Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton leaving 'One Tree Hill'
It's seems unreal, but a rep for the CW tells us it's true: Lucas and Peyton are moving out of "One Tree Hill."
Rumors that the shows stars, Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton, would not be returning for the show's seventh season began circulating in February when the CW announced a series renewal without specifying which cast members would be back.
Soon after, a video of Murray talking to his fans surfaced. Seemingly unaware he was being filmed, the actor told fans, "They're not bringing me back next year ... because they want to save money." He even encouraged them to rally behind him: "Start blogging and being pissed off."
In April, "One Tree Hill" executive producer Mark Schwann told a crowd in Paris that all of the actors had signed on for Season 7, except for Murray and Burton. "They're in negotiations right now and I know they've been offered great things, and hopefully they'll decide to come back. If they don't that's always a possibility...[the show] has made it through some of the riskier moves we've done."
Looks like the public negotiating didn't take. A rep for the network confirms the two are out, and EW.com additionally reports that two new characters will be introduced next season. Austin Nichols, who play's Brooke's man Julian, meanwhile, will be upped to a series regular.
When last we saw the blissfully happy Lucas and Peyton, they had just been married. Unfortunately, in the final moments of Monday's episode, a very pregnant Peyton began to bleed and passed out cold on their honeymoon bed.
Does this news spell trouble for Peyton? She did record those video messages to her baby a couple of weeks ago (in an episode directed by "One Tree Hill's" own James Lafferty). And what about Lucas? His heart's been ticking fine for some time.
Guess we'll all find out what happens to the pair together during Monday's season finale.
-- Denise Martin
Photo: Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray. Credit: The CW
I LOVE THIS SHOW I FILL THE TWO MADE THE SHOW EVEN BETTER IM NOT GONNA SAY THEY MADE THE WHOLE SHOW BUT I WATCHED IT EVERY WEEK AND WITHOUT THEM I DNT KNO HOW THE SHOWS GONNA WORK
Posted by: Taye | September 19, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Chad is the only reason i enjoyed this show so much. Yeah, the other characters are good and interesting but Chad is my favorite actor EVER. i might cry now that hes not one One Tree Hill. No lie, man.
Posted by: alyssa | September 20, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I watched season 7 on Monday night...must say i am very dissapointed i have been a fan since season one. I own the entire dvd collection....however i will NOT be watching anymore of the OTH. Nathan is in ANOTHER cheating scandal (surpirse.. not) Haley is struggling with her music...again. Dan should have been killed off long ago and they are still keeping his "im sorry" pathetic self on the show. Brooke however is finally getting a break with Julian. BOUT time she has been through some horrible relationships. Mouth and Millie are the happy perfect couple again. Skills is still dating jamie's teacher...Haly's other sister comes to crash (if we are lucky season 8 haley's other 10 sisters will come crash at her house)! Overall VERY UPSET!! CW JUST LOST ALL THE VIEWERS FROM MY HOME!!!!
Posted by: Dissapointed Jamie | September 20, 2009 at 11:01 PM
I will no longer be supporting the show without these actors. I am done watching the CW all together actually!
Posted by: james | September 21, 2009 at 08:26 AM
I truly believe that this show will not succeed without Lucas and Peyton. To be quite honest and at the risk of sounding like a complete tool, they were and always will be the heart of this show. Their storyline is THE major storyline and they make viewers believe in dreams and love in the purest form. If the CW can do anything to bring them back, I implore you to do it. The show will never survive without them. There was so much more to do with their storyline...they just had a child for God's sake. Would the CW have canceled Haley and Nathan's characters after having Jamie? I kind of wish they had gotten rid of Haley and Nathan instead. Peyton and Lucas are a far more honest and heartfelt couple than Haley and Nathan. Honestly the only reason to watch Haley and Nathan's scenes are their amazingly adorable, witty son, Jamie. How can you remove the two main and best characters from a show that completed 6 wildly fantastic and successful seasons and NOT EVEN EXPLAIN WHERE THEY WENT?!??! Seriously....CW you are headed for TV series suicide. Whatever you need to do to get Lucas and Peyton back....DO IT! Otherwise the majority of your fans, like me, will be boycotting Season 7 without them. Pick up the phone, offer more money, more perks...your fans deserve it!
Posted by: Jess | September 21, 2009 at 08:54 AM
CANNOT believe Peyton and Lucas are not coming back ratings are going to decrease incredibly from this. First two episodes were terrible and doesn't want to make you watch more. I have a feeling this will be the last season of One Tree Hill. Peyton and Lucas have always been the head of the show the rest of the cast is not strong enough to keep viewers entertained. Very sad that after 7 years of watching I'm no longer interested and very disgusted.
Posted by: amanda | September 21, 2009 at 04:02 PM
i have been watchin one tree hill for a long time now.i have watched all the episodes over andover again.shot i watch it everyday.but now with out lucas and peyton its not one tree hill.i want to write someone(cw) or whoever.im soo mad.the show is suppose to be about 2 half brothers livin in a small town.now there isnt a 2nd brother.it just soo stupid who cares if they are over paid.i say its worth it all.they make the show.well im done watchin it or until they come back.
Posted by: kortney nezbeth | September 21, 2009 at 04:07 PM
This whole idea about letting chad and hilarie leave the show is so dumb. I dont even know if i will be watching anymore. I wubb you brooke but i think its going to be pretty boring without them. so goodbye One Tree Hill until LUCAS AND PEYTON COMES BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie | September 21, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Without the old Lucas and Payton the show is going to suck...they need to come back! ASAP! trust me it will have more ratings!!!
Posted by: Kayla | September 21, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Ok - so I was busy and had to DVR the Season Premiere of One Tree Hill last Monday and just watched it tonight so I could be caught up for tonight's episode. To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement. How can you leave the final episode of last season the way you did and not even address it in the Season Premiere. I'm sorry but One Tree Hill - just isn't One Tree Hill without Lucas and Peyton - I'm done. OTH Fan - no more. Karen
Posted by: Karen Caron | September 21, 2009 at 09:16 PM
What are they thinking!!! This couple made the show, I did not watch the show on a regular bases until I fell for the LEAD Couple. Waiting each week to see what other obstacles they would face and over come just made my week! If they are not coming back then I am sad to say I will not be watching!!!!! I was so looking forward to seeing them finally be a family, but I guess I will just have to find another show to watch on Monday nights :( Thanks for the last three years.
Boo Whoing :(
Posted by: Upset viewer | September 22, 2009 at 06:31 AM
I loved Lucas and Peyton. After 6 seasons they finally get married and before they can live their happily ever after they get booted from the show? If it wasn't for brooke, i would stop watching. Hope the show doesn't get cancelled because of one silly decision.
Posted by: upset fan | September 22, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I watched the new episodes it sucks how can they take the MAIN caracter out of the show. guess it's time to move on to better shows and a new network the last 7 yeards where great!!! cancel the show its no good now!!
Posted by: Shari | September 23, 2009 at 06:10 AM
OMG..OMG..OMG....ru serious...Lucas and Peyton Arent in this show anymore...IS CW CRAZY????....lucas and peyton was one of the best couples in this show...and the reason i used to watch it becase of Lucas Scott..this show has been about 2 half brother...and losing lucas like this is a big loss...and a big hit to this show...i cant believe this...I wont watch it unless they bring atleast lucas back..i always liked lucas and brooke..instead of lucas and peyton but I want lucas back in this show..if not Then..thnkx to the producers and directors of One Tree Hill..For giving us 6 great seasons of Lucas Nd Peyton
Posted by: angel | September 23, 2009 at 07:22 AM
chad is dumb for leaving one tree hill in a way
Posted by: carrie chappell | September 23, 2009 at 12:05 PM
i think peyton should leave and lucas stay and end up with brooke theyre better together brucas for ever!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: leah | September 23, 2009 at 03:38 PM
No i dont wnt chad to leave the show if he does one tree hill will definately loose ratings as for hilarie no one really cares her character peyton is annoying i mean what kind of friend would come between anothers friend relationship like she did? to brooke and lucas? i hope lucas is still on 7th season he should end up with brooke!
Posted by: yasmin | September 23, 2009 at 03:43 PM
The show is getting kinda boring without " peyton and Lucas" and after a while I'm gonna stop watching it. It's not as juicy as b4 when I can't wait for the next the next episode to air. It's been 2 episodes so for and I'm soooooo not feeling it as when Lucas was in OTH ( god he's hot). I'm thinking this might b the last season. And I really looooove OTH I never ever miss a episode I mean never but know I'm not so interesting...., sorrrrrry!!!!! BRING BACK PeYTON ANd LUCAS!!!!!!
Posted by: Ladonna | September 23, 2009 at 06:44 PM
This is so stupid! I can't believe lucas and peyton are gone. This show will end for sure now. It won't last without the 2 main characters. If Peyton and Lucas wanted more they should have given them more because it will not last. They could cut some of the small characters like Rachel and a few more to save the 2 main Characters. The last 2 episodes have been so boring. I know I want keep watching OTH if they don't somehow fix this mess. And I Know many others who want be watching it either. CW NEEDS TO FIX THIS! BRING PEYTON AND LUCAS AND BABY SAWYER BACK
Posted by: Nicole | September 25, 2009 at 08:57 AM
U know at first i tot this was a joke but i guess it real.It has been a great 6 season and great actors, but i am sorry to say that OTH is goin to suck without peyton and lucas.If u all are goin to accept this or not, it is also their story and no one can do it better than them. I am still going to watch other subsequent season because this story line has change my entire life so much.Anyway i am really goin to miss that part of baby sawyer going up. Chad and Hilaire i am really gion to miss u guys.I love u guys
Mark, it is ur loss
Posted by: toluene | September 26, 2009 at 05:19 AM