THE WB PICKS-UP LATE SEASON HIT "ONE TREE HILL" FOR THE 2004-2005 SEASON

SECOND SEASON RATINGS MOMENTUM INCLUDING #1 TIME SLOT FINISHES IN WOMEN 12-34, TEENS AND FEMALE TEENS BURBANK, CA (April 26, 2004) - The WB has picked up sizzling drama ONE TREE HILL for the 2004-2005 season, it was announced today by Jordan Levin, the network's Co-CEO. ONE TREE HILL was one of the real growth stories of the year for any network, emerging from disappointing early ratings results to become this season's second highest rated drama in female teens after "The OC," and winning its time slot in demos of late including #1 in women 12-34, teens and female teens last week.

"ONE TREE HILL became the story of the year for us this season," said Jordan Levin. "ONE TREE HILL was originally developed as a midseason program and thus did not benefit from the traditional launch support. Once the marketing and PR campaigns hit at mid-season, the show had creatively found its footing and what ensued was a show that was strong enough to win its time slot in key demos. Chad Michael Murray, who we have had tremendous faith in for years, has emerged as one of the hottest young actors in our business and leads what we think of as a breakout ensemble cast."

ONE TREE HILL, starring Chad Michael Murray, has evolved into one of the strongest shows on television among female teens. A late addition to The WB's fall schedule this past season, ONE TREE HILL got off to a slow start, but has built momentum throughout the season. The growth story has culminated in two consecutive record-setting weeks in its most recent airings. This past week, ONE TREE HILL achieved new all-time series records in adults 18-34 (2.6/8), persons 12-34 (3.0/9), women 18-34 (3.6/10), men 18-34 (1.6/5) and women 12-34 (4.5/12). The drama also equaled its all-time record in women 18-49 (2.7/6) and scored its second highest ratings ever in female teens (6.9/20) and equaled its second highest rating in teens (4.0/13). Also this past week, ONE TREE HILL was also the top-rated show in its time period among women 12-34 (4.5/12), teens (4.0/13) and female teens (6.9/20), ranked #2 in persons 12-34 (3.0/9) and #3 in women 18-34 (3.6/10).

ONE TREE HILL is from show creator Mark Schwahn ("The Perfect Score"); executive producers Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola ("Smallville"), and Ann Hamilton ("thirtysomething," "Party of Five") for Tollin/Robbins Productions; and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

http://www.thewb.com/PressRelease/Index/0,8341,168340,00.html