Actress Busy Philipps is opening up about the disappointment she felt when she was unable to appear in the Dawson’s Creek series finale due to a scheduling conflict, despite her close connection to the beloved show and its cast.

Philipps, who appeared in a memorable guest role during the early seasons of Dawson’s Creek, revealed that she had hoped to return for the emotional final episode. However, at the time the finale was being filmed, she was committed to other work and simply couldn’t adjust her schedule.

“I was devastated,” Philipps said, reflecting on the missed opportunity. “It was one of the hardest parts of that whole experience,” she added, describing how much the show and its cast have meant to her over the years.

From its debut in the late 1990s, Dawson’s Creek became a cultural touchstone for a generation of television viewers, and many of its cast members, including James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson, have reunited or reflected publicly on the series in recent years. Though Philipps’ role was brief compared to her costars, it left a lasting impression, and she has remained close with several members of the Dawson’s Creek family.

Despite her regret at missing the finale, Philipps said she still feels gratitude for her time on the show and cherishes the relationships she formed. “I loved those people,” she said, emphasising the genuine affection she still holds for her former castmates and the experience.

Her comments have resonated with fans of the series, many of whom remember her character and the moments she shared on screen. While Philipps may not have appeared in the final chapter of Dawson’s Creek, her connection to the show endures both through her memories and the affection of viewers who grew up watching her.