Season #: 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
46

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Negative: 11 out of 27
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jun 30, 2013
    60
    As trite as it sounds, the series plays it all earnestly enough for its target audience, and the show is beautifully shot in North Carolina, the basketball mecca where the fictional town is set. Even the sports scenes are well staged (in the pilot, anyway) and less schlocky than "The White Shadow" norm, with Lafferty, at least, looking like he's actually got game. [23 Sept 2003, p.13]
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Staff [Not Credited]
    Jun 30, 2013
    50
    The opening hour is too loaded down with cliched angst to stimulate much more than the libido of its target teen audience. [22 Sept 2003]
  3. San Diego Union-Tribune
    Reviewed by: Preston Turegano
    Jun 30, 2013
    50
    The most dominating cast member of this attractive show is Corbin -- the delightfully rigid Maurice Minnifield on "Northern Exposure." But coming down court fast for a slam-dunk is Sheffer, who makes an outstanding impression as the only male role model who gives Lucas the love and support he needs in the tough game of life. Daddy Dan is an expletive deleted. [23 Sept 2003, p.E-6]
  4. Houston Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mike McDaniel
    Jun 30, 2013
    50
    Quick - which is the one to root for, the one you want to make the basketball team and get the girl? If you don't know, One Tree Hill holds all kinds of possibilities for you. Me, I run from jerks. [23 Sept 2003, p.1]
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Phil Rosenthal
    Jun 30, 2013
    50
    It's not quite up to the level of "The OC." Not yet anyway. [23 Sept 2003, p.41]
  6. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Jun 30, 2013
    40
    Hill is terribly hokey. Half-brother basketball wizards compete for hoops and girls, as their alienated parents battle. The West Wing's Moira Kelly, as mom to the poor boy, is the only actor who shows any scope on the show. [22 Sept 2003, p.C09]
  7. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Jun 30, 2013
    40
    The connection results in many brooding stares, nasty arguments and expert shots. The WB's scheduling the show after Gilmore Girls suggests that programmers believe that girls just want to have fun while boys want a good cry. They won't get it from One Tree Hill. [23 Sept 2003, p.E1]
  8. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    Jun 30, 2013
    40
    Impressive photography and a good-looking cast add up to a drama that is at least pretty to look at. But it doesn't have quite the sizzle of Fox's new teen drama "The O.C.", the new series young viewers seem to be in love with this fall...Maybe, if you're 14, this is epic enough. [23 Sept 2003, p.1E]
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 49
  2. Negative: 3 out of 49
  1. Apr 23, 2012
    10
    I am a die hard OTH fan. I have watched it since it came out and had to accept the finale this year. It was a very hard thing to do. I'veI am a die hard OTH fan. I have watched it since it came out and had to accept the finale this year. It was a very hard thing to do. I've grown with it over the years. It was an inspiring show. It connected with me in every way. I fell in love with the casting. I seriously dont know how to explain so...its a fantastic show and any person that enjoys the genre will enjoy this show. Full Review »
  2. Sep 10, 2010
    8
    honestly the show is good. but not as good as it used to be! i love watching thr repeats. i still hope they dont cancel it. and if they dohonestly the show is good. but not as good as it used to be! i love watching thr repeats. i still hope they dont cancel it. and if they do have their final season, that lucas and peyton come back.. atleast for the last episode. Full Review »
  3. Aug 8, 2014
    8
    This is probably the best Teen Drama in TV History, Mark Schwann makes us cry and laugh through the the characters hardships and beautifulThis is probably the best Teen Drama in TV History, Mark Schwann makes us cry and laugh through the the characters hardships and beautiful moments. A truly unforgettable 9 years. Full Review »