Idealist Dawson Leery and his friends face family dramas, peer pressure and self-esteem issues as they navigate through high school and college.
Episode 1
Pilot
January 20, 1998
Film-buff Dawson finds his best friend, Joey, growing jealous of his attraction to a neighbor's granddaughter. Meanwhile, pal Pacey falls in love with a mystery woman, who is really a teacher at Capeside.
Episode 2
Dance
January 27, 1998
Dawson casts Jen as the new leading lady in his film, but creates a messy off-camera scene during her date at the school dance. Meanwhile, Joey confronts Mrs. Leery about her liaisons; and Pacey gets under Tamara's skin with his public flirting.
Episode 3
Kiss
February 3, 1998
While working on the film class's movies, team player Dawson has a hard time being stuck in the background. Meanwhile as he plots to give Jen the "perfect kiss", Joey is swept away by a handsome stranger and Pacey tries to graduate to manhood.
Episode 4
Discovery
February 10, 1998
Dawson turns to Jen after learning of his mom's affair, and Joey's knowledge of it. But he regrets doing so when she tells him some of her problems; meanwhile Pacey and Tamara continue to tempt fate with their fling.
Episode 5
Hurricane
February 17, 1998
When a major hurricane moves inland, all take refuge in the Leery home, where Dawson rages at Jen about her past, and Mitch storms out after learning of Gale's affair. That leaves a tormented Dawson to deal with their fallout. Meanwhile, Pacey ruins his brother's chances to get with Tamara at her beach house.
Episode 6
Baby
February 24, 1998
Capeside is abuzz with rumors of a teacher's indiscretion, rumors that prove fateful for Pacey and Tamera. Meanwhile, Joey and Jen get a life lesson when Bessie is aided by an unlikely source when she gives birth in Dawson's living room.
Episode 7
Detention
March 3, 1998
In what is said to be one of the best episodes, the gang, after committing various violations at school, gets stuck together for an 8 hour Saturday detention, where Dawson and Pacey turn against each another; and Joey offers a tearful partial explanation for her anger toward Jen.
Episode 8
Boyfriend
March 10, 1998
Dawson feels the heat when Jen is visited by an old boyfriend; Joey lets off a bit too much steam at a beach party and ends up in a sticky situation; and tensions between Mitch and Gale reach the boiling point as they attempt to rebuild their marriage.
Episode 9
Roadtrip
March 17, 1998
Hoping to get over Jen, Dawson agrees to join Pacey and Billy in a boys night out and finds what he is looking for in another woman. Meanwhile Jen handles damage control after Joey becomes the subject of a rumor at school.
Episode 10
Double Date
April 28, 1998
A double date finds Jen and Cliff joined by Dawson and a savvy sidekick who calls him on a plot to make Jen jealous. But it's Dawson turn to turn green when Pacey grows close to Joey working on a project.
Episode 11
The Scare
May 5, 1998
In honor of Friday the 13th, Dawson, plans a séance for the gang, they are all spooked by reports of a serial killer heading towards Capeside.
Episode 12
Beauty Contest
May 12, 1998
Joey and Pacey enter a beauty competition; Jen regrets her breakup with Dawson.
Episode 13
Decisions
May 19, 1998
In the season finale, Dawson and Joey confront their true feelings. Joey, visits her father in prison, and debates leaving to go to France.
