On a crisp New York night, the show’s beloved cast reunited for a one-night-only charity event that was equal parts emotional homecoming and heartfelt celebration of friendship. It was also in support of lead actor James Van Der Beek’s own personal cancer journey. One notable cast member, however, couldn’t make the trip back: James Van Der Beek himself. The audience—many of whom grew up with Dawson’s Creek as a weekly ritual—sang along, turning the theater into a giant, emotional sing-along. Dawson’s Creek first aired in 1998, running for six seasons and launching the careers of its then-fresh-faced cast.