who does joey end up with in dawson's creek

Joey Ends Up with Pacey in Dawson's Creek Finale

In the series finale of Dawson's Creek , which aired back in 2003, Joey Potter ultimately chooses Pacey Witter as her long-term partner, flying back to reunite with him after years apart. This twist shocked many fans expecting her classic soulmate connection with Dawson Leery, but show creator Kevin Williamson rewrote the ending to reflect a more realistic take on love—soulmates aren't always romantic.

The Emotional Series Finale Breakdown

The finale flashes forward five years, showing Joey as a successful book editor in New York. After Jen Lindley's tragic passing prompts a Capeside reunion, Joey grapples with her past loves: Dawson (now a successful filmmaker) and Pacey (running a bustling restaurant).

• Joey shares a heartfelt, platonic moment with Dawson on his dock, affirming their unbreakable friendship as true soulmates —but not lovers.

• She then jets off to Pacey, kissing him passionately with the words, "Better late than never," sealing their grown-up romance built on growth and forgiveness.

• This choice highlights how Joey evolved beyond teenage drama, picking Pacey's steady support over Dawson's idealized nostalgia.

Dawson even narrates a nod to their enduring bond, but Joey's heart lands with Pacey for the happily ever after.

Fan Debates: Team Dawson vs. Team Pacey

Fans remain fiercely divided, even 20+ years later—trending discussions on Reddit show Team Pacey praising the mature pairing, while Team Dawson calls it a betrayal of the show's roots.

"Dawson and Joey brought out the worst in each other... Pacey let Joey be her own person." – Reddit fan analysis

"Joey stuck it out with Pacey longer; she dumped Dawson without trying." – Another forum take

Love Interest| Why It Didn't Last| Finale Status
---|---|---
Dawson| Toxic codependency, idealized past; held each other back creatively. 5| Best friends forever. 3
Pacey| Early insecurities and breakups, but mutual growth won out. 1| Joey's endgame partner. 8

Williamson drew from his own life, saying soulmates like Dawson and Joey thrive as friends, not flames—making Pacey's win feel authentic.

Why It Still Sparks Trending Talks in 2026

With Dawson's Creek streaming surges and millennial nostalgia peaks, forums buzz about Joey's choice amid reboots rumors (none confirmed yet). Light- hearted polls on Reddit lean 60/40 for Pacey , tying into viral "endgame couple" debates from shows like Friends. Some speculate a modern rewrite might flip it, but the original stands firm.

TL;DR at Bottom: Joey picks Pacey in the finale for a realistic, growth- focused ending—despite Dawson's soulmate status as her platonic anchor.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.