Nah. I’ll stick with Wilmywood, the “Hollywood of the East.”
Teen Drama Links for June 11, 2024
Listicle Links
Reminder: All lists and articles relate to the teen dramas or teen drama stars in some way.
“I’m Genuinely Curious If You Think These Fictional Couples Stayed Together Or For-Sure Broke Up After The TV Show Ended” (BuzzFeed)
“23 Actor Side-By-Sides That Are So Brilliant, They Just Prove That Casting Directors Deserve A Raise” (BuzzFeed)
“‘I Can Just Allow It To Hug My Worries Away’ — 27 TV Shows That We Use To Escape Our Troubles” (BuzzFeed)
“Katie Holmes’ Chanel outfit was straight out of Dawson’s Creek” (HELLO!)
This is a reach. Maybe college Joey would wear this. Maybe. Like if Audrey forced her.
“The O.C. May Have Been a Teen Soap, But Its Best Moments Were Pure Comedy” (Paste)
“A Guide to Every ‘One Tree Hill’ Alum Who’s Become a Hallmark Star — and Which Movies They’re In” (Us Weekly)
“Chad Michael Murray Shirtless Through the Years, Both On Screen and Off” (Us Weekly)
“8 Beloved ‘90s TV Shows That Are Seen As Problematic Now” (Screen Rant)
“10 TV Shows That Grew Alongside Their Audience” (CBR)
“10 TV Characters Who Completely Disappeared from a Show” (CBR)
“10 LGBTQ+ Characters Who Changed TV for the Better” (Paste)
Related: The Evolution of LGBTQ Teen Drama Characters (TDW)
“11 ‘Gilmore Girls’ Celebrity Cameos You Totally Missed The First Time Around” (Brit + Co)
“12 Shows Like Ginny & Georgia to Watch While Waiting for Season 3” (People)
“7 Best Shows Like ‘Geek Girl’ To Watch If You Love The Series” (Cinemablind)
“12 Hallmark Stars Who Are LGBTQ+ Allies” (The List)
“20 celebrities you didn’t realize were in Disney movies” (Yardbarker)
“20 celebrity couples with whom millennials are oddly obsessed” (Yardbarker)
I am, in fact, obsessed with many of these pairings.
“30 Bits of Trivia About Pop Culture That Didn’t Age Like Everyone Expected” (Cracked)
“The 17 most devastating character deaths in TV history, from The Sopranos to Downton Abbey” (The Independent)
Related: Top 10 Most Shocking Deaths (TDW)
“These Celebrities Have All Opened Up About Their Best On-Camera Kiss” (SheKnows)
“What Does ‘Comfort Watch’ Really Mean Today?” (PRIMETIMER)
“I Can’t Wait Until 2025 For The Summer I Turned Pretty, So I Visited Cousins Beach” (Scary Mommy)
Related: Living in Capeside and Tree Hill (TDW)
“How Stars Are Celebrating Pride 2024” (E! Online)
“A 2000s Fashion History Lesson: Logos, Low-Rise, and It Bags” (Vogue)
Best of the Rest
ICYMI: I read A Good Bad Boy: Luke Perry and How a Generation Grew Up and didn’t like it for a lot of the same reasons that were outlined in Vallie Lynn Watson’s guest post — not to mention, all the errors in the book. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see TDW cited in the bibliography!
Shannen Doherty (Brenda, Beverly Hills, 90210) called out In Touch for a story the tabloid was planning to write about her. (Instagram)
Jennie Garth (Kelly, Beverly Hills, 90210) and daughter Luca Bella were on the “Just B” podcast. (Apple Podcasts)
Brian Austin Green (David, Beverly Hills, 90210), his fiancée Sharna Burgess, and their “Old-ish” co-host Randy Spelling (Kenny / Ryan, Beverly Hills, 90210) will be participating in a “live online conversation” with Corey Poirier on Friday. (Instagram)
Tiffani Thiessen (Valerie, Beverly Hills, 90210) confirmed her interest in participating in a “White Collar” revival during a TV Fest panel with the show’s creator and cast. (Variety)
The show also starred Hilarie Burton (Peyton, One Tree Hill), who was not in attendance.
Hilary Swank (Carly, Beverly Hills, 90210) was named an ambassador for UNITED24, the official fundraising platform for Ukraine. (Instagram)
Vanessa Marcil (Gina, Beverly Hills, 90210) is teaming up with her “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Benard for in-person and online events benefiting Roadogs Rescue. (Instagram)
Peter Krause (Jay, Beverly Hills, 90210) did interviews about the season finale of “9-1-1.”
“9-1-1’s Peter Krause breaks down season 7 finale, Bobby’s coma, and season 8 hopes” (Entertainment Weekly)
“9-1-1’s Peter Krause on That Season Finale Cliffhanger and What’s Coming in Season 8” (TV Guide)
“9-1-1 Stars React to Bobby’s Fate, [Spoiler]’s Departure and Other Season 7 Finale Twists — Grade It!” (TVLine)
“Did Bobby Survive ‘9-1-1’ Finale? Peter Krause Talks His Fate & That Cliffhanger” (TV Insider)
“‘9-1-1’ Star Peter Krause Teases ‘Conflict and Skullduggery’ After Season 7 Finale Cliffhanger” (The Wrap)
“‘9-1-1’ Peter Krause Reflects On Bobby’s ‘Deeply Personal’ Season 7 And The 118’s Concerning Cliffhanger” (Decider)
“9-1-1 Star Peter Krause Breaks Down That Surprising Season 7 Finale — and Bobby Nash’s Fate” (People)
Eva Longoria, who appeared on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” was named to the Los Angeles Times’ “L.A. Influential” list. (Los Angeles Times)
Watch Longoria in the “Land of Women” trailer. (YouTube)
La La Anthony (Shay, BH90210) signed with WME for agency representation. (The Hollywood Reporter)
“Below Deck” star Aesha Scott revealed she’s incorporating “Dawson’s Creek” connections into her wedding. (Entertainment Tonight)
The Exorcism, which was produced by Kevin Williamson (creator, Dawson’s Creek) and filmed in Wilmington, will have a special premiere at Wilmington’s Thalian Hall tomorrow. (Port City Daily)
Williamson’s new Netflix series, “The Waterfront,” will film in Wilmington, just like “Dawson’s Creek” did. (StarNews Online)
“All American” — executive-produced by Greg Berlanti (executive producer, Dawson’s Creek), Mike Herro (co-executive producer, One Tree Hill), and David Strauss (co-executive producer, One Tree Hill) — was renewed by The CW. (Deadline)
However, the spinoff “All American: Homecoming,” also executive-produced by Berlanti, was canceled. (Deadline)
James Van Der Beek (Dawson, Dawson’s Creek) will co-star in the Tubi film Sidelined: The QB and Me, an adaptation of the book The QB Bad Boy and Me. (Deadline)
Katie Holmes (Joey, Dawson’s Creek) did press about her clothing collaboration with A.P.C.
“Why does everyone want to dress like Katie Holmes?” (The Washington Post)
“On the Podcast: Katie Holmes on Street Style and A.P.C.” (Vogue)
“Katie Holmes: ‘Skinny jeans? I don’t need to revisit them’” (The Times)
Busy Philipps (Audrey, Dawson’s Creek) did a new interview with her “Girls5eva” cast mates. (Los Angeles Times)
“Girls5eva” was just nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy at the TCA Awards. (TVLine)
Philipps also did a new interview about “Busy This Week.” (Fast Company)
Jensen Ackles (CJ, Dawson’s Creek) will star in an Amazon series called “Countdown.” (Deadline)
Paula Cole, who performed the “Dawson’s Creek” theme song, did more interviews about her new album and tour.
“Paula Cole Says Her Students Helped Her Rediscover Her Identity” (Jezebel)
“Paula Cole On Metaphors, Motherhood, Revolutionizing the Nineties, & Her New Album ‘Lo’” (The Aquarian)
Cole will headline the Charlotte Pride Festival in August. (CLTure)
Continue, executive-produced by Rachel Bilson (Summer, The O.C.), was picked up by Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment Group for a September theatrical release. (Deadline)
Shailene Woodley (Kaitlin, The O.C.) did interviews about “Hope in the Water.”
“LA Times Today: Actress Shailene Woodley talks about new PBS docuseries ‘Hope in the Water’” (Los Angeles Times)
“Shailene Woodley Says She Wants to ‘Be a Mom’ but Help Clean the Planet First” (People)
See a first look at Woodley in “Three Women,” which will premiere on Starz in September. (Entertainment Weekly)
Chris Pratt (Che, The O.C.) did more press tied to The Garfield Movie.
“Chris Pratt & Garfield Surprise Kelly Clarkson Show Audience With Movie Tickets” (The Kelly Clarkson Show)
There is an additional clip.
“Chris Pratt talks ‘Garfield,’ asking Maria Shriver for parenting advice” (Today)
“‘The Garfield Movie’ star Chris Pratt shares what he’s watching” (The Seattle Times)
“Chris Pratt On The Garfield Movie, His Father and More” (Sway’s Universe)
…and more.
Way of the Warrior Kid, starring Pratt and directed by McG (executive producer, The O.C.), was sold to Skydance for global distribution. (Deadline)
Millers in Marriage, co-starring Morena Baccarin (Maya, The O.C.), was acquired by Republic Pictures. (Deadline)
Paris Hilton (Kate, The O.C.) announced her new album, Infinite Icon, with a September release date. (Instagram)
Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Joe, The O.C.) is doing press for his debut on “The Boys.”
“How The Boys season 4 finally recruited super fan Jeffrey Dean Morgan” (Entertainment Weekly)
“Jeffrey Dean Morgan on Why Fans Still Love His ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Character” (Parade)
“One Tree Hill” is now available on Prime in Australia. (ScreenHub)
Friends with Benefit announced its next “One Tree Hill” convention, “21TreeHill,” which will take place in Wilmington in September. (Facebook)
The name is inspired by the show’s 21st anniversary, which will be taking place the day after the event ends.
Hilarie Burton (Peyton, One Tree Hill) will be participating in Pink Pages, an in-person and virtual event later this month benefiting the Hoffman Breast Center. (Instagram)
Sophia Bush (Brooke, One Tree Hill) was a presenter at last week’s “Live From Detroit” concert. (Instagram)
During the pre-show, Bush and her business partner Nia Batts announced a “new venture capital fund investing exclusively in Michigan.” (Click On Detroit)
James Lafferty (Nathan, One Tree Hill) shared behind-the-scenes details of his American Eagle campaign. (People)
Also: “James Lafferty Was Ready to Walk Away from Acting Before Booking One Tree Hill: ‘My Last Shot’” (People)
Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley, One Tree Hill) did press for Savoring Paris.
“Bethany Joy Lenz Explains How ‘Savoring Paris’ Role Reminded Her of Haley’s Early Years on ‘One Tree Hill’” (TV Insider)
“Hallmark Star Bethany Joy Lenz Opens Up About Self-Care, Her Latest Rom-Com and More” (First for Women)
“Bethany Joy Lenz Shares How She Brought Her Own Southern Charm Abroad When Filming Hallmark’s ‘Savoring Paris’” (Southern Living)
“Bethany Joy Lenz Teases Her French Love Trip in Hallmark’s ‘Savoring Paris’” (Parade)
Jana Kramer (Alex, One Tree Hill) had Austin Nichols (Julian, One Tree Hill) on her “Whine Down” podcast in advance of the premiere of their Lifetime movie, Gaslit By My Husband. (Apple Podcasts)
Kramer also did her own interviews for the film.
“‘Gaslit By My Husband’: Jana Kramer Felt ‘Very Safe’ With Austin Nichols During ‘Triggering Moments’ on Set” (TV Insider)
“Jana Kramer Discusses Reuniting With ‘One Tree Hill’ Costar Austin Nichols in ‘Gaslit By My Husband’” (Life & Style)
“Jana Kramer Discusses Working With Daughter Jolie in ‘Gaslit By My Husband’: ‘So Proud’” (Life & Style)
“Jana Kramer Recalls Depicting Domestic Abuse in New Movie as a Survivor: ‘It Was Tough’” (Life & Style)
“Jana Kramer Reveals Which ‘One Tree Hill’ Costars She Wants to Work With Again” (Life & Style)
“Jana Kramer Shares Details On Her & Allan Russell’s Upcoming Wedding In Scotland: ‘I’m So Excited’” (Access Hollywood)
“The true story behind the Lifetime movie ‘Gaslit By My Husband,’ according to Morgan Metzer herself” (Today)
Stephen Colletti (Chase, One Tree Hill) announced the passing of his mom. (Instagram)
Maria Menounos (Jules, One Tree Hill) opened up about her daughter’s christening. (People)
Sofia Vergara spoke about a tattoo she got for ex-husband Joe Manganiello (Owen, One Tree Hill). (The Talk)
Amanda Schull (Sara / Katie, One Tree Hill) “Reveals She Originally Auditioned for Meghan Markle’s Rachel Zane Role” on “Suits.” (Entertainment Tonight)
Markle, of course, infamously appeared in the “90210” pilot.
Watch Penn Badgley (Dan, Gossip Girl) in Ariana Grande’s “the boy is mine” music video. (YouTube)
The video also features a cameo from Brandy (Marissa, 90210).
Chace Crawford (Nate, Gossip Girl) is doing press for the new season of “The Boys.”
“Antony Starr & Chace Crawford Interview: The Boys Season 4’s Homelander and Deep Evolution” (Screen Rant)
“Chace Crawford Admits It’s Hard To Use The Bathroom In His ‘The Boys’ Costume” (Access Hollywood)
Chace Crawford & Ed Westwick Talked About THIS ‘Gossip Girl’ Alum During Their Reunion” (Access Hollywood)
“How the Supes of The Boys Make Being Bad Look So Good” (Men’s Health)
Here’s a first look at Ed Westwick (Chuck, Gossip Girl) in “Sandokan.” (Deadline)
Taylor Momsen (Jenny, Gossip Girl) was bitten by a bat — yes, you read that correctly — while performing with The Pretty Reckless. (Instagram)
Also: “Taylor Momsen Reveals the Song She Plays to Get in the ‘Headspace’ to Perform With the Pretty Reckless” (Us Weekly)
Andrew McCarthy (Rick, Gossip Girl) is making the media rounds for his Brats documentary.
“Andrew McCarthy Met the Man Who Coined the Term ‘Brat Pack.’ What Happened Next Surprised Him” (People)
“Andrew McCarthy Explains Why He Didn’t Love the Term ‘Brat Pack’: ‘I Felt Unseen” (People)
“‘Brats’ documentary: Andrew McCarthy, Rob Lowe partied with Rat Pack’s Sammy Davis Jr.” (USA Today)
“My Life in the Brat Pack, Reconsidered” (The New York Times)
“‘Brats’ Director Andrew McCarthy On How The Initially ‘Horrible’ Brat Pack Label Became ‘A Blessing’” (Deadline)
“Andrew McCarthy Says Friends ‘Is Exactly St. Elmo’s Fire’ but ‘In a Coffee Shop’” (Movieweb)
…and more.
Krysten Ritter (Young Carol, Gossip Girl) was on “The Talk.” (YouTube)
There are additional clips.
Whitney Peak (Zoya, Gossip Girl spinoff) will star in an untitled shark thriller. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Jordan Alexander (Julien, Gossip Girl spinoff) did an interview about her music career. (INTO)
Emily Alyn Lind (Audrey, Gossip Girl spinoff) will star in Amazon’s adaptation of We Were Liars, executive-produced and written by Julie Plec (producer, Dawson’s Creek). (The Futon Critic)
John Benjamin Hickey (Roy, Gossip Girl spinoff) will star in Amazon’s “Band.” (Deadline)
Shenae Grimes (Annie, 90210) revealed how she and Matt Lanter (Liam, 90210) are still connected. (People)
Evan Ross (Charlie, 90210) opened up about his marriage to Ashlee Simpson. (People)
Grant Gustin (Campbell, 90210) will perform at this Sunday’s Tony Awards. (Deadline)