Kerr Smith (Jack McPhee) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter) are the only two series regulars to direct an episode during the show's six season run.
In season one, episode seven, Detention (1998), Dawson (James Van Der Beek) compares the group's Saturday detention to Breakfast Club (1985). He mentions the cast are now languishing in television obscurity. Pacey (Joshua Jackson) then mentions Emilio Estevez from the film, saying "He was in those duck movies, remember? God those were classics. So funny." Jackson appeared in all three "Mighty Ducks" films with Estevez.
Many props from creator Kevin Williamson's Scream (1996) and So cosa hai fatto (1997) are used, particularly in Dawson's bedroom.
The necklace that Dawson wore in every episode was made by James Van Der Beek's mother. The wardrobe people centered every outfit Dawson wore around it.