Sophia Bush Criticizes One Tree Hill Storyline in Final Podcast Episode

Actress Sophia Bush has revealed a major critique of her hit show. She shared her thoughts on the final episode of the Drama Queens podcast. The rewatch podcast concluded this month.

Bush specifically took issue with a late-season storyline. She said she would have removed a character’s return entirely. This marks a rare critique from the star about the beloved series.

Bush Calls Xavier’s Return Unnecessary in Final Season

According to the podcast, Bush questioned the narrative choice. The character Xavier, played by Devin McGee, was a violent antagonist. He attacked Bush’s character, Brooke Davis, in season six.

He also killed another character, Quentin Fields. Xavier was sent to prison for his crimes. Yet the writers brought him back in the ninth and final season.

Bush was direct in her assessment. “I would have liked to have not had another run-in with Xavier,” she said. “For why? For what?” She found the return to be a pointless rehash of past trauma. Despite this, she expressed great happiness with the series finale overall.

Broader Revelations on Pay and Residuals Surface

Beyond storylines, Bush has recently discussed financial struggles from the show. She explained her salary was lower than several co-stars. This was due to her relative inexperience when the show began in 2003.

After paying her team and expenses, her take-home pay was surprisingly low. “I was taking home about $3,000 per episode,” she stated at a recent industry panel. This financial reality contrasts with the show’s lasting popularity.

Furthermore, the cast sees little money from streaming. Bush noted their contracts predated the streaming era. This means the studio collects residuals from platforms, not the actors. This is a common issue for shows of that era.

Sophia Bush’s candid reflections offer a new perspective on One Tree Hill’s legacy, highlighting both creative and financial complexities behind a cultural touchstone.

Dropping this nugget your way

What did Sophia Bush say about the One Tree Hill finale?

She described the series finale as being “like a present.” Bush felt the show deserved a beautiful, wrapped-up conclusion for its loyal fans.

How much was Sophia Bush paid per episode?

After taxes and fees, she took home roughly $3,000 per episode. Her initial salary was lower than some co-stars due to her younger age and less experience at the time.

Do the One Tree Hill cast get residuals from streaming?

No, the cast does not receive residuals from streaming services. Their contracts were signed before the streaming era, so the studio retains all those earnings.

What other shows has Sophia Bush been in since?

She starred as Erin Lindsay on Chicago P.D. and had roles in other Chicago-series shows. More recently, she joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy in a recurring role.

Who did Sophia Bush’s character end up with?

Brooke Davis ended up with Julian Baker, played by Austin Nichols. Their relationship was a central romance in the later seasons of the show.