It was supposed to signal the beginning of the end. One hundred was that “magic number” industry folk said One Tree Hill needed to it so it could be syndicated successfully. That’s where the real money is for the studios who produce TV shows, after all.

So when the show seemed in danger of renewal one year, those close to the show said, “Well, it will be picked up again. They’re so close that 100-episode mark.” But such comments also implied that once the show hit that milestone, it would clearly be on its way out.

How ironic then that this year, just weeks before that landmark episode airs tonight on The CW, One Tree Hill was picked up for yet another season. And it was the earliest renewal notice the show ever received.

Still, back in December, during the 100th episode celebration at Wilmington’s Cameron Art Museum, cast and crew weren’t sure what the future held.

“Every year … you don’t really say your good-byes. Everyone’s optimistic, but you spend a little more time with everybody because you’re not sure,” series creator Mark Schwahn said. “I think that 100th party simply validated that a lot of people have fed their families and fed their spirits creatively and feel like they’re a part of something special. So there’s nothing but pride and a little bit of job security on set today. And I think that’s wonderful.”

Certainly, too, it’s wonderful news for the show’s loyal fans, who continually get credit from the stars for the show’s longevity.

“We were sort of the little engine that could,” said Sophia Bush, who plays cheerleader-turned-fashion designer Brooke Davis. “We fought for our place, and our fans brought us here.”

“We have the most dedicated fans,” said Chad Michael Murray, who plays basketballer-turned-author Lucas Scott. “They’ve rooted for us and cheered for us and loved us.”

Speaking of love, there’s been plenty of it on and off the screen for the show’s cast. Bush and Murray married in 2005, then filed for divorce less than a year later.

Bethany Joy Galeotti, who plays tutor-turned-teacher Haley, was Bethany Joy Lenz when the show began. She married singer Michael Galeotti in 2005.

The show has earned a worldwide following and early seasons rerun on cable channel SoapNet.

On-screen, the characters graduated high school, got married and had children of their own. There’s been booze, pills, shootings and scandal. And if tonight’s 100th episode, featuring a wedding, a surprise return and an emotional reunion is any indication, there’s no end in sight.

One hundred, it seems, is just a number.

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