The Vampire Diaries

:

Season 1
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 550 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 414 out of 550
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 550
  3. Negative: 78 out of 550
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User Reviews

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  1. HannahSalvatore
    Aug 27, 2010
    10
    THIS IS DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE SHOW. (can you tell by my display name? ;) much better than twilight. Damon is my favorite character. If you have any taste in shows AT ALL, you will like the vampire diaries. (: Alot of action, drama, and good story line. If you havent seen it before, go check it out! I promise you, you will like it. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND SEASON AND FOR ______ TOTHIS IS DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE SHOW. (can you tell by my display name? ;) much better than twilight. Damon is my favorite character. If you have any taste in shows AT ALL, you will like the vampire diaries. (: Alot of action, drama, and good story line. If you havent seen it before, go check it out! I promise you, you will like it. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND SEASON AND FOR ______ TO COME ON THE SHOW. (you know who i mean :)… Expand
  2. johncj
    Nov 6, 2009
    8
    I hate to admit it, but this show is way better than it has any right to be. They actually found some decent actors, and they surprisingly avoid the worst cliches and cheesiness. Unlike Twilight, the main girl actually has some backbone and personality. A lot of people hating on this like True Blood. While the complex plot of True Blood is better, the acting is FAR WORSE than Vampire I hate to admit it, but this show is way better than it has any right to be. They actually found some decent actors, and they surprisingly avoid the worst cliches and cheesiness. Unlike Twilight, the main girl actually has some backbone and personality. A lot of people hating on this like True Blood. While the complex plot of True Blood is better, the acting is FAR WORSE than Vampire Diaries. Yeah, it's a teen vampire series, but so was Buffy, and Buffy was one of the best shows of its time if you could get past the silly name.… Expand
  3. MorganF.
    Sep 11, 2009
    7
    I enjoyed it. Yes, it does fit in with the vampire fad, and there are some cliches, but it will be entertaining enough. I hope it will get better. The actors are also pretty to look at.
  4. KyleJ.
    Sep 12, 2009
    8
    I actually liked it. There was a nice mix of humor and action, and as a whole it was much more enjoyable than the insufferable Twilight (it even has better-looking vampires, to boot). A guilty pleasure, sure, but a pleasure nonetheless. I look forward to next week's episode.
  5. FredP.
    Sep 12, 2009
    9
    I actually liked the pilot even though it was a bit predictable at times (probably due to all those trailers they showed us). Great acting, makes the story believable. I'm looking forward to watching the next episode. WAY better than the Twilight movie.
  6. SomeoneYouDontKnow
    Dec 6, 2009
    10
    This show is HOT! Very well done, very different. Unlike the usual lame vampire movies and such, this is MUCH more interesting.
  7. WillowD
    Oct 10, 2009
    7
    First of all, let me start out by reminding everyone that The Vampire Diaries novels came long before the Twilight series. Like, a decade before (I was totally into them when I was 14 or so). And, as an added bonus, they are immeasurably better than the appalling insipid garbage that is Twilight. The Vampire Diaries show wasn't the best thing I've ever seen, but it certainly First of all, let me start out by reminding everyone that The Vampire Diaries novels came long before the Twilight series. Like, a decade before (I was totally into them when I was 14 or so). And, as an added bonus, they are immeasurably better than the appalling insipid garbage that is Twilight. The Vampire Diaries show wasn't the best thing I've ever seen, but it certainly wasn't horrible.… Expand
  8. JeanL.
    Oct 18, 2009
    10
    I love TVD! Its the best Vampire show on TV we've had for quite awhile. Great plot, great dialogues!
  9. ChrisF.
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    I cannot believe so many people note this series so low. I truly believe that some people compare it to Twilight, which had more money, and others to True Blood, the vampire-porn series which had no money at all if we can analyze the poor acting provided in True Blood (a few nice actors excepted of course); I would say unequal. Anyway, to give it all: 1. Vampire Diaries has a plot that I cannot believe so many people note this series so low. I truly believe that some people compare it to Twilight, which had more money, and others to True Blood, the vampire-porn series which had no money at all if we can analyze the poor acting provided in True Blood (a few nice actors excepted of course); I would say unequal. Anyway, to give it all: 1. Vampire Diaries has a plot that seems to be guessed at first, then can surprise you and keep you hooked in episode after episode. Because you are tuned to its characters, you react just as they do. 2. It is acted perfectly. Damon is gorgeous and fascinating, Stefan is perfect though acted a bit slow, and all others keep a very perfect acting. 3. Ok, things are not like in the book. And I mean that as a quality. Vampire Diaries was written a long time ago (well, about fifteen years), and the TV series made me discover it and read it. Although I liked Vampire Diaries, it really needed modifications to be put into an interesting series, I mean, you need not to know what will happen one episode after the other, and the angel-thing from the books was a bit "much". So, things are here *better* than in the books, and it seems that not knowing the end keeps me in as well. Demonstrating that we know the real books isn't the point here. They have Americanized the story, but it also fits perfectly. Humour is even more present (thank you Damon !) and epic scenes as well. 4. Oh yes, we are far from True Blood porn. We have in Vampire Diaries romance, suspense, great acting and great actors. And I tell you, we also have more vampire mystery and nicer teeth ;-) It is indeed a TV series I can watch along with my wife, which is also a big plus. I can't understand why this series is so underrated. Hey people! fans of this series, please arm your keyboard and write out your opinion! can surprise you Actors play this well, so very well. At times… Expand
  10. CaitlinS
    Sep 14, 2009
    9
    I loved the pilot, it was really intriguing and I hope the rest of the series can live up to the standard. But the again I'm biased being a huge LJ Smith fan and Twilight hater. What people who give it bad reviews are not understanding is that Vampire diaries pretty much was the original and best teenage vampire love story. This craze may have been set off by stephenie meyer but LJ I loved the pilot, it was really intriguing and I hope the rest of the series can live up to the standard. But the again I'm biased being a huge LJ Smith fan and Twilight hater. What people who give it bad reviews are not understanding is that Vampire diaries pretty much was the original and best teenage vampire love story. This craze may have been set off by stephenie meyer but LJ Smith started it first. Don't listen to people who give it bad reviews, I know I have good taste and I don't like the other cheesy vampire soaps or high school musical and twilight crap but this one truly has promise and difference. And I might add a lot of them have seen it and hated it then come on here with the intention of slagging it off, most people I know enjoyed it. The one critiscm I have (apart from the veering off the original storyline which I'm not sure of yet) is the voice over diary. I mean, with Elena it's fine but Stefan I'm not so sure. But I can promise you the 9/10 is not an exaggeration from my part, the pilot truly deserved it. I can't wait to watch the next one!… Expand
  11. NoahF
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    Great show. Way better than expected. Very deep script. Nothing immature or cheezy about this one.
  12. sakis
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    I was skeptical the first couple of episodes, was going to stop watching it, but the show started getting better and better every episode!! Now i look forward to watching it! The girl main actor gets much better, at first she's portrayed as an airhead but thank god they fixed that..
  13. OliviaJ.
    Sep 12, 2009
    10
    Love love love it! Can't wait for next weeks episode. I'm no Twilight fan, and dont usually follow things like this. But i really enjoyed the premiere, cant wait to see what this show has in store! -oj
  14. Amy
    Dec 5, 2009
    8
    I enjoyed reading the books in school and the show is great for what it is- a teenage vampire soap opera. However, I think the main characters are more relatable and perhaps more mature than Twilight's.
  15. CynthiaL
    Sep 16, 2009
    7
    Vampire Diaries has some bad acting, corney fog effects, and generic model looks. But the characters are a bit more interesting than other CW teen offerings, and of course, there were vampires. The Lost guy is much much more attractive evil, and the lead female is endearing. Its not the Whedonverse or True Blood, but it has potential. We shall see.
  16. SeanM
    Sep 18, 2009
    7
    I'm definitely not in the target demo, but this is a pretty good show. young girls are gonna eat it up.
  17. MashedPotatoes
    Jan 24, 2010
    10
    This show is good, and addicting. I can't wait for more episodes to come out so I can watch what happens next. The biggest plus though is the acting. Everyone is soo good and believable. The storyline is good as well. Awesome!!
  18. Uzumakitony
    Oct 8, 2013
    10
    The perfect vampire tv show! I got so tired of those mindless kill kill kill vampires. TVD is a real vampire tv show which has a solid storyline and epic twists in the plot. This show without doubt gets a solid 10 in my rating.
  19. JeffreyE
    Sep 13, 2009
    7
    After watching the Pilot episode, I'd give it a 7 so far. I normally watch shows based on the actors previous shows, so the one reason I watched the pilot was due to Ian Somerhalder from Lost. Overall a decent first attempt but the rest of the season will tell just how much of a story they actually have.
  20. daisybaby
    Sep 10, 2010
    10
    best show i have ever seen. im a huge twilight fan and its so much better than twlight. honestly who cares if its different than the books! its so much more unpredictable then.. dont ya think? and if they cancel this show then im done with cw. my whole family watches the show. the characters are great, and this show is very addicting. they better not cancel it.
  21. yayrosie
    Jun 1, 2011
    10
    Definitely love this show! You get so wrapped up in the characters and their lives that you feel sorry for them and cry with them and laugh with them. The love triangle is awesome because it was done 160+ years ago with Katerina. This show never disappoints me. Give the show a chance!
  22. ATMitchell99
    Jun 12, 2011
    8
    Definitely got better as each episode came and went. The best thing about this show is that every episode is gripping and left open with a cliffhanger, and the fact that if you miss an episode, you are totally out of sync. I also like the differences the vampires hold in this show. Great start.
  23. Loki
    Jul 7, 2011
    9
    I have fallen in love with this show. The casting is wonderful, and the story line is well written. It has quick dialogue (worthy of Joss Whedon's Buffy). I read some good reviews, watched the first episode and was hooked. It may be a "teenage" drama, but it doesn't play out like one. Give it a try - I'm sure you'll be hooked too.
  24. oakviewcat
    Oct 19, 2011
    10
    My favorite show on TV, and I'm not a tweenager. Good looking guys, great cast, well-written - I can't wait to see the next episode. I own DVDs of season 1 and 2 and watch them between episodes. Keep up the good work! And by the way, I like the good Stephan and the bad Damon...
  25. v90k
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    At first I thought the show sucked. Typical good vs bad with the innocent caught in between. After getting through season 1 it got more interesting and I continued to watch. Compelling story, unique twists, and enough suspense to make you want to watch the next episode. What more can you ask for.
  26. unliunliunli
    Apr 20, 2012
    10
    This vampire story is amazing! My friend asked ----- well, forced me ----- to watch it. At first, I was quite hesitant because I thought this was another Twilight story. But, I was wrong, totally wrong. It was very different to all vampire stories I've ever known and I must say, this was the best. I loved the characters especially the three main characters. Each episode was breathtaking,This vampire story is amazing! My friend asked ----- well, forced me ----- to watch it. At first, I was quite hesitant because I thought this was another Twilight story. But, I was wrong, totally wrong. It was very different to all vampire stories I've ever known and I must say, this was the best. I loved the characters especially the three main characters. Each episode was breathtaking, nerve racking, full of tensions and twists. It never fails to surprise me.… Expand
  27. maisie
    Oct 9, 2013
    10
    Fifteen year old me loved season one of The Vampire Diaries. Four years on and I still love it. Give it a go, it is NOT a high school drama about vampires. It is more than that. Well written and the plot lines are great. It also has actors who can act, too.
  28. Esther1015
    Jul 30, 2013
    10
    Best Tv Show Ever, you never know what's going to happen, and the fourth season was amazing i loved it, but the third season finale is the best season ending.
  29. StickyFingersAJ
    Oct 19, 2013
    10
    True Blood is child's play in this one's shadow. This is far more realistic and far more badass, I mean the badass vamps in TVD are more badass than the one's in True Blood. Russel Edgington being so old and yet so immature really turned me off and sort of made him a joke not a threat the fact that he was able to kill the Guardian so easily made me not care about anything anymore. ThatTrue Blood is child's play in this one's shadow. This is far more realistic and far more badass, I mean the badass vamps in TVD are more badass than the one's in True Blood. Russel Edgington being so old and yet so immature really turned me off and sort of made him a joke not a threat the fact that he was able to kill the Guardian so easily made me not care about anything anymore. That whole show is just laughable now even though I did enjoy the sixth season, it can't redeem an entire series of WTF. TVD is the real deal and I only even gave it a chance because I was a huge fan of LOST and I'm a film student so I wanted to see Ian Somerhalder's acting in a different role, I didn't expect to get sucked in and now I'm fiending for season 5… Expand
  30. iampia
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    the current season is my favorite so far. It's good to learn about the characters past, it creates depth and unveils mystery. I love the script though it can use a bit more humor. I think they should not kill off a lot of the main characters since it has the tendency to weaken and limit the story line.
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Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best TV Season of 2009
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
3
#3 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 7 out of 22
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    83
    Diaries promises us a season of sharp-tongued amusement.
    Read full review
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    0
    You will want all the extras who played vamps on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (which was great, by the way, and not to be blamed for this lackluster cousin) to return en masse to eat the cast of "Vampire Diaries," plus any remaining scripts.
    Read full review
  3. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    20
    Pretty, sensible teenage vampires who talk like depressed extras on "Hannah Montana"? Why, Diary? Why?
    Read full review
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