In a nostalgic wave that’s thrilling Dawson’s Creek fans worldwide, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson have reunited on screen for the first time in over two decades, filming the romantic dramedy trilogy Happy Hours in New York City. The project, announced on July 21, 2025, has sparked a frenzy, with fans speculating about rekindled chemistry and a new chapter for the beloved on-screen couple, Joey Potter and Pacey Witter. Directed and written by Holmes, Happy Hours promises a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and second chances, proving that the magic of their Dawson’s Creek days is far from over.

Holmes, 46, and Jackson, 47, who played the iconic teen lovers on Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003, were spotted filming in Manhattan on July 21, 2025, their easy camaraderie reigniting memories of their fan-favorite romance. In Happy Hours, they portray former lovers who reconnect years later, navigating careers, family responsibilities, and the pursuit of love amidst life’s challenges. The trilogy, described by Deadline as a “character-driven dramedy,” explores shared joys, loss, and hope, with Holmes and Jackson joined by a stellar cast including Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu, and Joe Tippett. Younger versions of their characters are played by Johnna Dias-Watson and Jack Martin, adding depth to the story’s timeline.

The reunion has sent fans into a tailspin, with social media buzzing over behind-the-scenes photos showing Holmes, in a red tank top and brown trousers, high-fiving Jackson, who sported a denim shirt and navy pants. X posts like @PaceyAndJoey4Ever’s “Joey and Pacey are BACK! My heart can’t handle this!” garnered thousands of likes, while #HappyHours trended globally. Holmes fueled the excitement with an Instagram post, writing, “Working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship. HAPPY HOURS is a love story that includes so many people I adore.” Jackson, on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s on Me podcast, revealed their enduring bond, saying, “Katie and I are very close… there’s always that ‘I know you know’ connection.”

Their real-life romance during the early Dawson’s Creek years (1998-1999) adds intrigue, though a source clarified to Entertainment Tonight that they remain “just friends.” Still, fans can’t help but hope, with @DCForever tweeting, “If Joey and Pacey can reunite on screen, maybe IRL too?” The trilogy’s plot, centered on rekindled romance, mirrors the duo’s on-screen history, where Joey and Pacey ended up together after a fraught love triangle. Holmes, who also directs, insisted on this ending in the original series, a fact showrunner Tom Kapinos confirmed in 2023.

Filming across New York’s suburbs, Happy Hours showcases Holmes’ directorial evolution, following her indie projects like Alone Together (2022). Production for the first film is underway, with the second and third slated to follow, aiming for a 2026 release. The project’s nostalgic pull is undeniable, with People noting scenes of Holmes and Jackson pushing a baby stroller, sparking visions of “Joey and Pacey as parents.” Critics already praise the chemistry, with BuzzFeed calling it “a Y2K dream come true.”

As Happy Hours promises to blend romance with real-world struggles, it’s clear Holmes and Jackson are delivering something special. Whether reigniting old sparks or forging new ones, this Dawson’s Creek reunion is set to capture hearts, proving love—on screen and off—never fades.