8.7/103 votes#1 - After Hours
Season 3 Episode 15 - Aired 6/21/2021
When Billy forces Spencer and Frausto to get on the same page, the night takes an interesting turn. Olivia is excited to hang out with Layla, but the night doesn't go as planned.
Director: Kelli Williams
Writer: David Strauss
8.5/102 votes#2 - The Choice Is Yours
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 11/28/2018
The return of Layla’s music mogul father gives Spencer the perfect opportunity to give back to Crenshaw and reunite with an increasingly distant Coop. But Coop’s deepening affiliation with Shawn’s gang threatens Spencer’s good intentions. Billy, Jordan and Asher take a journey to Malibu to scout their next big rival as tensions simmer between Jordan and Asher.
Director: Benny Boom
Writer: David Strauss
8.5/102 votes#3 - Best Kept Secret
Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 3/13/2019
Spencer learns the real reason his father left when he was growing up and is devastated by the truth. Billy must deal with the repercussions of decisions he made in the past, while Coop tries to stop a plan she set in motion, with tragic consequences.
Director: Michael Schultz
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/102 votes#4 - I've Got Dreams to Remember
Season 3 Episode 12 - Aired 1/25/2006
As the students meet with the school counselor to plan for the future, Nathan and Haley realize they want to attend different colleges across the country from one another and Brooke discovers Rachel's reasons for submitting her designs to Rogue Vogue. Meanwhile, Ellie and Peyton bond as they finish the benefit album.
Director: Stuart Gillard
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/102 votes#5 - Messin' with the Kid
Season 6 Episode 7 - Aired 10/20/2008
Nathan and Haley must team up to help Jamie deal with a school bully. Meanwhile, Lucas and Peyton continue to adjust to life as a live-in couple. Elsewhere, Mouth tries to get his old job back.
Director: Gregory Prange
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/102 votes#6 - Screenwriter's Blues
Season 6 Episode 16 - Aired 2/2/2009
As Lucas begins to start casting for his movie, Peyton begins to put together plans for their wedding. Meanwhile, Dan gives Jamie advise when he has his first school crush; Brooke is introduced to the actress that will play her in Lucas' movie; Nathan receives exciting news; and Haley is forced to make a tough decision at work.
Director: Bethany Joy Lenz
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/102 votes#7 - Holding Out for a Hero
Season 8 Episode 14 - Aired 2/8/2011
Brooke, Quinn and Haley decide to use their talents for the greater good. Meanwhile, Julian takes on a directing job and helps out a friend, and Chase mentors Chuck.
Director: Peter B. Kowalski
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/102 votes#8 - Danny Boy
Season 9 Episode 11 - Aired 3/21/2012
The search for Nathan becomes increasingly dangerous, and Dan’s life hangs in the balance. Brooke is surprised when her father returns. And Clay and Quinn reconnect with Logan.
Director: Joe Davola
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/105 votes#9 - 99 Problems
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/17/2018
While trying to be all things, on and off the field, Spencer quickly discovers the rules he played by at Crenshaw no longer apply in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Coop is also forced to learn a new set of rules, with Spencer’s protective “Halo Effect” now gone.
Director: David McWhirter
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/101 votes#10 - Stakes Is High
Season 2 Episode 15 - Aired 3/2/2020
Spencer goes against Billy’s wish and goes around him to get what he wants. Olivia and Asher are both guilt ridden for different reasons when it comes to Billy and the position he now finds himself in. Layla continues to help Coop with her music which helps Coop receive an offer that she wasn’t expecting. Meanwhile, Jordan does something to try and make things easier for Simone.
Director: David Crabtree
Writer: David Strauss
8.0/102 votes#11 - How to Survive in South Central
Season 3 Episode 2 - Aired 1/25/2021
Both Spencer and Billy are not getting the hero's welcome they expected from the football team and quickly realize they need to adjust their style and start earning the team's trust first.
Director: Michael Schultz
Writer: David Strauss
7.5/104 votes#12 - Something I Can Never Have
Season 2 Episode 17 - Aired 4/19/2005
Keith gets violent with Dan after learning that Dan paid Jules to fall in love with Keith. Anna turns Felix in to the school authorities after learning that he was the one who vandalized Peyton's locker. Lucas and Brooke discuss Brooke's possible move. Meanwhile, Nathan chances Haley in the hope of bringing her home. Brooke decides to move in with Karen.
Director: Paul Johansson
Writer: David Strauss
7.5/102 votes#13 - Bring the Noise
Season 3 Episode 13 - Aired 5/24/2021
When Spencer learns that Grace skipped her own college graduation, he enlists Olivia's help to throw her a surprise party. Billy is worried about his players' chances at college recruitment, so he tries to organize a scrimmage game to help.
Director: Avi Youabian
Writer: David Strauss
7.0/102 votes#14 - Good News for People Who Love Bad News
Season 4 Episode 3 - Aired 10/11/2006
Peyton spends more time getting to know her newfound brother, Derek. Meanwhile, Lucas gives up on his love for Brooke and Rachel tries to start a romance with Nathan.
Director: John Asher
Writer: David Strauss
7.0/102 votes#15 - Luck Be a Lady
Season 8 Episode 7 - Aired 11/2/2010
As the wedding approaches, Brooke tries to connect with Sylvia, while Julian looks for his best man at a guys' poker night. Meanwhile, Nathan struggles in his new job, while Haley's counseling abilities are challenged, and Skills returns to town with a new friend.
Director: Les Butler
Writer: David Strauss
7.0/103 votes#16 - Toy Soldiers
Season 1 Episode 19 - Aired 4/24/2014
Mary's uncle arrives at the castle and brings dire news about her mother, forcing Mary and Francis to make a tough choice about priorities. Meanwhile, Henry devises a destructive plan; and Bash and Kenna grow closer as they strengthen their forced union.
Director: Chris Grismer
Writer: David Strauss
6.5/102 votes#17 - In Da Club
Season 5 Episode 7 - Aired 2/12/2008
The Honorary Title performs at Tric and Mia plays her song there as well. Carrie tries to get closer to Nathan. Brooke sets Mouth up on a blind date with her assistant and Lindsey confronts Lucas about Peyton.
Director: Gregory Prange
Writer: David Strauss
6.0/103 votes#18 - Prom Night at Hater High
Season 4 Episode 15 - Aired 2/21/2007
It's Prom day, and emotions are flying high at Tree Hill. An emotional Haley confronts Nathan about the sex tape and asks for a list of all his past sexual encounters. Meanwhile, an angry Peyton asks Lucas to skip the dance altogether, but he refuses to take no for an answer. Finally, Brooke and Peyton let out all their tension in a confrontation that can tear them apart forever.
Director: Paul Johansson
Writer: David Strauss
6.0/102 votes#19 - Your Cheatin' Heart
Season 7 Episode 5 - Aired 10/12/2009
Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) is thrust into the spotlight and storm of Nathan’s (James Lafferty) growing scandal. Against her better judgement, Brooke (Sophia Bush) allows Julian (Austin Nichols) to continue working with Alex (Jana Kramer “Entourage”). Millicent (Lisa Goldstein) gets a new job, which may cause trouble for Mouth (Lee Norris). Meanwhile, Clay (Robert Buckley) and Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) grow closer.
Director: Peter B. Kowalski
Writer: David Strauss
6.0/102 votes#20 - Family Affair
Season 7 Episode 14 - Aired 1/25/2010
Nathan tries to keep Haley calm after Taylor shows up at their house with Quinn’s ex-husband in tow. Julian sticks up for Alex on the set of their movie, and Brooke leans on Alexander to ease her heartache. Meanwhile, Clay gets a chance to prove his commitment to Quinn by helping her through a dinner with her sister and David.
Director: Paul Johansson
Writer: David Strauss
6.0/101 votes#21 - Speak Ya Clout
Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 10/14/2019
Spencer is taken aback to learn who his dad has added to the team. Jordan faces repercussions for not taking his upcoming football game seriously. Layla gets mad at Spencer after Olivia let it slip about his football plans.
Director: Michael Schultz
Writer: David Strauss
6.0/103 votes#22 - Roll the Dice
Season 3 Episode 7 - Aired 3/1/2021
With Coop performing in Las Vegas, Spencer and some of the gang take a road trip to see her and Layla on tour. Spencer gets a little clarity on his feelings. Olivia notices that Jordan and Simone are acting suspicious.
Director: Dawn Wilkinson
Writer: David Strauss
5.5/102 votes#23 - Protect Ya Neck
Season 2 Episode 10 - Aired 1/27/2020
With Tyrone back on the streets, Spencer is being a little overly protective of Coop and Laura and finds himself in uncharted territory. Olivia is nervous about her upcoming SoLA Muse Cotillion and tries to lean on Asher, but he seems more focused on football than ever. Coop and Patience are trying to get back into a rhythm, but things get worse when Coop’s jealous streak comes out. Meanwhile, Jordan alerts Billy about what he sees on social media that makes Billy worry a little.
Director: Dawn Wilkinson
Writer: David Strauss
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The Best Episodes Written By David Strauss
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David Strauss Ratings Summary
"After Hours" is the best rated episode written by David Strauss. It scored 8.7/10 based on 3 votes. It was directed by Kelli Williams. It aired on 6/21/2021 and is rated 0.2 points higher than their second-best episode, "The Choice Is Yours".