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When you mention the TV show Dawson’s Creek to fans, there’s one ultimate question– Team Dawson or Team Pacey. There’s very little wiggle room, and asking a person in which camp they reside is the equivalent to asking someone their astrological sign. Team Dawson loves steadiness and reliability. Team Pacey usually has a bit of a wild streak. 

Ok, maybe it’s not exactly like that, but the debate that still rages on today is who Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) on the 90s teen drama Dawson’s Creek should have ended up with. Let’s take a look at each side, and you can make up your own mind.

The cast of 'Dawson's Creek' in a promotional image.
The cast of ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ | 2000 Columbia/TriStar International Television

Wait, what’s Team Dawson and Team Pacey?

Once upon a time, in the late ‘90s, a show created by Kevin Williamson appeared on the CW. It focused on a group of teenagers handling problems big and small. From riding out a detention a la The Breakfast Club to dealing with grief from losing a parent, the show captivated audiences from the jump.

Williamson has said Dawson Leery (James Van der Beek) was basically an insert for himself during his teenage years, so a lot of the content had a real-world connection. Dawson’s best friend Joey has always been just that – his best friend. But as the group gets older, Dawson starts to realize that Joey can be more than a friend.

Of course, there’s also Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), Dawson’s other childhood friend. Pacey is initially seen as the goofy, wild card who should never have a chance at the serious and studious Joey. However, as the seasons rolled, Pacey and Joey’s chemistry grew. 

Before we knew it, we were all in our definitive camps of who we thought deserved Joey Potter the most. Despite choosing Pacey in the end, not everyone agrees that it was the right decision.

Why some ‘Dawson’s Creek’ fans can’t help but be Team Dawson

The show was initially set up for Joey and Dawson to fall in love and live happily ever after. Most fans were shocked when things took a hard left turn into Pacey/Joey territory. But with most teen dramas that last more than two seasons, the characters jump from one friend to another and don’t bat an eye.

This Redditor sits firmly in the Team Dawson camp. “I just find Pacey immature and I have never thought Joey should end up with him. Dawson is always there for her and the episodes where they get together are always my favorite of any season. Wondering if there are any other Dawson fans out there. I just always thought their relationship was pure and they were meant to be together.”

Plus, when the creator himself is Team Dawson, it makes you wonder if everyone should be. That’s not the case, though, as most fans have consistently rooted for Pacey Witter over the years.

Related

Why James Van Der Beek Didn’t Think ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Was Going to Be a Hit Show

Team Pacey is positive they’re right

The chemistry between Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson on screen is almost palpable. Even if fans knew that the end game for Joey was supposed to be Dawson, we think most couldn’t deny the spark between her and Pacey. 

The two stars actually dated in real life, but before they fell in love on the show. That might have contributed to their ability to work so well together on Dawson’s Creek.

There was just something about Pacey, though. His witty banter and adorable flirting were enough to make most girls swoon, and that included Joey. 

One Redditor summed it up nicely, “Pacey, all day everyday and twice on Sunday’s. Dawson was boring, judgmental and selfish. Pacey was supportive, laid back and truly let Joey shine.”

It’s been 18 years since the show ended, but it’s managed to pick up new fans through streaming. All seasons are available on Netflix and Hulu. Just don’t expect to hear the Paula Cole theme song, but that’s a story for another day.

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