899 reviews
The Vampire surprised me as much as any show I've ever seen. I absolutely thought this was a show for High School kids but I couldn't of been more wrong. I never watched it when it was originally on and just binged the entire series on Netflix recently. That's not an easy thing to do considering it has 171 episodes but it was that good and totally worth the time and effort. This show offers so many twists and turns that it will keep you entertained throughout the entire series. The plot, character development, basically everything about this show is what makes this stand out as one of the best supernatural shows of all-time.
I thought The Vampire Diaries was going to be a show aimed for tweens but I was wrong. It started off that way for like the first half of Season 1 but around episode 10 or 11 it really picked up and just got better and better. I was ready to give up a few episodes in because it looked like the tv version of Twilight but I read in numerous reviews to get passed the first handful of episodes and I'm so glad I did. What happens after that is it turns into a really good supernatural show. Like any long running show this has better seasons than others but all are worth watching and most are just flat out great. This show is beloved by so many for a reason! If you like supernatural type shows then I highly recommend this for you, just get passed the first half of Season1 and enjoy the ride from there.
- Supermanfan-13
- Sep 19, 2023
- Permalink
Damon has the best chemistry with everyone. Ian Somerhalder (Damon) is the star of the show and should be expanded, along with Nina Dobrev as Elena.
Damon and Stephan are both great characters. Damon's emotion is most true, intense and believable. His relationship with Elena as opposed to Stephans seems more authentic and has the greatest potential.
Vampire Diaries has taken me by surprise. It is a great show with great characters. I was disinterested at first because it seemed like a cheesy high school soap opera with vampires or a wannabe Twilight. They have definitely proved me wrong. Damon's character has exceeded my expectations and surpassed similar characters on other series by far.
Damon and Stephan are both great characters. Damon's emotion is most true, intense and believable. His relationship with Elena as opposed to Stephans seems more authentic and has the greatest potential.
Vampire Diaries has taken me by surprise. It is a great show with great characters. I was disinterested at first because it seemed like a cheesy high school soap opera with vampires or a wannabe Twilight. They have definitely proved me wrong. Damon's character has exceeded my expectations and surpassed similar characters on other series by far.
First Impression: Oh this is just some Twilight rip off.
The Truth: Twilight is the one ripping off THIS series.
The Absolute Truth: The Vampire Diaries is infinitely better than Twilight, and no I am not exaggerating.
The plot is as you would have guessed. Elena (Nina Dobrev) is a high school girl who captures the heart of Stefan (Paul Wesley) who of course is a vampire (sounds familiar right?). Later on we get introduced to Stefan's troublesome vampire brother, Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Damon also happens to be attracted to Elena and this creates a love triangle that will follow for the remainder of the series.
Of course that's merely a sample of the entire story. There are werewolves, hunters, witches, and even stronger vampires waiting in future episodes to make this one nail biting show.
The acting is also definitely above average, however obviously not enough to make you believe the actors are high school "teenagers".
My advice: Give it a chance. The first few episodes are slow, but a lot of great TV series are. This show will have you on the edge of your seat each week as the plot thickens more and more.
Last Impression: This is one of my favorite shows on TV. 9/10
The Truth: Twilight is the one ripping off THIS series.
The Absolute Truth: The Vampire Diaries is infinitely better than Twilight, and no I am not exaggerating.
The plot is as you would have guessed. Elena (Nina Dobrev) is a high school girl who captures the heart of Stefan (Paul Wesley) who of course is a vampire (sounds familiar right?). Later on we get introduced to Stefan's troublesome vampire brother, Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Damon also happens to be attracted to Elena and this creates a love triangle that will follow for the remainder of the series.
Of course that's merely a sample of the entire story. There are werewolves, hunters, witches, and even stronger vampires waiting in future episodes to make this one nail biting show.
The acting is also definitely above average, however obviously not enough to make you believe the actors are high school "teenagers".
My advice: Give it a chance. The first few episodes are slow, but a lot of great TV series are. This show will have you on the edge of your seat each week as the plot thickens more and more.
Last Impression: This is one of my favorite shows on TV. 9/10
- Johnsoninternet5
- Nov 4, 2011
- Permalink
This is no doubt one of my FAVORITE shows of all time. I can't believe that it's over! I will definitely miss my weekly doses of Damon, Stefan, Caroline, Enzo and Alaric and Matt! I would like to thank the whole cast for giving us one of the most amazing, gripping, unbelievably FANTASTIC shows ever to be made.
- celestialbaby23
- Jul 10, 2018
- Permalink
When I tuned in to "The Vampire Diaries" for the pilot episode, I expected to watch perhaps six episodes, grow bored, and then drop the show entirely. After all, I was only watching in the first place because it aired before my favorite show of all time, "Supernatural." I'd seen (and read) the "Twilight" series and found the teen vampire romance story lackluster and redundant. It's been done before about a thousand times, right? But I remember reading the original "The Vampire Diaries" books by L.J. Smith and decided it couldn't hurt to give this supernatural soap a try.
The most important thing to know about this show is the first four episodes are seemingly pointless; focused on cheap thrills, romance, and teen drama. Then something magical happens, creeping up silently and latching on without the viewer's notice: interest. By the end of the fourth episode the many story lines pick up and take off, and suddenly a silly or meaningless event becomes important. Things move fast in "The Vampire Diaries." This is a show that takes risks: people die without warning, stories that you thought could go on forever take only a few episodes, characters do and experience things you wouldn't have thought possible. Even better, there is no character who is wholly unlikeable. Everyone in the large ensemble cast has a story and a 3-dimensional structure, and even if the viewer decidedly doesn't like a character, the swing from one storyline to the next never lingers in one place for too long.
Some people have called this show their guilty pleasure. I refer to it as smart writing, good acting, excellent storytelling, and wonderful viewing. As of right now the second season is in the first few episodes of airing and the magic has not gone out. Far from it; this show only gets better. The lesser episodes are still fantastic, and the truly great ones are rich with everything an episode of television could possibly desire. I have yet to finish watching an episode without cursing the screen to give me more - my addiction to such a fresh show sometimes keeps me up at night.
For anyone (yes, even non 18-49 women demographic - we welcome the men!) interested in watching vampires, witches, and more, take the time to view beyond the first four episodes. I can almost safely guarantee anyone who likes vampires and horror (and a lot of dry wit) will not be disappointed.
The most important thing to know about this show is the first four episodes are seemingly pointless; focused on cheap thrills, romance, and teen drama. Then something magical happens, creeping up silently and latching on without the viewer's notice: interest. By the end of the fourth episode the many story lines pick up and take off, and suddenly a silly or meaningless event becomes important. Things move fast in "The Vampire Diaries." This is a show that takes risks: people die without warning, stories that you thought could go on forever take only a few episodes, characters do and experience things you wouldn't have thought possible. Even better, there is no character who is wholly unlikeable. Everyone in the large ensemble cast has a story and a 3-dimensional structure, and even if the viewer decidedly doesn't like a character, the swing from one storyline to the next never lingers in one place for too long.
Some people have called this show their guilty pleasure. I refer to it as smart writing, good acting, excellent storytelling, and wonderful viewing. As of right now the second season is in the first few episodes of airing and the magic has not gone out. Far from it; this show only gets better. The lesser episodes are still fantastic, and the truly great ones are rich with everything an episode of television could possibly desire. I have yet to finish watching an episode without cursing the screen to give me more - my addiction to such a fresh show sometimes keeps me up at night.
For anyone (yes, even non 18-49 women demographic - we welcome the men!) interested in watching vampires, witches, and more, take the time to view beyond the first four episodes. I can almost safely guarantee anyone who likes vampires and horror (and a lot of dry wit) will not be disappointed.
- KneelBeforeTodd
- Oct 4, 2010
- Permalink
After watching episode 4 i got all excited and started to flap my hands wishing the next episode will come out already. I admit first two episodes were bit slow and sluggish , but by episode 4 the story really starts to kick in. After watching it i have the greatest urges to go library and read the rest of series.
Im sick of seeing people bagging vampire diaries at the moment. GIVE IT A CHANCE. yes it may not be as good as the book series, but I'm telling you now it beats twilight by far. Watch episode 4, of course first episode isn't going to hook you in like its best show in the world. but for those who think people who enjoy this series are brain dead, i believe their comments a rush and idiotic. Give the series a chance, but if you listen to " the real brain dead losers " then you really be missing out.
Im sick of seeing people bagging vampire diaries at the moment. GIVE IT A CHANCE. yes it may not be as good as the book series, but I'm telling you now it beats twilight by far. Watch episode 4, of course first episode isn't going to hook you in like its best show in the world. but for those who think people who enjoy this series are brain dead, i believe their comments a rush and idiotic. Give the series a chance, but if you listen to " the real brain dead losers " then you really be missing out.
- bookwormgreen
- Oct 1, 2009
- Permalink
It could've got 9 from me but the series was perfect till season 6 after that it is so boring.
- rihannabadban
- Sep 26, 2021
- Permalink
Even though this Series ended in 2017. Fans are still watching and obsessed with all the characters that make this show still one of the most watched Series in the world. And here we are 2021 watching on Netflix.
- young-erika65
- Jan 13, 2021
- Permalink
If not for her character this show would be much more enjoyable. One of the most annoying characters ever created. Which is weird cause she started off Fine and Kathrine is awesome, so it's not the actress. Some of these reviews though crack me up, smh. It's typical, unoriginal CW young adult drama, not Shakespeare people. Lets cool it with the 10 star reviews, lol.
- timothy_sarver
- Aug 25, 2018
- Permalink
Admittedly, it started terribly, full of clichés and cheesy connotations with vampires. But, like most reviews have stated, after episode 4, the show takes a different direction and moves away from traditional vampire themes. It totally excels and turns into a very exciting and watchable television show with an incredibly good looking cast with very impressive acting. The Vampire Diaries is not like any other vampire production,filled with humour,love, violence,sex and without the clichés.
The script is fabulous; full of exciting and unpredictable plot twists that will have you on the edge of your seat and gasping; desperately wanting to see the next episode.
Unfortunately, it's judged by the title; "vampire" and dismissed, but I urge you to give this show a chance.
The script is fabulous; full of exciting and unpredictable plot twists that will have you on the edge of your seat and gasping; desperately wanting to see the next episode.
Unfortunately, it's judged by the title; "vampire" and dismissed, but I urge you to give this show a chance.
- michael-mcgee-969-357319
- Apr 22, 2011
- Permalink
This show is good in the beginning where the characters who are supernatural (vampire, werewolf, witch, etc.) must hide this from the normal people of the town, constantly covering up, making excuses, etc. at the same time as they deal with supernatural threats. But as time goes, everybody either become supernatural or knows about it and works together with the supernaturals. Then all the plots are about this and everyday life of the characters is unimportant. It's all about threat A can only be solved with item B, so you must go to C to get it from D. Then a few parties are thrown in, and that's it. But season 1 to 4 is worth watching. So per season I would give: Season 1: 8 Season 2-4: 7 Season 5-6: 4
- ciarajade22
- Apr 27, 2014
- Permalink
I have never read the books, however, I don't understand how anyone could expect for any TV series to be an exact replica of a book. Just my opinion. I have been watching the show since the pilot episode and I absolutely love it. I also happen to be 29 years old and am hooked, so I truly think it's all about what each individual finds interesting, not "this show is for 13-16 year olds". I'm not sure how anyone can say they love or hate something after just a pilot, I never really quite understood that. Personally, I think you should give a show at least 3 or 4 episodes to give it a fair chance and to see where the story will go. I wasn't sure that I was totally in love with it after just the pilot either, as I am a HUGE twilight fan, but by the end of the 2nd episode, I found myself anxiously anticipating the 3rd, 4th and so on. P.s. Nina and Paul work great together!
This series is simply epic, I love every season of this show, Damon's character was really great one of the best written characters in TV history, I loved the characters of Elena Stefan Bonnie Caroline Enzo Alaric and everyone else, I lovedthe finale I felt it was more than fitting despite when the final season started I was worried about the ending but was super pleased, i plan on reviewing every episode at some poiny , I truly believe it belongs up there with Buffy, the originals was amazing spin off and legacies has its flaws but just needs to find and focus on its strength and core characters and bring back the dark mythology
- jackDee-56565
- Sep 4, 2020
- Permalink
This TV show is one of my favorites because first, I'm a fantasy genre lover along with romance and this show got every detail about it and I loved it. The thing about it is that even the details mentioned in the first episode are re-announced in the progression of the show and this means that not a single detail can't be important, everything is used in the next episodes. I personally, loved the progression in time that they have done by moving you sometimes to the past to explain an idea and they did it perfectly in a way that keeps it interesting. In the past shows I have watched, I usually hated the transition between the past and present where I get all messed up, but in The Vampire Diaries it's just amazing. The way they added every type of supernatural creature such as vampires, werewolves, witches, hybrids, and much much more without forgetting the drama/romance and action/fantasy in every scene.
In conclusion, I totally recommend it for every teenager especially because I believe that it's perfect for a fifteen to eighteen years.
And for I must not forget the comparison between Twilight saga and The Vampire Diaries and this is my personal opinion that Twilight is the one that made The Vampire Diaries get that fame because when Twilight started, the love to vampires started then so it's no way to compare anything to Twilight as it's for me the boss of all the vampires movies and shows. And let's not forget that movies can't have all to all details like series which is an advantage for The Vampire Diaries. But if you are a Twilight fan, then The Vampire Diaries is for you!
In conclusion, I totally recommend it for every teenager especially because I believe that it's perfect for a fifteen to eighteen years.
And for I must not forget the comparison between Twilight saga and The Vampire Diaries and this is my personal opinion that Twilight is the one that made The Vampire Diaries get that fame because when Twilight started, the love to vampires started then so it's no way to compare anything to Twilight as it's for me the boss of all the vampires movies and shows. And let's not forget that movies can't have all to all details like series which is an advantage for The Vampire Diaries. But if you are a Twilight fan, then The Vampire Diaries is for you!
I can't remember how the show hooked me in but I have watched every episode on ITV2 since the show was aired and even bought the books, and like a previous correspondent I am not a teen but a 29 year old and a male!
I suppose the almost unnatural beauty of Nina Dobrev drew me to the show but the plot and unseen twists and turns made the show compulsive viewing for the first 6 months of this year, to such an extent that I found myself scanning the net to find the latest US screened episode as much hunger for the show grew.
Only recently have I read the books and, with all due respect to L J Smith, my perception of the TV show has improved. Without writing a book review I felt the series did not develop the characters to any level that the show achieved. The show develops the relationships between all of the main characters in a manner that the book can only dream of, and for me, despite the constant attention to the Stefan and Elana relationship, the show is about the brothers.
I do not do preachy, after all I am English, but I would say that the show grips my interest because of the brotherly relationship. The way the brothers value one and other more than themselves and anyone else, numerous examples throughout the show, is something I shall instill in my two sons and hope one day that the Stevenson brothers will be exactly the same as the Salvatore brothers, maybe except for the blood sucking but if they both can attract girls like Elena I will be a very conflicted father! :) All in all, for my money, the best show on TV since the early days of Buffy and like many others...roll on September.
Thank you for listening to my ramblings, first post (I'm sure the red wine had something to do with it) so please be nice.
I suppose the almost unnatural beauty of Nina Dobrev drew me to the show but the plot and unseen twists and turns made the show compulsive viewing for the first 6 months of this year, to such an extent that I found myself scanning the net to find the latest US screened episode as much hunger for the show grew.
Only recently have I read the books and, with all due respect to L J Smith, my perception of the TV show has improved. Without writing a book review I felt the series did not develop the characters to any level that the show achieved. The show develops the relationships between all of the main characters in a manner that the book can only dream of, and for me, despite the constant attention to the Stefan and Elana relationship, the show is about the brothers.
I do not do preachy, after all I am English, but I would say that the show grips my interest because of the brotherly relationship. The way the brothers value one and other more than themselves and anyone else, numerous examples throughout the show, is something I shall instill in my two sons and hope one day that the Stevenson brothers will be exactly the same as the Salvatore brothers, maybe except for the blood sucking but if they both can attract girls like Elena I will be a very conflicted father! :) All in all, for my money, the best show on TV since the early days of Buffy and like many others...roll on September.
Thank you for listening to my ramblings, first post (I'm sure the red wine had something to do with it) so please be nice.
- DonMamboni
- Jul 6, 2010
- Permalink
Television meet Twilight! "The Vampire Diaries" is Vampires meets a soap opera. I have watched a full 15 minutes of the show, and other bits and pieces here and there of "The Vampire Diaries", while my wife is glued to the show. Here are my deductions of "The Vampire Diaries" First deductions everyone is hot or good looking on the show. Too much eye candy! Second the Twilight recurring theme of rival vampires, witches, and who is going be turned into a vampire reminds me of some sort of high school click. Romance/drama forbidden love. One girl has the hots for the other's boyfriend. The show has the usual soap opera sub plots back stabbing, infighting, lies, secrets. I miss the entertainment value of the show but my wife loves it. I give the show a 2 and my wife give it a 9/10.
It is overall an okay series. You're not missing much if you haven't watched it yet. The worst part is that it gets really difficult to get on with the series as Elena's (female protagonist) character gets really annoying. She is always crying, worrying, gasping.
*Do not start if you have an obsession of finishing things up or do I say if you need closures like Sheldon Cooper.*
*Do not start if you have an obsession of finishing things up or do I say if you need closures like Sheldon Cooper.*
- chicky-wicky-babe
- Oct 31, 2012
- Permalink
- danalaura-cazacu
- Nov 30, 2012
- Permalink
This show is absolutely amazing! I am a guy which may be a little weird, but this show is actually really good! It is bloody good fun, :) and is great at keeping you locked into it! I love the whole vampire plot and stuff, because I think Kevin Williamson is amazing! The "Scream" series writer doing a TV show?! Count me in! I love the characters, too! My favorites are Damon, Mr. Saltzman, and Elena! Stefan scares me, but Hahaha whatever! I also love watching promos for upcoming episodes because all I do is smile and think to myself, "Why can't it be now???!!!" Hahaha but the only thing that is bad is the schedule. Thursday night TV is a very crowded night for me and a LOT of people. The Office, 30 Rock, The Mentalist, Parks and Recreation, Community, Sports... It is great to fit Vampire Diaries in, because I would clear my whole schedule for it hahaha :) I want this show to be kept on the air for years :)
- MatthewKerr
- Apr 8, 2010
- Permalink
In the Factual Errors of this page it states that one of the reasons that the actors are actually older than teens is because it gives young teens someone to look up to. I would NOT say this show is a good example for teens to refer to. These actors are anything but role models. This show may have a fantastical theme with Vampires, werewolves, and witches, but beyond that the material is adult themed and parents should be wary. Loose morals runs rampant on this show.
Aside from that, I like this better than Twilight. I read all the Twilight books and watched all the movies in an effort to connect with my daughter at the time and it was agonizing. The only redeeming quality of Twilight were the special effects in the movies. Stephanie Meyer is a one hit wonder of the literary realm. Vampire Diaries, the spin offs The Originals & Legacies are much better. More grounded and not sappy.
Aside from that, I like this better than Twilight. I read all the Twilight books and watched all the movies in an effort to connect with my daughter at the time and it was agonizing. The only redeeming quality of Twilight were the special effects in the movies. Stephanie Meyer is a one hit wonder of the literary realm. Vampire Diaries, the spin offs The Originals & Legacies are much better. More grounded and not sappy.
- victoriak68-525-283893
- Dec 30, 2019
- Permalink
Was forced to watch a handful of episodes because my pregnant wife is obsessed with it and man, what a god awful show. It's a bunch of beautiful people that are supposed to hide how weak the characters and writing are. Every episode ends with a dramatic twist, people die and come back to life all the time, the two brothers fight over Elena all series long even though she's the most unlikable character on the show... I could go on and on. This is the absolute epitome of garbage television.
10/10 show. Way better than Twilight, while watching this you will cry and laugh. Some scenes are pretty emotional :)
- nicoandtheniners
- Jun 11, 2020
- Permalink