One Tree Hill Research Paper

Research Essay
One Tree Hill is an American television show filled with drama, romance, murder, mayhem, and milestones. The storyline follows the lives of two-half brothers, Lucas and Nathan Scott who both share a father named Dan. From birth, Dan Scott tried to keep the two sons drifted apart from each other. As the series progress, Lucas and Nathan rekindle their relationship. This season series is about small town kids who navigate their way through life. As the story goes on, this show proves to be more than just a teen melodrama. Teeming with extended life lessons and the importance of gender roles, One Tree Hill becomes a hit TV series.
One Tree Hill has won several Teen Choice Awards for favorite drama actor, the ASCAP Award for top television series, along with several other awards (IMDB). A big reason why this show is so popular is because of the diverse audience it attracts. All the different characters in this show represent the different people in society. People

are drawn to this show because it correlates to different races and economic statuses. However, One Tree Hill is mostly teen-oriented. There is a certain truth in these stories that reveal life and it’s problems. No matter who the person is, or what they have done; people will always come across issues. Every struggle and conflict that is emerged in this series, relates to the audience in some way. By showing a closer look into the characters lives, the audience gets drawn into it because they start to develop sympathy and feel like they could relate. Every character in this story affects people differently and often provides a sense of hope.
This series became a huge hit for its underlying messages. The shows main message to the public reveals that everyone has problems. People cannot get away with their mistakes and they have to own up to them. For example, Nathan Scott gets paralyzed waste down and cannot play for the NBA anymore, simply because he got into a heated argument that turned into a fight. As Lucas stated, “truth is still absolute. Believe that. Even when that truth is hard and cold, and more painful than you’ve ever imagined. And even when truth is more cruel than any lie” (The Runaway Found). Calming your own faults is always a must. When Dan Scott shot and killed his brother Keith, no one knew about it. Several seasons later he confesses and every character turns him down (Over The Hills and Far Away). Although the characters turned their backs on him, once he confessed he got a chance to redeem and was forgiven by his brother when he visited him as a ghost. The characters in the series prove that although they made mistakes in their life, they do not define them and they are not necessarily bad people. One Tree Hill also stresses the importance of responsibility. Haley, a scholar student discovers that she is pregnant because she wasn’t responsible with birth control. Lucas doesn’t take his medication for his heart condition, and has a full heart attack on the streets. When Millicent drives drunk, she gets arrested. Not only does this series contain extended life lessons, but it also empowers women.
Another reason One Tree Hill appears to be a hit is because it advocates that women are powerful.

Feminism in today’s society sparks a huge controversy. Over the past few decades, Women are becoming more powerful and independent. According to a report by Research Pew, statistics are showing that 40% of women are the primary breadwinners in their households (Brittney). One Tree Hill makes a clear point of feminism. Peyton, Brooke, Haley, Millicent, and Quinn all struggle with loss and disappointment. However, they are strong empowering women. In season 4, Peyton has a stalker who posses himself to be her long lost brother. Then, he ends up kidnapping her and Brooke (What Could Have Been). They both fight hell back and take defense. Brook starts a clothing line that turns into a million dollar corporation. By 21, Haley is already struggling her singing career, motherhood, and a marriage. As our generation grows and progresses, so do Television shows, and many of them portray similar

views.
There are several television shows similar to One Tree Hill. TV shows such as Dawson’s Creek and Life Unexpected are about teenagers dealing with issues that come with adolescences. One Tree Hill also has a sport accept to it, that casts the relationship between the players and their coach. Friday Night Lights has a similar vibe to it. The series Gossip Girl is similar to One Tree Hill due to the similar plot story. In fact, many of the awards that One Tree Hill won, Gossip girl won as well or were nominated for (IMBD).
One Tree Hill is more than just a show about two brothers. The story line unfolds a bitter conflict that has been years in the making.