Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with me to celebrate the iconic relationship of Pacey Witter and Joey Potter on Dawson’s Creek. Pacey and Joey’s love story was a journey of unexpected romance, personal growth, and deep emotional connection that captured the hearts of fans. What began as a contentious friendship evolved into one of the most beloved relationships in TV history. Their dynamic was marked by witty banter, profound vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. From their first kiss in “Cinderella Story” to Joey’s heartfelt admission after karaoke in “Stolen Kisses,” each moment between them was TV magic. Whether sailing away together in “True Love” or sharing tender dances and heartfelt conversations, Pacey and Joey’s relationship was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the beauty of love that grows from friendship and the trials they overcome together.
Their story is not just about romance but about finding a soulmate who challenges and supports you in every step of life’s journey. Though they had their ups and downs, they always managed to find their way back to each other which spoke to the immense love that they had for one another.
Walk down memory lane with me, and enjoy reminiscing about the top 10 moments in “Pacey and Joey’s” beautiful relationship. It was difficult to narrow the list down to 10, but here are the ones that stood out the most, in chronological order.
1. Ballroom Dance lessons (Season 3, Episode 9: “Four to Tango”)
Season three started off with Pacey and Joey single, with the opportunity to develop their friendship without Dawson’s interference. In fact, Dawson had asked Pacey to look out for Joey while he dealt with his own existential crisis. During this time, Joey discovered that Pacey was restoring an old boat, and they began spending more time together. Joey helped Pacey study for a math test, and in return, he agreed to take ballroom dance lessons with her to help her win a scholarship from the dance studio. When Dawson found out about their secret meetings, he caught them during one of their dance classes. A highlight moment was when the dance instructor openly commented on Joey and Pacey’s unresolved sexual tension, right in front of Dawson and Jen. Later, Pacey confronted Dawson, expressing his feelings for Joey by saying, “Look at that girl, Dawson. Just take a good look. She’s a freaking goddess. How long did you think it was gonna be before some guy comes along and is interested in her?” Dawson didn’t realize that Pacey was admitting his true feelings and in fact, this might have been the moment when Pacey himself realized he was falling in love with Joey. This episode reaffirmed to fans that a romance between Pacey and Joey was on the horizon, and it was only a matter of time before it blossomed.
2. Pacey Watches Joey Sleep (Season 3, Episode 12: Weekend in the Country)
Up until this point, Pacey hadn’t openly declared his feelings for Joey, but his actions in this episode made his feelings perfectly clear. He went out of his way to help the Potters make their B&B a success, not giving up despite many challenges. His actions even prompted Mitch Leery to ask, “What makes you care so much?”
Near the end of the episode, Grams shared a touching story about her late husband, saying, “You know you love someone when you can spend the entire night watching them sleep.” The episode concluded with Pacey quietly watching Joey sleep, revealing that he was in love with her. This moment was a long-awaited milestone for Pacey and Joey fans. Although he hadn’t said a word, he didn’t need to. It was a perfect scene for the couple’s supporters, signalling that the show was finally moving in the direction they’d been hoping for.
3. First Kiss (Season 3, Episode 17: “Cinderella Story”)
This episode marked the pivotal moment when Pacey and Joey shared their first kiss. After Joey had a disastrous trip to see her boyfriend AJ, she called Pacey to rescue her. They ended up having an argument on the side of the road, and in a moment of frustration with the mixed signals Joey was sending, Pacey finally kissed her. The kiss kickstarted their romantic journey, transforming their relationship from bickering friends to something so much deeper. The chemistry and raw emotion in this scene, set the stage for the complex and captivating love story that developed between them throughout the series.
4. “I Felt It” – The After Karaoke Admission (Season 3, Episode 19: “Stolen Kisses”)
After watching Joey and Dawson sing a karaoke duet at Aunt Gwen’s cabin, Pacey, feeling defeated, went outside for some fresh air. Joey followed him and finally admitted that she felt something when Pacey’s arm brushed against hers in the bed they were sharing; it made her feel alive. It was a raw and heartfelt moment. Later in the episode, Joey confessed that she had tried to tell Dawson about her feelings for Pacey. Despite initially acting uncertain about what she wanted, she ultimately relented and kissed Pacey. This kiss marked the official start of their relationship, a turning point from which there was no going back. This entire episode was a dream for Pacey and Joey shipper’s and is definitely a fan favourite!
5. “I Remember Everything” (Season 3, Episode 22: “The Anti-Prom”)
At the Anti-Prom, Joey, seeing how sad Pacey looked and feeling conflicted because she was there with Dawson, asked Pacey to dance with her. As they danced, Pacey noticed her earrings and told her they were not really her style, but he loved the bracelet she was wearing. He recalled every detail about the moment Joey told him that the bracelet belonged to her mother. Her surprised exclamation, “you remember that?” was met with the softest, absolutely heartfelt, “I remember everything” from Pacey. This little exchange showed how much Pacey really knew and cared about Joey, paying attention to the things that matter to her. It was a touching scene that highlighted their connection and Pacey’s deep understanding of Joey, making it clear how much he supported and loved her. The intense chemistry between them during this scene was palpable, and Andie echoed the thoughts of all Pacey and Joey shippers at the end of the scene, when she told Pacey to fight for Joey.
6. The Wall Scene (Season 3, Episode 23: “True Love”)
In episode 3×16, Pacey bought a wall for Joey, leaving her absolutely speechless. He told her, “I just thought your next endeavour should be bigger and better than your last one. I’m supporting you, you keep on growing both as a person and as an artist,” showing his deep faith and love for her. Joey’s response, “Pacey, you’re unbelievable. I mean, as soon as I think I’ve got you all figured out, you go and you do something so outrageous that it completely challenges me in a way that no one else would even think of. In case I don’t say it enough, thank you,” arguably marked the moment she began to see Pacey in a new light.
Later in the season, in episode 3×23, the wall set the stage for another major moment between them. After an emotional rollercoaster of a season where Joey was torn between Pacey and Dawson, Pacey was set to sail away for the summer on his boat, the True Love. Before he left, he made one last grand gesture for Joey by painting “Ask me to stay” on the wall, hoping she would finally let go of her guilt about Dawson and realize how much he wanted to be with her.
7. Joey Chooses Pacey (Season 3, Episode 23: “True Love”)
Joey had to make a choice between following her head or following her heart, and time was running out as Pacey prepared to leave for the summer to sail his boat. Joey confided in Dawson that if she knew she could keep his friendship, she would have made different choices. Realizing this, Dawson begrudgingly told her to go to Pacey. In a classic rush-to-confess moment, Joey rushed to Pacey’s boat, and despite the cliché, it became one of the most satisfying moments in TV history for fans. She told Pacey she loved him and wanted to join him. When Pacey reminded her that her sister needed her at the B&B, Joey replied, “Not as much as I need you,” making fans’ hearts flutter with joy. Pacey’s joy was evident as he welcomed her on board and kissed her. They literally sailed off into the sunset together, creating one of the most romantic season finales ever and it made fans eagerly anticipate more screen time for Pacey and Joey as a couple in the next season. Joey’s clarity and determination in this moment were refreshing, as embracing her true feelings finally set her free.
8. Their First Time (Season 4, Episode 14: “A Winter’s Tale)
Throughout almost the entire fourth season, Pacey and Joey’s deep love for each other was repeatedly highlighted. Pacey consistently proved himself to be an exceptional boyfriend, even going so far as to sing her praises at an alumni dinner for a college she has applied to, even though it would mean she would leave Capeside. As fans were aware, Joey was apprehensive about her first time and wanted to make sure she was ready and to Pacey’s credit, he never pressured her. In this episode, the moment finally arrived and it was absolutely perfect and true to their relationship.
The scene was set in a cozy, rustic cabin during a school ski trip. As the snow fell outside, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere, Joey and Pacey were inside, alone and vulnerable. Their emotions were palpable as they talked about their fears and insecurities, opening up to each other in ways they never had before. Pacey was afraid that Joey wanted to make love because she felt pressured, but she reassured him that every single gesture he had made in their relationship, proved how much he loved her and she wanted to do it and was not about to let fear get in the way. The gentle lighting and soft music underscored the tenderness of the moment. Joey’s nervousness and Pacey’s reassuring presence made the scene deeply touching. When they finally came together, it was a culmination of their deep emotional connection and growing love, marking a significant and beautiful milestone in their relationship.
9. Locked in K-Mart (Season 6, Episode 15: “Castaways”)
Long-running TV shows often put couples through the wringer, and Pacey and Joey were no exception. They broke up near the end of their senior year but managed to stay friends while dating others. However, as the final season unfolded, the romantic tension between them resurfaced. In one memorable episode, Pacey and Joey accidentally got locked in a K-Mart overnight. Their playful bickering and bantering brought back memories of their earlier dynamic as they navigated their current relationship.
The most intimate moment came when Joey shaved off Pacey’s goatee, a scene that highlighted their closeness. Afterward, Pacey kissed Joey, admitting that his desire for her never went away. Joey later confessed that she had a fantasy during their summer sailing trip about being stranded on a deserted island with Pacey, free from outside pressures. They shared another kiss, but Joey couldn’t give Pacey any immediate answers about rekindling their romance. This episode was what fans of the couple had waited for since the break-up. It also showcased the enduring strength of their bond. No matter how divergent their paths became, they would always find their way back to each other.
10. Joey Chooses Pacey for Life (Season 6, Episode 24: “All Good Things…Must Come to an End”)
In the series finale of “Dawson’s Creek,” Joey’s choice to be with Pacey was a poignant and beautiful culmination of their complex relationship. This decision signified more than just a romantic preference; it represented Joey’s growth and her ability to follow her heart. Throughout the series, Joey’s journey was marked by her struggle to balance her ambitions, friendships, and romantic desires. Choosing Pacey, the person who challenged her, supported her, and helped her grow, reflected Joey’s realization that love is about finding someone who makes you feel alive and understood. Their relationship, filled with ups and downs, symbolized a love that is real and resilient. Joey’s choice underscored the theme that true love is about finding your perfect match, the person who complements and completes you. In choosing Pacey, Joey embraced a future of passion, adventure, and unwavering support, making it a deeply satisfying and heartfelt conclusion for fans of the show.
What are your favourite Pacey and Joey moments? Did I miss any? Share your faves in the comments below and as always, you can find me on Twitter (X) at @middleofcanada.
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CRISTINA ALMEIDA
Cristina manages the site and reviews several shows. She is an Elementary
School Counsellor by day and avid TV buff by night. True Crime, thrillers,
dramas and dramedy’s are her favourite genres. When she is not at work or
managing SpoilerTV, she loves spending time with her two dogs, a Chihuahua
Pug mix named Holly and Terrier mix named Penny. She also loves Travelling
to visit family.
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