One Tree Hill (season 9)
Encyclopedia
The ninth and final season of One Tree Hill
, an American television series created by Mark Schwahn
for The WB Television Network
. The series was officially renewed by The CW
for a ninth season on May 17, 2011. Two days later it was announced that season nine will be the final season. It will premiere on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 8:00 pm and air its 13 episodes uninterrupted. It is unlikely the season will receive a back-order of episodes as The CW and show runners have agreed that 13 episodes is the best number to finish on.
Paul Johansson and Tyler Hilton will both make returns for the final season as series regulars. Bethany Joy Galeotti and Sophia Bush will continue as full-time regulars, while James Lafferty will appear part-time. Chad Michael Murray will return in episode seven, after Haley reaches out to Lucas for help. Barbara Alyn Woods will also return. The series finale will feature another time-jump and see the characters lives five years in the future.
confirmed that the 13 episodes for season nine will be the last for the series. In the official announcement of The CW's schedule, they confirmed the series stars and the executive producers for the final season. Mark Schwahn
, Joe Davola
, Greg Prange
, Mike Tollin
and Brian Robbins
will all continue in their roles on the show. Deadline
reported that the final season will begin mid-season and air its 13 episodes uninterrupted, leading into the series finale.
Production for the season began on July 26, 2011 at the Screen Gems Studios
, Wilmington, North Carolina
. While further scenes are shot in downtown Wilmington, including Wallace Park and Pure Gold Gentlemen's Club. The Corning manufacturing site on North College Road is also being used as the location for some scenes based in Tree Hill's hospital, police station and TV studio. A two-day shoot for some scenes in the season was also held at Kinston Regional Jetport
. Paul Johansson will direct at least one episode in the season. At the Television Critics Association
summer press tour, president of entertainment at The CW, Mark Pedowitz
said "At this point it's the final 13," about the possibility of extending the season. He added, "You never want to say never," revealing that he did speak to executive producer Mark Schwahn and that they agreed that 13 episodes is the best number to close the series with. One Tree Hill filmed its final scenes on November 16, 2011.
The season will air Wednesdays at 8:00 pm Eastern/7:00 pm Central as a lead-in to new reality series, "Remodeled." It will premiere on January 11, 2012, with an encore following immediately after. There will not be an opening credit sequence during the final season as producers don't want to waste time that could be used for story. Gavin Degraw
will perform in the series finale.
are also contracted through season nine. Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Galeotti, James Lafferty, Austin Nichols, Robert Buckley, Shantel VanSanten and Jackson Brundage were listed as the regulars for season nine on The CW press release.
At The CW upfront presentation, the network expressed confidence that Chad Michael Murray
and Hilarie Burton
would return. Mark Pedowitz said, that with everyone knowing season nine will be the last, it makes it more possible for old cast members to return. On July 11, 2011, it was announced that Tyler Hilton would reprise his role as Chris Keller. Ten years have passed since he was last seen. He is rumored to return to help Haley run Red Bedroom Records as Peyton is still away. It was later reported that Hilton would return in the season premiere as a series regular. Kristin Dos Santos revealed that Paul Johansson will be returning to the series full-time as a regular.
TV Line exclusively revealed that James Lafferty
will appear in half of the season. Though, the seasons main focus will be on Nathan. Zap2it
later reported that he will remain a series regular, and revealed he will appear in exactly seven episodes. Chelsea Kane will appear in one episode early in the season as Tara, a rival café owner to Haley and Brooke. Andrew Elvis Miller has been cast as a recurring character that will span the entire 13 episodes of the season. Millers' character has been revealed to be an Eastern European assassin. Lisa Goldstein will continue on the series as a regular. Jana Kramer will only appear in the first two episodes, due to the actress' musical commitments. Barbara Alyn Woods
will be reprising her role as Deb Lee after taking a break from season 6 to spend time with her kids. Zap2it
later reported that she will return for one episode. Describing the circumstances around her return, they said she hasn't always been the most maternal person, but will prove she can still be "mom" when the situation demands it.
The CW revealed on their official website that Chad Michael Murray will return as Lucas Scott
for a guest appearance. Lucas returns to Tree Hill when Haley reaches out to him for help. Murray later revealed he will return for one episode. He will appear in the seventh episode of the season. Murray revealed in an interview his reasons for returning, "The fans have loved this show and rooted for every character throughout its run. I know how important Luke's return is for our fans and wanted to give them one last ‘Lucas Scott’ moment. Luke's return is for them." Former Desperate Housewives
actor Richard Burgi
, has been cast as Brooke's father, in a recurring role. Allison Munn
and Scott Holroyd
will return for season nine as Miss Lauren and David Fletcher, respectively. They will return as a couple, and she will be carrying his child. Devin McGee will also return as Brooke's attacker and Quentin's murderer, Xavier Daniels, who was last seen in season six.
James Lafferty has signed on for one extra episode, which will be the series finale. Bevin Prince
will return as Bevin Mirskey in the series finale. Antwon Tanner
will also be a part of the final episode.
According to a promotional video shown at the end of an evening of events—"An Evening with One Tree Hill"; the opening moments of the seasons first episode is narrated by Nathan. He speaks over scenes of a burning building whilst viewers also see Dan and Chris Keller seemingly plot a murder—in addition to this, opening shots include Chase in the back of a police car. Both Clay and Quinn are seen arguing alongside Brooke vandalising a rival cafe. Other scenes shown during the sequence include Julian being beaten up and Haley identifying a body in the morgue. Towards the end of the season, the Burning Boat Festival will return to Tree Hill. It was last seen in the third episode of season one.
One Tree Hill (TV series)
One Tree Hill is an American television drama created by Mark Schwahn, which premiered on September 23, 2003, on The WB Television Network. After its third season, The WB merged with UPN to form The CW Television Network, and, since September 27, 2006, the network has been the official broadcaster...
, an American television series created by Mark Schwahn
Mark Schwahn
Mark Schwahn is an American screenwriter, director and producer. He is best known as creator, head writer and executive producer of The CW Network drama series One Tree Hill.-Career:...
for The WB Television Network
The WB Television Network
The WB Television Network is a former television network in the United States that was launched on January 11, 1995 as a joint venture between Warner Bros. and Tribune Broadcasting. On January 24, 2006, CBS Corporation and Warner Bros...
. The series was officially renewed by The CW
The CW Television Network
The CW Television Network is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network , and Time Warner's Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB...
for a ninth season on May 17, 2011. Two days later it was announced that season nine will be the final season. It will premiere on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 8:00 pm and air its 13 episodes uninterrupted. It is unlikely the season will receive a back-order of episodes as The CW and show runners have agreed that 13 episodes is the best number to finish on.
Paul Johansson and Tyler Hilton will both make returns for the final season as series regulars. Bethany Joy Galeotti and Sophia Bush will continue as full-time regulars, while James Lafferty will appear part-time. Chad Michael Murray will return in episode seven, after Haley reaches out to Lucas for help. Barbara Alyn Woods will also return. The series finale will feature another time-jump and see the characters lives five years in the future.
Starring
- Sophia BushSophia BushSophia Anna Bush is an American actress, director and spokesperson. She currently stars in the CW television series One Tree Hill where she portrays Brooke Davis. Bush is additionally known for her film portrayals in the 2007 remake The Hitcher, John Tucker Must Die and The Narrows.-Early...
as Brooke DavisBrooke DavisBrooke Penelope Baker is a fictional character on The CW television series One Tree Hill, portrayed by Sophia Bush. Throughout her experiences, Brooke grows from a wild and generally carefree girl to a more mature and grounded young woman... - Bethany Joy GaleottiBethany Joy GaleottiBethany Joy Galeotti is an American actress, musician, director, writer, and producer.Galeotti is best known for her on screen portrayals of Michelle Bauer Santos on Guiding Light and Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill...
as Haley James ScottHaley James ScottHaley Bob James Scott is a fictional character on The CW television series One Tree Hill, portrayed by Bethany Joy Galeotti. Haley is initially introduced as Lucas Scott's best friend and eventual sister-in-law after her marriage to Nathan Scott in her junior year of high school... - James LaffertyJames LaffertyJames Martin Lafferty is an American actor, director and producer. He currently portrays Nathan Scott on the CW television drama One Tree Hill. In addition to his role on the young adult drama, Lafferty is also known for his appearance as Justin in S...
as Nathan ScottNathan ScottNathan Royal Scott is a fictional character on The CW television series One Tree Hill, portrayed by James Lafferty. He was the second protagonist during the first six seasons; but following Lucas Scott's departure, Nathan has become the main character and central figure of the show. Nathan is Lucas... - Austin NicholsAustin NicholsAustin Nichols is an American film, television actor and director who is perhaps best known for his role as Julian Baker in The CW drama series One Tree Hill. He is also known for his roles in films such as The Day After Tomorrow and Wimbledon...
as Julian Baker - Robert BuckleyRobert BuckleyRobert Earl Buckley is an American actor, best known for his roles on the television series Lipstick Jungle and One Tree Hill....
as Clay EvansClay EvansClayton Evans is a former medley swimmer from Canada, who was born in South America to Canadian parents. He moved to Huntington Beach, California at age fifteen and was recruited by UCLA on a swimming and water polo scholarship... - Shantel VanSantenShantel VanSantenShantel Yvonne VanSanten is an American actress and model. She currently stars in the CW television series One Tree Hill where she portrays Quinn James On film, she stars in You and I, Something Wicked, and The Final Destination...
as Quinn James - Jackson BrundageJackson BrundageJackson Timothy Brundage is an American child actor. He currently portrays Jamie Scott on The CW's One Tree Hill. He has performed in film, television, and voice over.-Personal life:...
as Jamie ScottJamie ScottJamie Scott is a British singer, songwriter and producer. He writes and produces his music under the names "Jamie Scott" and "J.S. Baylin" and was the singer and writer behind the band Jamie Scott and the Town. His music is heavily influenced by 1970s artists like Cat Stevens and James Taylor, and... - Lisa GoldsteinLisa Goldstein (actress)Lisa Erin Goldstein is an American television, film and theatre actress. She is currently known for her role as Millicent Huxtable on One Tree Hill.-Personal life and education:...
as Millicent Huxtable - Tyler HiltonTyler HiltonTyler James Hilton is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Hilton began his professional career in music in 2000. Rolling Stone Magazine compared him to his contemporary, Howie Day, while others have compared Hilton to Elton John, both vocally and instrumentally...
as Chris Keller - Paul JohanssonPaul JohanssonPaul Joseph Otto Johansson is an American-born Canadian actor, writer and director, best known for playing Dan Scott on the WB/CW television series, One Tree Hill, and for his role as Nick Wolfe on the short lived Highlander: The Series spin-off Highlander: The Raven...
as Dan Scott
Episodes
| № | # | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Production
The CW officially renewed One Tree Hill for a ninth season on May 17, 2011. On May 19, 2011, Dawn OstroffDawn Ostroff
Dawn Tarnofsky-Ostroff was the former President of Entertainment of The CW Television Network. She was in charge of all creative efforts of the network and oversees such areas as current programming, series development, scheduling, research, marketing and publicity.-Career:Ostroff began her career...
confirmed that the 13 episodes for season nine will be the last for the series. In the official announcement of The CW's schedule, they confirmed the series stars and the executive producers for the final season. Mark Schwahn
Mark Schwahn
Mark Schwahn is an American screenwriter, director and producer. He is best known as creator, head writer and executive producer of The CW Network drama series One Tree Hill.-Career:...
, Joe Davola
Joe Davola (TV producer)
Joe Davola is an American television producer, director and writer.He frequently collaborates with Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins on many of their projects for their production company the Tollin/Robbins Productions...
, Greg Prange
Greg Prange
Gregory "Greg" Prange is an American film editor, television director and producer, most notably for his production role on both One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek.-Career:...
, Mike Tollin
Mike Tollin
Michael "Mike" Tollin is an American film director and film/television producer. His career highlights included Radio, Coach Carter, and Varsity Blues. He frequently collaborates with Brian Robbins in which they own a production company together called Tollin/Robbins Productions...
and Brian Robbins
Brian Robbins
Brian Robbins is an American actor and producer, director and screenwriter. He often collaborates with Mike Tollin.-Biography:...
will all continue in their roles on the show. Deadline
Deadline.com
Deadline.com, part of Jay Penske's PMC, is an online magazine, founded and edited by Nikki Finke.-Publication:The site is updated several times a day, with the infotainment industry as its focus.-History:...
reported that the final season will begin mid-season and air its 13 episodes uninterrupted, leading into the series finale.
Production for the season began on July 26, 2011 at the Screen Gems Studios
EUE/Screen Gems
EUE/Screen Gems LTD owns and operates film and television production facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina and New York City. EUE/Screen Gems branded content division collaborates with global brands and advertising agencies for the development, production, marketing and distribution of filmed...
, Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina...
. While further scenes are shot in downtown Wilmington, including Wallace Park and Pure Gold Gentlemen's Club. The Corning manufacturing site on North College Road is also being used as the location for some scenes based in Tree Hill's hospital, police station and TV studio. A two-day shoot for some scenes in the season was also held at Kinston Regional Jetport
Kinston Regional Jetport
Kinston Regional Jetport , also known as Stallings Field, is a public airport located three miles northwest of the central business district of Kinston, a city in Lenoir County, North Carolina, USA. The airport has a single runway that is one of the longest in the southeastern United States. It...
. Paul Johansson will direct at least one episode in the season. At the Television Critics Association
Television Critics Association
The Television Critics Association is a group of approximately 200 United States and Canadian journalists and columnists who cover television programming...
summer press tour, president of entertainment at The CW, Mark Pedowitz
Mark Pedowitz
Mark Pedowitz is the current President of The CW Television Network. He replaced Dawn Ostroff in 2011, who has been the Head of Entertainment since the networks inception in 2006...
said "At this point it's the final 13," about the possibility of extending the season. He added, "You never want to say never," revealing that he did speak to executive producer Mark Schwahn and that they agreed that 13 episodes is the best number to close the series with. One Tree Hill filmed its final scenes on November 16, 2011.
The season will air Wednesdays at 8:00 pm Eastern/7:00 pm Central as a lead-in to new reality series, "Remodeled." It will premiere on January 11, 2012, with an encore following immediately after. There will not be an opening credit sequence during the final season as producers don't want to waste time that could be used for story. Gavin Degraw
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin Shane DeGraw is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is known for his songs "Chariot", "Follow Through", "I Don't Want to Be" , "In Love with a Girl", and "Not Over You".-Early life:DeGraw grew up in the Catskills in South Fallsburg,...
will perform in the series finale.
Cast
Before season eight had finished filming, original cast members Bethany Joy Galeotti and Sophia Bush signed on for a final season, while James Lafferty was expected to return part-time. Austin Nichols, Robert Buckley, Lisa Goldstein, Jana Kramer, Shantel Vansanten and Stephen CollettiStephen Colletti
Stephen August Colletti is an American actor and television personality. He was featured on the MTV reality show Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. He also co-hosted MTV's Total Request Live...
are also contracted through season nine. Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Galeotti, James Lafferty, Austin Nichols, Robert Buckley, Shantel VanSanten and Jackson Brundage were listed as the regulars for season nine on The CW press release.
At The CW upfront presentation, the network expressed confidence that Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray is an American actor, former fashion model and spokesperson. Murray is well known for portraying Lucas Scott in The CW young adult drama series One Tree Hill, in addition to the commercially successful films A Cinderella Story, Freaky Friday and House of Wax...
and Hilarie Burton
Hilarie Burton
Hilarie Ross Burton is an American actress. A former host of MTV's Total Request Live, she portrayed Peyton Sawyer on The CW drama One Tree Hill for six seasons...
would return. Mark Pedowitz said, that with everyone knowing season nine will be the last, it makes it more possible for old cast members to return. On July 11, 2011, it was announced that Tyler Hilton would reprise his role as Chris Keller. Ten years have passed since he was last seen. He is rumored to return to help Haley run Red Bedroom Records as Peyton is still away. It was later reported that Hilton would return in the season premiere as a series regular. Kristin Dos Santos revealed that Paul Johansson will be returning to the series full-time as a regular.
TV Line exclusively revealed that James Lafferty
James Lafferty
James Martin Lafferty is an American actor, director and producer. He currently portrays Nathan Scott on the CW television drama One Tree Hill. In addition to his role on the young adult drama, Lafferty is also known for his appearance as Justin in S...
will appear in half of the season. Though, the seasons main focus will be on Nathan. Zap2it
Zap2it
Zap2it is an American website and affiliate network that provides news, photos and video, local TV listings and movie showtimes. The site is produced by Tribune Media Services , part of the publishing division of the Chicago-based Tribune Company...
later reported that he will remain a series regular, and revealed he will appear in exactly seven episodes. Chelsea Kane will appear in one episode early in the season as Tara, a rival café owner to Haley and Brooke. Andrew Elvis Miller has been cast as a recurring character that will span the entire 13 episodes of the season. Millers' character has been revealed to be an Eastern European assassin. Lisa Goldstein will continue on the series as a regular. Jana Kramer will only appear in the first two episodes, due to the actress' musical commitments. Barbara Alyn Woods
Barbara Alyn Woods
Barbara Alyn Woods is an American actress. She is best known for her roles in One Tree Hill, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show, and Striptease.-Filmography:...
will be reprising her role as Deb Lee after taking a break from season 6 to spend time with her kids. Zap2it
Zap2it
Zap2it is an American website and affiliate network that provides news, photos and video, local TV listings and movie showtimes. The site is produced by Tribune Media Services , part of the publishing division of the Chicago-based Tribune Company...
later reported that she will return for one episode. Describing the circumstances around her return, they said she hasn't always been the most maternal person, but will prove she can still be "mom" when the situation demands it.
The CW revealed on their official website that Chad Michael Murray will return as Lucas Scott
Lucas Scott
Lucas Eugene Scott is a fictional character and formerly the main protagonist from The CW television series One Tree Hill, portrayed by Chad Michael Murray. Lucas is a talented basketball player and writer. He is rival to half-brother Nathan Scott, before the two eventually become close friends...
for a guest appearance. Lucas returns to Tree Hill when Haley reaches out to him for help. Murray later revealed he will return for one episode. He will appear in the seventh episode of the season. Murray revealed in an interview his reasons for returning, "The fans have loved this show and rooted for every character throughout its run. I know how important Luke's return is for our fans and wanted to give them one last ‘Lucas Scott’ moment. Luke's return is for them." Former Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is an American television comedy-drama series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. Executive producer Cherry serves as Showrunner. Other executive producers since the fourth season include Marc Cherry, Bob Daily, George W...
actor Richard Burgi
Richard Burgi
Richard William Burgi is an American film and television actor. He's best known for the roles of Det. Jim Ellinson on The Sentinel and as Karl Mayer on Desperate Housewives.-Personal life:...
, has been cast as Brooke's father, in a recurring role. Allison Munn
Allison Munn
Allison Munn is an American actress, perhaps best known for her roles as Caroline from That '70s Show and as Tina Haven in The WB sitcom What I Like About You and Lauren in One Tree Hill.-Early life:...
and Scott Holroyd
Scott Holroyd
-Biography:Holroyd was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1993 he graduated from AC Flora High School . He then went on to the University of South Carolina and graduated from there in 1998, where he received a B.A...
will return for season nine as Miss Lauren and David Fletcher, respectively. They will return as a couple, and she will be carrying his child. Devin McGee will also return as Brooke's attacker and Quentin's murderer, Xavier Daniels, who was last seen in season six.
James Lafferty has signed on for one extra episode, which will be the series finale. Bevin Prince
Bevin Prince
Bevin Anne Prince is an American actress best known for her role of Bevin Mirskey on the CW's hit show One Tree Hill.- Early life :...
will return as Bevin Mirskey in the series finale. Antwon Tanner
Antwon Tanner
Antwon Tanner is an American actor, mostly known for his role as Antwon "Skills" Taylor on the CW drama series One Tree Hill.-Biography:...
will also be a part of the final episode.
Storylines
Before the series was renewed, Mark Schwahn said that if they decide to air the ending for season eight that will satisfy as a series finale, he could introduce the unaired cliffhangers in the season nine premiere. In regard to her contract renewal, Sophia Bush tweeted, "The writers have GREAT plans!". The season will have Brooke and Haley balancing family life with running a busy Karen's Cafe, while Nathan travels more as an agent. A possible wedding may occur with Mouth and Millie, or Clay and Quinn. Lucas will take Lydia to stay with him after he comes to visit. The series finale will have another time jump and will see the characters lives five years in the future. Zap2it said that fans of Nathan and Haley's relationship can look forward to "plenty of shared scenes between Lafferty and Bethany Joy Galeotti," despite his reduced role in the season. Nathan will be kidnapped during the season, and Haley and Dan will be searching for him.According to a promotional video shown at the end of an evening of events—"An Evening with One Tree Hill"; the opening moments of the seasons first episode is narrated by Nathan. He speaks over scenes of a burning building whilst viewers also see Dan and Chris Keller seemingly plot a murder—in addition to this, opening shots include Chase in the back of a police car. Both Clay and Quinn are seen arguing alongside Brooke vandalising a rival cafe. Other scenes shown during the sequence include Julian being beaten up and Haley identifying a body in the morgue. Towards the end of the season, the Burning Boat Festival will return to Tree Hill. It was last seen in the third episode of season one.