Popular doesn't cut it regarding these two shows. Dawson's Creek ended only a few months before The O.C premiered, allowing fans a few months of relaxing before jumping into another emotionally charged teen drama.
While The O.C did not last as long as Dawson's Creek, ending with four seasons, both still had tremendous impacts and remain to be included as references in pop culture. And, although Dawson's Creek starred average teenagers growing up in Massachusetts, The O.C featured rich teenagers in Orange County, California. In some ways, these shows could not be more different. However, they do share some of their more simple features.
DAWSON'S CREEK: IMPERFECT FRIENDSHIPS
Friendships aren't always perfect, and Dawson's Creek delivered all types from the solid bond between Dawson and Joey to the crumbling relationship between Dawson and Pacey. Not everyone can form tight relationships, but Joey and Jen were able to find a way to be civil for the sake of their mutual friends.
Dawson's Creek didn't need everyone to be on good terms to tell a good story, and part of the interest in the show was watching the characters try to navigate their relationships to an even footing. The characters on The O.C had issues as well. But, they mostly stemmed from the romantic side of their dynamic rather than the friendship side.
THE O.C: PARENTAL GUIDANCE
Dawson's parents and Jen's grandmother were a necessary part of the show. Jen's grandmother would continuously advise Jen and her friends. Yet, they were not as vital as Sandy and Kirsten's place on The O.C. Sandy and Kirsten had storylines that had nothing to do with the kids sometimes. This allowed them to grow as characters on their own as well as grow their relationship.
Even though Julie Cooper wasn't winning the Mother of the Year award, she was still heavily involved in Marissa and Kaitlin's lives.
DAWSON'S CREEK: LOVE TRIANGLE
Both teen dramas took a crack at this storyline, yet the dynamic between Dawson, Joey, and Pacey was a more intricate portrayal. Dawson's Creek nails the relevance that both Dawson and Pacey have in Joey's life. Joey's influence on each boy and their influence on Joey is a significant part of the storyline. However, it also highlights the changing dynamic between Dawson and Pacey.
The triangle between Seth, Summer, and Anna doesn't hold the same emotional repercussions as there is less history between the trio. The O.C also falls behind due to how Seth handles the situation between them.
THE O.C: CHARACTER GROWTH
The main characters of Dawson's Creek always stayed true to the basis of their personalities. While they did mature throughout the show, they did not go through significant changes that morphed their way of thinking. The O.C had character growth arcs, most specifically for Ryan and Summer. Ryan was a wildcard at the beginning, used to fights to win arguments. Through Sandy, Kirsten, and Seth, Ryan had to learn to settle his disputes in other ways, even if he did not always listen.
Meanwhile, Summer underwent some personal obstacles as well, including exploring a world outside the Orange County bubble. Once Summer got to college, she got involved in a club devoted to saving the Earth. Although she tried to give it up, Summer could not shake the calling of importance and a sense of purpose the club gave to her.
DAWSON'S CREEK: RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Joey and Pacey were not the most apparent couple at the beginning of Dawson's Creek. In the beginning, it appeared that Joey and Dawson would eventually work it out and end up together. However, the show went the other direction. While Joey and Pacey did have their problems, as they grew up, they matured together. They developed together, having a solid foundation for a relationship and a friendship.
Seth and Summer were featured as the central couple in The O.C. Yet, their relationship was held back by Seth continually lying to Summer. While they had their moments too, Seth and Summer could not match the maturity that Joey and Pacey got out of their relationship.
THE O.C: LIGHT TONE
Dawson's Creek may have made fun of tropes in various teen dramas, but it tended to land more on the serious side. While there are jokes and happy moments throughout the six seasons, the characters do not take the opportunity to make fun of each other that The O.C takes. It was not uncommon to see Seth and Sandy make a joke about the always brooding Ryan Atwood smiling about something.
The show also had a habit of calling out people or calling them names. Seth Cohen, as a character, acted as comedic relief, something that Dawson's Creek did not have much of.
DAWSON'S CREEK: POST-HIGH SCHOOL
Moving out of high school can be dangerous territory for teen drama shows. Without easy access to all the characters in one distinct location and the loss of various supporting characters and settings fans had been accustomed to, it is up to the minds behind the show to find a way to make it still seem natural.
Both shows took the opportunity to separate its main cast in the post-high school seasons. In Dawson's Creek, they moved the primary setting to Boston to utilize Joey, Jen, and Jack, all attending college in the area. Pacey got a job nearby as well. Yet, Dawson bounced between California and Boston.
In The O.C, Summer went off to college in the aftermath of Marissa's death. Ryan felt the pain of losing her hard as well as and nearly reverted all his character development while grieving and thirst for vengeance.
THE O.C: STRUGGLING MAIN CHARACTER
Dawson Leery had a relatively comfortable life. His parents' marital problems, in addition to Dawson's personal love life, were as hard as he had it for a while. Unfortunately, Dawson faced tragedy during the death of his father, but he still had his mother and friends there for him.
Ryan Atwood started with nothing. Within the pilot episode, the audience learns about his jailed father, alcoholic mother, and that his mother and her boyfriend are willing to move away without him. With the Cohens, Ryan gets the opportunity to flourish in school and focus on his growth as a person. However, he still faces problems in the new environment.
DAWSON'S CREEK: RELATABLE STORYLINES
Dawson's Creek was a much more relatable show to the general public. Some essential issues were about the uncertainty of the future or how to achieve their dreams. Working hard in school to get into college is a critical factor in Joey's life, as was financial aid.
On Dawson's Creek, the characters facing difficulties made them seem like underdogs that the audience would root for. The O.C struggles in that area, as the main characters' problems are harder to relate to. Watching a rich character complain about a problem may be more difficult to swallow.
THE O.C: COMING FULL CIRCLE
Dawson had turned his life into a television show in the series finale. The choice is a nice nod to the series, and all he and his friends had been through. It emphasizes how much they had grown since being teenagers. Ryan Atwood had been grateful to Sandy and Kirsten for taking him in. Due to their help, Ryan turned his life around and build a future that he may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise.
The series never forgets this, and even makes a point of it in the last minutes of the finale. An adult Ryan spots a teenage boy, reminiscent of himself, appearing troubled on a sidewalk. Understanding the significance of offering a hand, Ryan asks the boy is he needs any help, just as Sandy had done for him.