Elder Millennials Are 'Not OK' as Childhood TV Stars Reunite
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Millennials and Xennials (the youngest Gen Xers) are beside themselves as beloved TV sweethearts Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson reunite on screen for the first time in decades.
The duo, who famously portrayed Pacey Witter and Joey Potter on the teen drama Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003, are teaming up once again—this time for an upcoming film trilogy titled Happy Hours.
According to Deadline, the films will follow a group of college friends who gather over the years for their traditional weekly happy hour—a ritual that sees secrets surface and old flames reignite.
As early images of the pair together in New York City hit the internet, fans have flooded social media with joyful reactions.
Newsweek reached out to Katie Holmes' and Joshua Jackson's publicists for comment via email.
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 21: Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are seen on the set of "Happy Hour" on July 21, 2025 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 21: Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are seen on the set of "Happy Hour" on July 21, 2025 in New York City.
Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor/GC Images
"Friends, I regret to inform you that I am unable to be normal about this," wrote Librariana (@librariana10). "My profile will exclusively be about me shipping Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson. Your girl loves a second chance romance."
"I just heard Katie Holmes is writing/directing/starring in a new movie trilogy and Joshua Jackson is co-starring, and I will never be chill about this or anything else ever again. THE TIMELINE IS HEALING," posted Colette (@colettelikesstuff) on Threads.
"Guys, I'm not sure you understand the chokehold Josh Jackson and Katie Holmes had on Xennials," wrote author Jennifer Lacopelli (@jennifercarolyn), garnering over 27,000 views.
"They were not supposed to be The Ship of that show. Kevin Williamson even tried to write the opposite ship in the finale and COULDN'T DO IT, their chemistry was just too powerful."
"My original enemies to friends to lovers obsession," added author Claribel Ortega.
On X, a similar sentiment prevailed. One user, who goes by Val, wrote, "no guys, this katie holmes and joshua jackson reunion is something so huge for those who grew up watching dawson's creek. i'm crying, sometimes even millennials do win."
Felicity tied it to another nostalgic event, writing, "NYC nostalgia era in the streets with Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes, and The Devil Wears Prada both filming. The elder millennials in your life are not okay."
Dawson's Creek followed the emotional rollercoaster of a tight-knit group of high school friends in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. Holmes' Joey Potter was initially positioned as a love interest for the show's lead, Dawson Leery—but fans quickly became enthralled by her slow-burn connection with Jackson's Pacey.
Pacey and Joey's relationship was the epitome of the "enemies to friends to lovers" trope.
Though they started off bickering and distant, sparks began to fly in later seasons.
Their story reached a crescendo in the series finale when, despite creator Kevin Williamson's initial plans for a Dawson-and-Joey ending, the chemistry between Holmes and Jackson was so undeniable that the writers pivoted—cementing Pacey and Joey as the true endgame.
More than 20 years after their TV romance captivated fans, the actors are set to rekindle their on-screen chemistry in Holmes' new project, which she will write, direct, and star in. Jackson has signed on as her co-star.
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