is a seminal American teen drama that premiered on January 20, 1998, and ran for six seasons until 2003 . Set in the fictional coastal town of Capeside, Massachusetts, the series follows the introspective, aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery and his tight-knit group of friends as they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Known for its elevated dialogue and mature themes, it became a flagship show for The WB network and a cultural touchstone for the late '90s.