During the 2000s, Smith appeared in the Mel Gibson-led "The Patriot" (2000), played outlaw Jim Younger in the western "American Outlaws" (2001), was featured in the short-lived 2001 CBS drama series "Kate Brasher", and was cast in a lead role on The WB Television Network show, "Everwood", which became a success and ran from 2002 until June 2006. His role on the show was described by "The Independent Weekly" as "one of the best portrayals of a thoughtful, alienated teenager on television". For this role, Smith won a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV series (Comedy or Drama) Leading Young Actor in 2003. During "Everwood'"s filming, Smith owned a home on location in Park City, Utah.