'Squad 97': James Van Der Beek shares flashback photo with Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson to celebrate 20th anniversary of Dawson's Creek

By Brittany Valadez For Dailymail.com

Published: 14:05 EST, 25 January 2018 | Updated: 14:18 EST, 25 January 2018

Twenty years ago last Saturday, the first episode of Dawson's Creek aired. 

And in celebration of its anniversary, James Van Der Beek took to Instagram to reflect on the show's milestone.

The actor, 40, shared a throwback photo of himself along with castmastes Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams. 

'Squad ‘97': James Van Der Beek, 40, shared a throwback photo of himself along with castmastes Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams on Thursday

'Squad ‘97': James Van Der Beek, 40, shared a throwback photo of himself along with castmastes Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams on Thursday

'Squad ‘97. I’d known these people all of 7 days when this pic was taken. 20 years ago this week,' began the star. 

'The little pilot we shot in that small town for that fledgling network aired, changed our lives and launched our careers. Thank you to the Wilmington, North Carolina crew and community who raised us & kept us sane, thank you to the many talented writers and producers who gave of your hearts talents and put up with us.

'And thank you especially to the fans of the show.'

Reflection: His post was in honor of the two decades that have passed since the show first aired. He is pictured in West Hollywood in December

Reflection: His post was in honor of the two decades that have passed since the show first aired. He is pictured in West Hollywood in December

Following his expression of gratitude towards his fans, the actor spoke of the differences in experiences between himself and the show's admirers.

He also admitted that he hasn't watched most of the show.  

'It’s a funny relationship we have... your experience of this project is what you saw on camera, while my memories are mostly what I experienced off of it.

'And yes, it’s true that I haven’t seen most episodes (it became healthier at a certain point to just commit 100% on the day and let it go completely), but the beauty of this arrangement is that my impression of the show now is what you’ve all reflected back to me over the years... and it’s been lovely to witness.

Show length: Dawson's Creek aired from January 1998 until May 2003

Show length: Dawson's Creek aired from January 1998 until May 2003

'So thank you to anyone who’s ever expressed appreciation for the work we did - it makes me feel proud to be associated with these three fine people (and the rest of the cast), and proud to have been a part of #DawsonsCreek. This one will always have a special little place in my heart.'

Dawson's Creek aired on The WB from January 1998 until May 2003. 

The show introduced the world to Van Der Beek, Holmes, Jackson Williams and Busy Phillips. The talented cast has each gone on to their own success.

For his part, James is a married father of four, with a pilot, Pose, in the works.

Proud dad: For his part, James is a married father of four, with a pilot, Pose, in the works. He is seen with his family in West Hollywood in December

Proud dad: For his part, James is a married father of four, with a pilot, Pose, in the works. He is seen with his family in West Hollywood in December

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