Season 1 (1998) "No. overall" refers to the episode's number in the overall series; "No. in season" refers to the episode's number in this particular season. The first season, 13 episodes, ran from January 20, 1998, to May 19, 1998. The episodes were shot in 1997, before the series premiered. The first season takes place during what is approximately the first three months of the characters' sophomore year.
Season 2 (1998–99) The second season ran from October 7, 1998, to May 26, 1999. This season picks up immediately where season one left off and follows the characters through the remainder of their sophomore year.
Season 3 (1999–2000) Season 3 aired from September 29, 1999, to May 24, 2000, and features 23 episodes. This season takes place during the characters' junior year of high school in Capeside. There were several cast changes from season 2.
Kerr Smith and
Meredith Monroe joined the main cast as Jack and Andie McPhee, respectively. The two had previously held special guest star roles in the previous season with Smith appearing in twenty episodes and Monroe appearing in twenty-one.
Season 4 (2000–01) ''Dawson's Creek'' fourth season started on October 4, 2000, and ended on May 23, 2001. This season takes place during the characters' senior year of high school in Capeside.
Meredith Monroe left the series after episode, "You Had Me at Goodbye", but continued to be credited in the season, returning only to participate in the episode "The Graduate".
Season 5 (2001–02) Season 5 started on October 10, 2001, and ended May 15, 2002. The season takes place during the characters' freshman year of college in Boston. The season includes the series' 100th episode.
Season 6 (2002–03) The sixth and final season of ''Dawson's Creek'' began October 2, 2002, and ended May 14, 2003, with a special two-hour series finale. The season takes place during the characters' sophomore year of college and the series finale takes place five years later. The show saw the addition of
Busy Philipps as Audrey Liddell, who previously guest starred throughout the entire fifth season. == Ratings ==