Over two decades have passed since One Tree Hill first debuted, yet for Chad Michael Murray, the role of Lucas Scott remains his most defining — and, for fans, his most cherished. While the actor has since built a diverse career across film and television, it’s clear that the emotional drama set in the small town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, continues to strike a lasting chord.
Speaking with PEOPLE at a recent screening of his new film Freakier Friday, Murray, now 43, reflected on the staying power of the show that catapulted him to teen heartthrob status in the early 2000s.
“I would say probably One Tree Hill — yeah, that’s probably the one thing that most people come up to me about,” Murray said. “But I mean, I was there for six years, so that’s a large body of work. That’s a large chunk of time.”
The CW series, which ran from 2003 to 2012, followed a group of friends and rivals navigating love, family, basketball, and the complications of growing up. Murray’s role as the brooding writer and athlete Lucas Scott quickly earned him legions of fans. The series helped define a generation of teen drama alongside shows like The O.C. and Gossip Girl, but One Tree Hill carved out a uniquely emotional niche that still resonates with viewers.
“When you do a movie, it’s a moment,” Murray continued. “You’re there for three, four months. That movie’s an hour and a half long versus someone sculpting 136 hours of good-quality television. I think that impact might be a little bit vaster, you know what I mean?”
A Nostalgic Wave of Recognition
Though One Tree Hill remains the most common reference point, Murray says fans often recognize him for other standout roles from his early 2000s heyday — particularly his charming turn in A Cinderella Story opposite Hilary Duff and his comedic performance in Freaky Friday alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis.
“The quotes are usually from A Cinderella Story,” Murray said with a laugh. “Or like the guy down there, he just sung ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ and I said he crushed it. He crushed it.”
In Freaky Friday (2003), Murray’s character famously performs a rendition of the Britney Spears classic, a scene that has since become a viral throwback clip, continuing to live on in GIFs, TikToks, and nostalgic Twitter threads.
“It Was Terrifying”
Despite his confident on-screen presence, Murray admitted that stepping into the spotlight at such a young age wasn’t always glamorous behind the scenes.
“It was terrifying,” he said of his early career. “I was like, ‘Welcome to Hollywood, kid. Go do this.’ Literally.”
Murray landed his first major acting roles in the early 2000s after growing up in Buffalo, New York. From guest spots on Gilmore Girls and Dawson’s Creek to leading man status by 21, his rise was fast — and, at times, overwhelming.
That sense of vulnerability and authenticity may be part of what made Lucas Scott feel so real to fans who were going through similar growing pains. Over the years, Murray has grown more comfortable revisiting that part of his life, recognizing the significant bond fans still share with the series.
The Legacy of Lucas Scott
One Tree Hill wrapped its nine-season run in 2012, but the fandom has never faded. On social media, streaming platforms, and convention circuits, fans continue to celebrate the series, rewatching episodes and engaging in online discussions about the show’s impact and deeper messages.
In a 2024 interview, Murray expressed his gratitude for the fans who’ve kept the One Tree Hill legacy alive.
“This OTH family has grown with us and we’ve grown with them,” he said. “It’s always been their show, it always was, and we’ve all done it together.”
“Without the fans, there is no One Tree Hill,” Murray added. “No matter whether we’re there making it or not. The show would’ve gone away a long time ago, but they’ve kept it alive, and it struck a chord with so many people, still today.”
That “chord” was often rooted in emotional vulnerability, the complexities of family and friendship, and the power of finding your voice — themes that resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ viewers, many of whom connected with characters who struggled to fit in or be understood.
The Possibility of a Reboot?
Though rumors have swirled for years about a potential One Tree Hill reboot, Murray has remained cautious but open-minded. In past interviews, he’s said he “can’t see a world” without the show making a return in some form — though whether that’s a sequel, spin-off, or reboot remains unclear.
What is clear, however, is that the show’s emotional storytelling and its iconic cast left a mark that time hasn’t erased. As Murray ventures into new roles — including his latest in Freakier Friday — fans remain eager to follow wherever his journey leads, while holding on tightly to the memories of Lucas Scott, the River Court, and the magic of Tree Hill.
