7 Must-Watch TV Shows Starring Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley James Scott) & Her New 2026 Series

For a generation of fans, the name Haley James Scott is synonymous with the heart, soul, and musical talent of the long-running teen drama One Tree Hill. The character, flawlessly portrayed by actress Bethany Joy Lenz, became an icon of stability and enduring love in a world of high school drama. As of December 2025, while the show remains a beloved classic, Lenz’s career has continued to evolve with a diverse and fascinating filmography that extends far beyond the streets of Tree Hill.

This article dives deep into the complete television career of the actress behind Haley James Scott, providing a comprehensive look at her most notable roles, from her early work on soap operas to her recent appearances in major network dramas. Crucially, we have the latest and most specific details on her next major television project: a highly anticipated period-drama prequel series set to premiere in early 2026, confirming that her acting journey is far from over.

The Complete Biography of Bethany Joy Lenz

To truly appreciate the scope of her television career, it is essential to first understand the woman behind the iconic role of Haley James Scott. Bethany Joy Lenz is not just an actress; she is a multi-talented artist with a significant background in music and production.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Birth Name: Bethany Joy Lenz
• Born: April 2, 1981
• Birth Place: Hollywood, Florida, United States
• Profession: Actress, Singer-Songwriter, Director, Producer
• Early Career Start: Lenz began her career in theater before transitioning to television, landing her first major role on a long-running soap opera.
• Notable Entity: She is also a recognized musician, having released several independent albums and EPs, including Preincarnate and Come On Home. Her musical talent was famously integrated into her role on One Tree Hill.

Lenz’s career is marked by versatility, moving seamlessly between drama, comedy, and the world of made-for-TV movies, particularly for the Hallmark Channel. She has also gained attention for her candid discussions about her personal life, including her decade-long involvement in a cult while filming her most famous series, a revelation she shared on the popular Drama Queens podcast with co-stars Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan.

Beyond Tree Hill: Bethany Joy Lenz's Must-Watch TV Roles

While her nine seasons as Haley James Scott (187 episodes) cemented her legacy, Bethany Joy Lenz has built a substantial resume of television work both before and after her time in North Carolina. Her roles often showcase her range, moving from the wholesome to the dramatically complex.

1. Guiding Light (1998–2000)

Before becoming a CW star, Lenz made her mark on daytime television. She starred as Michelle Bauer Santos on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light. This role was a significant early career entity, demonstrating her ability to handle long-form dramatic storytelling at a young age and earning her critical praise. The role of Michelle Bauer was a pivotal stepping stone that directly led to her casting in One Tree Hill.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

2. One Tree Hill (2003–2012)

This is the role that defined her career. As Haley James Scott, she played the "Tutor Girl" who married basketball star Nathan Scott (played by James Lafferty) in the show's first season. The "Haley and Nathan" relationship became a cornerstone of the series, providing a stable, aspirational romance in contrast to the drama of characters like Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush).

3. Dexter (2013)

In a significant shift from her teen drama persona, Lenz took on a recurring role in the final season of the critically acclaimed Showtime series Dexter. She played Cassie Jollenston, a neighbor of the main character, Dexter Morgan. This darker, more mature role showed her ability to transition to premium cable dramas and shed her previous image.

4. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2020)

Lenz entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe—or at least its television arm—with a guest role in the seventh and final season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. She played the character of Stephanie Malick, adding a sci-fi/superhero entity to her diverse filmography. This appearance was a pleasant surprise for fans seeing her in a major franchise.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

5. Colony (2016)

Lenz had a recurring role in the USA Network sci-fi drama Colony, which starred Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies. She played Morgan, a character involved in the resistance movement against the alien occupation. This role further expanded her work in the genre of dystopian and speculative fiction television.

6. American Gothic (2016)

In this short-lived CBS mystery series, Lenz played the character of April. The show focused on a prominent Boston family reeling from the discovery that one of their own may be a serial killer. Her role in American Gothic allowed her to explore the darker, more psychological side of television drama.

7. Pearson (2019)

A spinoff of the hit series Suits, Pearson saw Lenz take on the main cast role of Keri Allen, a successful and driven corporate lawyer who serves as the city attorney's fixer. This was a major post-One Tree Hill main role, demonstrating her continued viability in leading adult network dramas.

The New Frontier: Her Latest TV Series and Upcoming Projects

Bethany Joy Lenz has been extremely active in recent years, particularly in the realm of holiday and romantic television movies, but her most exciting and current television project is a major new series for Hallmark.

Hope Valley: 1874 (Upcoming Prequel Series)

The latest and most significant update on Lenz's television career is her starring role in the new Hallmark+ prequel series, Hope Valley: 1874. This show is a highly anticipated spinoff of the immensely popular drama When Calls the Heart.

The series will focus on the Western Canadian frontier in the late 19th century. Lenz is set to lead the cast as Rebecca Clarke, a dedicated mother who travels from Chicago to the frontier with her 11-year-old son. The plot will center on Rebecca's journey and the challenges she faces in the rugged landscape, promising a narrative full of hope, resilience, and dramatic conflict.

Key Details and Status:

• Series Title: Hope Valley: 1874
• Role: Rebecca Clarke
• Co-Stars: Benjamin Ayres and Jill Hennessy
• Premiere Date: The series is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Hallmark+ in March 2026.
• Production: The eight-episode series began production in Vancouver, BC, confirming its status as a high-priority upcoming entity for Hallmark.

This role is a major career move, positioning Lenz as the lead of a new flagship period drama for a major network. Fans of her work in One Tree Hill will be eager to see her return to a long-form series role, especially one with such a strong dramatic premise. The fact that the series is premiering in 2026 makes this the freshest and most forward-looking information for fans searching for "tv shows with Haley James Scott."

The Enduring Legacy and Other Key Entities

Beyond her scripted television roles, Bethany Joy Lenz has cultivated a rich career that continues to generate buzz and topical authority. Her influence extends into several other key areas:

• The Drama Queens Podcast: Lenz co-hosts the hugely popular Drama Queens podcast with her former One Tree Hill co-stars Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan. The podcast is a source of continuous new content and behind-the-scenes revelations, keeping the "Haley James Scott" entity relevant today.
• Hallmark Movies: She has starred in numerous successful Hallmark TV movies, including A Biltmore Christmas (2023) and Savoring Paris (2024), which was released in June 2024. These projects are a consistent source of new material and demonstrate her strong relationship with the network that will air her new series.
• Directing and Producing: Lenz has also stepped behind the camera, with credits in directing and producing, showcasing her desire to explore all facets of the filmmaking process.

From the early days of Guiding Light to the highly anticipated premiere of Hope Valley: 1874, the career of Bethany Joy Lenz is a testament to her talent and adaptability. While she will forever be remembered as the beloved Haley James Scott, her continuing work ensures that her legacy in television is constantly being written.