Best Episodes
In Tree Hill, North Carolina two half brothers share a last name and nothing else. Brooding, blue-collar Lucas is a talented street-side basketball player, but his skills are appreciated only by his friends at the river court. Popular, affluent Nathan basks in the hero-worship of the town, as the star of his high school team. And both boys are the son of former college ball player Dan Scott whose long ago choice to abandon Lucas and his mother Karen, will haunt him long into his life with wife Deb and their son Nathan.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 02, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Lucas and Peyton take a road trip together to find Ellie. While out of town, Lucas reconnects with a friend from his past. Brooke, Haley and Mouth successfully launch the Clothes Over Bro's website, only to find that demand far exceeds supply. Deb reveals to Nathan that she tried to kill Dan.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 141 votes.
As the students meet with the school counselor to plan for the future, Nathan and Haley realize they want to attend different colleges across the country from one another and Brooke discovers Rachel's reasons for submitting her designs to Rogue Vogue. Meanwhile, Ellie and Peyton bond as they finish the benefit album.
The episode was rated 7.96 from 137 votes.
The Ravens begin basketball practice. New team captain Nathan clashes with Lucas over Haley, and a new cheerleader sets her sights on Lucas. Elsewhere, Dan's mayoral bid takes a surprising turn when an unlikely opponent emerges, Karen.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 147 votes.
When someone unleashes the students' time capsule upon Tree Hill High, Lucas and Mouth must confront a person from their past. Brooke has to deal with the revelation that secrets aren't the only things she exposed in the time capsule. Dan learns to forgive Keith. Haley is forced to reconcile the man Nathan was before with the man he has become, and Peyton's Breast Cancer Benefit Concert at Tric features performances by Haley, Jack's Mannequin and the return of Fall Out Boy.
The episode was rated 8.01 from 154 votes.
Brooke is forced to grow up in a hurry when her trip to a New York City fashion show prevents her from attending an annual cheerleading tournament. Nathan and Lucas are influenced by the father of an old friend. Struggling with her mother's cancer, Peyton joins Rachel for a night of blowing off steam, and Haley and Nathan use their hotel room as the honeymoon suite they never had.
The episode was rated 8.01 from 155 votes.
Nathan deals with a player who is a rival both on and off the court. Meanwhile, Brooke and Mouth look to get even with Rachel. Dan has a run-in with Cooper; and Peyton comes to a major decision.
The episode was rated 8.04 from 140 votes.
It's Halloween in Tree Hill and everybody is celebrating at Tric, with special guest band Fall Out Boy. The masquerade ball gives the opportunity to Haley to win back Nathan while Brooke is trying to seduce Lucas. Also, Peyton decides to face her new mother and get to know her; Dan uses blackmail to become mayor but things don't turn out as easy as he thought they would when Deb gets in his way.
The episode was rated 8.04 from 144 votes.
The Ravens lose their second game in a row, so Whitey teaches them a tough lesson. Peyton and Ellie look for support for their album and hope to attract Nada Surf to the project. Meanwhile, both Dan and Haley upset Nathan, while Brooke plans a romantic thank-you for Lucas.
The episode was rated 8.04 from 136 votes.
Brooke makes a "Fantasy Boy Draft," after all of the cheerleaders are fighting over the same guys. Haley and Peyton continue to argue over Nathan. Dan butts heads with Karen because the election is drawing nearer. Lucas is trying to keep up with the fast pace of basketball.
The episode was rated 8.08 from 142 votes.
As the town readies for the Ravens' first basketball game, Lucas worries that his head and heart aren't in it. Nathan accuses Lucas of being the Ravens' weak link. Peyton and Haley mend fences to support Brooke in a time of need. When the mayoral race tightens, Dan resorts to a smear campaign.
The episode was rated 8.08 from 141 votes.
The aftermath of the school shooting and the death of Jimmy Edwards forces everyone in Tree Hill to examine their lives. Nathan reassesses his relationship with Haley, while Brooke and Rachel join forces to heal the student body. Dan must deal with the ramifications of shooting Keith, while Lucas and Peyton consider the implications of their kiss in the library.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 154 votes.
It is revealed that Lucas knows who tried to kill Dan and he confronts the guilty party. Brooke, Peyton and Haley find themselves behind bars. Peyton finds her guilty conscience on the surface. Chris Keller convinces Nathan to be his wingman at a high-stakes poker game. The residents of Tree Hill finally choose a mayor.
The episode was rated 8.19 from 145 votes.
A violent rainstorm knocks out the power in Tree Hill, leading Haley to Nathan's doorstep and Brooke out into the downpour for a dramatic confrontation with Lucas. Peyton finally confronts the truth about Ellie's illness, while Mouth is tempted by his new friend, Rachel. Before morning, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and new love gets hotter than ever.
The episode was rated 8.22 from 160 votes.
Due to the aftermath of the release of the time capsule, chaos breaks out. Someone is holding students of Tree Hill hostage with a gun, shooting. While lives hang in the balance, Nathan and Lucas put themselves at risk to protect their friends and loved ones. Young lives are shattered and two lives will end.
The episode was rated 8.54 from 192 votes.
Nathan worries about Haley as they prepare to renew their vows. Peyton and Brooke's friendship becomes strained and Deb confesses to Dan about the fire.
The episode was rated 8.55 from 149 votes.
