"One Tree Hill," a popular hour-long drama that aired weekly on The WB Television Network, is among the many productions made in this region. During its nine-season run, the weekly series was filmed in Wilmington and nearby island beaches of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.
Tour "One Tree Hill" Locations
Famous locations you'll recognize from "One Tree Hill" include the iconic building that housed "Karen's Cafe," the famous "Naley Bench" along the Riverwalk and "Joey's Wall" among other places. View our "One Tree Hill" walking tour map for a list of locations you can explore at your own pace.
"One Tree Hill" debuted in 2003 and was filmed at Cinespace Studios Wilmington and on location in the Wilmington, North Carolina region until the final show wrapped production in 2011. OTH sets are no longer in use or available to the public.
"One Tree Hill" Memorabilia
TV-and movie-related memorabilia is available at the Black Cat Shoppe, Krazy Mike’z, Top Toad (located inside The Cotton Exchange and Independence Mall) and Poodle's Island Wear Gifts and Jewelry. Licensed One Tree Hill merchandise is also available online.
More Information About "One Tree Hill"
"One Tree Hill" tells the story of two young men, Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who have little in common, aside for a love of hoops and the fact that they share the same father. After growing up on opposite sides of the tracks, the boys' lives collided when a twist of fate put Lucas on Nathan's high school basketball team. Years in the making, a deep and bitter conflict slowly unfolded as the two boys struggled to come to terms with a father who chose to live vicariously through one son, while ignoring the existence of the other. The half-brothers became rivals on and off the court, yet shared a mutual resentment of their father. Seasons 6-9 follow the characters into their lives as young adults.
"One Tree Hill" stars some of Hollywood’s brightest young stars: James Lafferty ("Underground," "Season on the Brink" and "Emeril") and Sophia Bush ("Chicago P.D." and "Learning Curves"). It also stars Bethany Joy Galeotti, Austin Nichols, Paul Johansson, Barry Corbin, Lee Norris and Robert Buckley. During seasons 1-6 actors Chad Michael Murray ("Agent Carter," "Cinderella Story," "House of Wax" and "Freaky Friday") and Hilarie Burton ("Lethal Weapon," MTV’s "TRL" and "Secret Life of Bees") also starred in the show. Since the show's premiere in 2003, the Wilmington region has doubled as “Tree Hill” a small fictitious town in North Carolina. Fans of "One Tree Hill" can watch the show and see familiar sights of Wilmington and Island Beaches. "One Tree Hill" is from executive producer and show creator Mark Schwahn (“The Perfect Score”), executive producers Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola (“Smallville”) and Mark Perry for Tollin/Robbins Productions and the CW Television Network. Past seasons are available on DVD and streaming services.
How Can I be An Extra on a TV Show or Movie?
Since 1983, more than 400 film-related projects have been filmed in the Wilmington, North Carolina region, often affectionately referred to as “Hollywood East.” Several Wilmington-based casting companies cast extras for local productions. If you’re interested in being an extra or have other questions about film production in Wilmington, please check the Wilmington Film Office website Frequently Asked Questions. Before visitors travel any distance to be an extra, they are encouraged to check the website and contact casting companies directly to find out about casting needs and employment requirements.
For recent production information, visit our Famous Film & TV Sites page. For more info about Wilmington and Island Beaches (where "One Tree Hill" was filmed) please call (910) 341-4030 or stop by the Riverfront Visitors Booth at the foot of Market Street.
