Young Americans made its stunning television series debut during the WB's 2000 summer line up, instantly winning fans through its unique and wonderful storylines.

The series, based in the New England township of New Rawley, follows the lives of five teenagers as they go through the trials and tribulations of a summer that will change their lives forever.

Hamilton Fleming (played by Ian Somerhalder), the son of the Dean at the local prestigious school Rawley Academy, is a teenager who never follows the rules. He's alternative, has a passion for photography, and owns a Fender guitar. Instead of living at the dorms, he lives with his parents in the Deans residence. He joins the Rawley Boys crew team.

Jake Pratt (played by Katherine Moennig), longing for her mothers attention, infiltrates Rawley Academy. In order to keep up her disguise, she uses a binder, and dresses in baggy clothing. She's from New York City, owns a motorcycle, and is a computer wiz. She befriends Hamilton quickly, and joins the Rawley Boys crew team.

Will Krudski (played by Rodney Scott), born and raised in the town of New Rawley, finds himself out of place in the world he's always longed to be part of. With a poetic nature, he quickly becomes the star pupil of Finn's literature classes. He befriends Scout, who is his roommate, and finds it difficult dividing his time between his new friends and his old ones.

Scout Calhoun (played by Mark Famiglietti) has lived the prestigious life as a Senator's son. Now thrown into a new life at Rawley Academy, he learns that sometimes, you can't escape destiny. He quickly becomes friends with his roommate Will, and begins a romance with local New Rawley resident Bella Banks - a relationship that appears to be star-crossed. He joins the Rawley Boys crew team with his friends.

Bella Banks (played by Kate Bosworth) has always known her world to be part of the simple town of New Rawley. Working as a mechanic at her step-fathers Garage, she is Will's childhood friend, and a regular at Friendly's.

Ryder Forrest (played by Charlie Hunnam) is an British student who dedicates his time harassing other students, having unwillingly moved to the United States when his mother married an American. He almost always has a cigarette dangling between his lips.

Finn (played by Ed Quinn) is the coach of the Rawley Boys crew team, and also the teacher of English Literature.

THE END OF A SUMMER

Unfortunately, at the end of the Season One, the WB chose not to continue the series for a second season. However, Young Americans will always live on in our hearts.

THE CAST CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY

Since the demise of YA, we have been able to follow the continued success of the young actors who portrayed the characters with such skill.

Since Young Americans, Ian Somerhalder has starred in Life as a House and Rules of Attraction. He is also set to return to the WB screens in a new series in the coming fall, starring alongside Rachel Leigh Cook.

Katherine Moennig has since starred in Law and Order, The Shipping News, and is currently working on a new series, billed to be the female version of Showtime's successful series Queer as Folk.

Kate Bosworth has starred in The Horse Whisperer, The Newcomers, and since the demise of Young Americans, has gone on to star films such as Rules of Attraction (alongside Ian Somerhalder), and was the main actress in this year's summer splash, Blue Crush.