Hilarie Burton Morgan shared on her “Drama Queens” podcast how she and Chad Michael Murray found out they weren’t returning for season 7 of One Tree Hill. Despite the show being renewed, they were not asked back and knew they were on the chopping block. Burton Morgan later reflected that not returning to the show was a blessing in disguise, as it opened the door to more opportunities in her life, including meeting her husband and having children. Fans were surprised by her candid admission, as many initially believed that she and Murray chose to leave the show on their own.
Fans expressed disappointment at the decision not to bring back Chad and Hilarie for the final season of the long-running series, and felt that the show was not the same after their departure. One Tree Hill, created by Mark Schwahn, aired for nine seasons from 2003 to 2012 and followed the lives of two half-brothers in a small town in North Carolina. The main cast also included Paul Johansson, Craig Sheffer, Moira Kelly, Antwon Tanner, Lee Norris, and Barbara Alyn Woods. The series saw a time jump between seasons 4 and 5, as the characters navigated adulthood after returning to their hometown.
Sophia Bush, who played Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill, has previously spoken out about misconduct behind the scenes of the show, including harassment allegations against Schwahn. Along with other cast members, Bush penned a letter detailing Schwahn’s misconduct in 2017 and remains vocal about the allegations to this day. The actress recalled on a podcast how the producers took advantage of people’s personal lives for storylines, which she found to be opportunistic and ugly. Bush believes that change is necessary in the industry to prevent such behavior in the future.
Burton Morgan emphasized on the “Drama Queens” podcast that the support she received from her former castmates on One Tree Hill helped her navigate the challenges she faced on the show. She expressed that the betrayal she experienced by not being asked back for season 7 led her to a better life and career, and hopes that listeners can take away the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The actress highlighted how her life has flourished since leaving the show, and how the experience ultimately led to positive outcomes for her.
The candid admission by Hilarie Burton Morgan about not returning for season 7 of One Tree Hill has sparked conversations among fans of the show. Many were surprised by the revelation, as they had believed that she and Chad Michael Murray had chosen to leave on their own. The series, with a devoted fan base, aired for nine seasons and became a staple in the teen drama genre. Despite the challenges faced behind the scenes, the show remains a beloved memory for many viewers, and the cast’s openness about their experiences continues to shed light on important issues in the entertainment industry. New episodes of the “Drama Queens” podcast, featuring Burton Morgan, Sophia Bush, and Bethany Joy Lenz, can be streamed every Sunday for those interested in more inside stories from the set of One Tree Hill.
