One Tree Hill (TV Series) Pilot (2003) User Reviews

One of the best drama series pilots ever made.

[TheNorwegianRocker · 9/10 · 8 October 2011]

This is pure perfection from start to finish. Something is happening all the time, and it gives us perfect impression on what's going to happen in the rest of the season/series. In an effective course of 40 minutes we get to know all the main characters (with the exception of Brooke, who we first see in episode 2) and the relationship they're having and not having with each other: Lucas and Nathan who hate each other based on what their parents did, the relationships they are having with their parents, Lucas' very special friendship with Haley and his crush on Peyton, whom Nathan is dating (though they both are pretty miserable), and much more.

The music choices were great and describing, the direction was top notch, and the acting was surprisingly good for a high school TV series. It's not many shows that's got me hooked from episode 1 - but One Tree Hill sure did. Without a doubt the best high school drama show in my opinion.

The First Episode...

[taylorkingston · 8/10 · 18 June 2015]

I enjoyed this episode. It was a good series premiere. It's one of my all-time favorite episodes from this season, and probably even the entire series. I like the beginnings of shows.

In this episode, we meet Lucas Scott, a nice guy, best friends with Haley, and who is ignored by the popular kids at Tree Hill High because he shares a father with the most popular guy in school, Nathan Scott. Although Dan Scott fathered Lucas, he hasn't been in his or his mothers' lives. Both sons love basketball. Nathan is on the school team and Lucas plays down by the river with his friends. Nathan is obnoxious and it really shows when it comes to his girlfriend, Peyton. For no reason, Nathan challenges Lucas in a basketball game. Lucas won, and is now free to join the team, even though Nathan is super irritated by the outcome.

Best part of the episode: When Lucas wins.

Worst part of the episode: When Nathan is obnoxious, which is pretty much throughout the entire episode.

Overall, I give this episode an 8 out of 10, which in my ratings book is: Awesome.

Greatest Show Ever - It's as simple as that

[bball_p3 · 10/10 · 17 November 2008]

One Tree Hill has redefined the name ''television series''. Easily the most well written series ever, with amazing actors and a great combination of humor, romance, action, and suspense. The pilot really gives you the feeling that this show has something special, and is running with it, running long and hard. OTH has the best music with amazing bands, that sometimes no ones ever even heard of before, but yet, they are still amazing. Take Gavin Degraw for example. He didn't have many sales for his album, but the second one tree hill made his hit song ''I don't wanna be'' the theme song, his sales sky rocketed. One tree hill has been strong for 6 seasons, and hopefully there's much more to come. The material is still fresh and Mark Schwan is the greatest television creator living today. The pilot episode started something that didn't seem to go anywhere at first, but keeps growing as it continues on. 10/10 to Mark Schwan, the actors, the writers, the directors and everyone else involved with One Tree Hill.

Why are you a Cheerleader? I mean, no offense or anything, but you are about the least cheery person I know

[ajlawford · 9 February 2013]

The first thing I noticed is how young the main characters look, not because they are young, but because I'm used to seeing them in later seasons. Their faces look so fresh when really the actors are in their mid to late 20s and are supposed to look high school aged.

The pilot does a great job of introducing all the characters, and enough back story and conflict to show the potential for future drama and directions the show can take. It flows well and most of the time it doesn't feel like plot setup. One exception is when Keith Scott is sharing a drink with coach Whitey and Whitey says "Lucas...Dans other son?" and Keith corrects him and explains that Dan is on the marriage certificate but Dan and Karen never got married. I don't really believe Keith wound say that. That line felt more like an explanation for the audience. I also don't get why Lucas' last name is Scott. If Dan wanted "take care of it" and Karen really hates Dan so much, why carry that reminder around? The name Lucas Roe doesn't have the same ring to it or the same drama potential.

I love the set of Karens and Lucas' house. It's so beautiful, though I found it odd that Karen would sit near the front curb and look through old photos, I mean you could hear cars going past quite close. Don't they have a rear yard? Probably don't have a set for it. I love love love the shot of Lucas bouncing the ball over the bridge with the sunset in the background.

The chemistry between Lucas and Peyton is strong straight away and I can't wait to see what happens there. Peyton is obviously a misfit too and I think this is why I like them together. Though doesn't she have any friends? Perhaps this is why Brooke is introduced after the pilot.

Overall great pilot, though it loses points for a clumsy line to explain back story, an odd set choice ad confusion around keeping the Scott family name.