Dawson’s Creek\u27. Complexity vs. Didacticism in Youth Culture

Kevin Williamson’s WB television series Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003) focuses on teenagers growing up in Capeside, Massachusetts. Although some critics might argue that this series exploits teen sexuality for the purpose of higher ratings, this thesis reveals that, in fact, Dawson’s Creek reflects important developmental aspects of its youth audience. Drawing on the work of Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall and Paddy Whannel, this close analysis of Dawson’s Creek reveals that far from exploiting teen sexuality, the show instead portrays teens involved in generating a complex understanding of their own psychological, emotional, and moral behavior