CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- The WB is planting a second season of "One Tree Hill," as various industry insiders confirmed today the series has been renewed through the 2004-05 season.

After a rocky start, "Hill" has gone on to consistently win its Tuesday, 9:00/8:00c time period among women 12-34 and teens. Overall, the series is the second most-watched drama among female teens this season, behind only FOX's "The O.C."

"Hill's" most recent broadcast hit series highs in adults 18-34 (2.6/8), persons 12-34 (3.0/9), women 18-34 (3.6/10), men 18-34 (1.6/5) and women 12-34 (4.5/12).

Over the course of its run, "Hill" has climbed from 2.5 million viewers and a 0.9/3 among adults 18-34 to 4.4 million viewers and a 2.6/8 in said demographic.

"Hill" joins the previously renewed "7th Heaven," "Everwood," "Gilmore Girls," "Smallville" and "Charmed" as the returning drama class for the 2004-05 season.

In addition, the WB has confirmed the news via press release:

THE WB PICKS-UP LATE SEASON HIT "ONE TREE HILL" FOR THE 2004-2005 SEASON

SECOND SEASON RATINGS MOMENTUM INCLUDING #1 TIME SLOT FINISHS IN WOMEN 12-34, TEENS AND FEMALE TEENS

The WB has picked up sizzling drama ONE TREE HILL for the 2004-2005 season, it was announced today by Jordan Levin, the network's Co-CEO. ONE TREE HILL was one of the real growth stories of the year for any network, emerging from disappointing early ratings results to become this season's second highest-rated drama in female teens after "The O.C." and winning its timeslot in demos of late including #1 in women 12-34, teens and female teens last week.

"ONE TREE HILL became the story of the year for us this season," said Jordan Levin. "ONE TREE HILL was originally developed as a midseason program and thus did not benefit from the traditional launch support. Once the marketing and PR campaigns hit at mid-season, the show found its creative footing and what ensued was a show that was strong enough to win its timeslot in key demos. Chad Michael Murray, in whom we have had tremendous faith for years, has emerged as one of the hottest young actors in our business and leads what we think of as a breakout ensemble cast."

ONE TREE HILL, starring Chad Michael Murray, has evolved into one of the strongest shows on television among female teens. A late addition to The WB's fall schedule this past season, ONE TREE HILL got off to a slow start, but has built momentum throughout the season. The growth story has culminated in two consecutive record-setting weeks in its most recent airings. This past week, ONE TREE HILL achieved new all-time series records in adults 18-34 (2.6/8), persons 12-34 (3.0/9), women 18-34 (3.6/10), men 18-34 (1.6/5) and women 12-34 (4.5/12). The drama also equaled its all-time record in women 18-49 (2.7/6) and scored its second highest ratings ever in female teens (6.9/20) and equaled its second highest rating in teens (4.0/13). Also this past week, ONE TREE HILL was also the top-rated show in its time period among women 12-34 (4.5/12), teens (4.0/13) and female teens (6.9/20), ranked #2 in persons 12-34 (3.0/9) and #3 in women 18-34 (3.6/10).

ONE TREE HILL is from show creator Mark Schwahn ("The Perfect Score"), executive producers Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola ("Smallville") and Mark Perry for Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.