The Vampire Diaries

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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. ThorwaldS.
    Oct 18, 2009
    6
    With the (re-)current overkill of vampire related books, films, and indeed TV shows, this one is certainly not the best. However, it is hardly as frustratingly tense as Twilight nor the overly sensuous ball of confusion that is True Blood. With some idea of historical back story, there is just enough plot to not be completely zombified. And the chemistry between Wesley and Dobrev does not With the (re-)current overkill of vampire related books, films, and indeed TV shows, this one is certainly not the best. However, it is hardly as frustratingly tense as Twilight nor the overly sensuous ball of confusion that is True Blood. With some idea of historical back story, there is just enough plot to not be completely zombified. And the chemistry between Wesley and Dobrev does not go unnoticed either.… Expand
  2. Stig
    Oct 16, 2009
    0
    Teenage angst with fangs. Absolute garbage.
  3. 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
  4. JhonnC
    Oct 9, 2009
    2
    So boring, i saw 2 episodes and was enought to sleep all nigth. The characters, one good guy, another bad guy, a girl... please... Twilight tv show version? even the performance it's too close to Twilight main character. not recommended.
  5. JeffR
    Oct 4, 2009
    3
    A bunch of 30 somethings acting like high school kids. I hate when writers and producers muck things up with TV Shows.
  6. MariaU.
    Sep 29, 2009
    1
    The acting was OK. Nothing new for me, prettty boring actually. I was not impressed at all. The pilot might have got 4 million viewers,but I do not see the show lasting long. Just my opinion.
  7. JoeH
    Sep 22, 2009
    3
    So much potential. So boring.
  8. 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.
  9. Maeve
    Sep 17, 2009
    2
    Unoriginal...Cliches all around. Very surprised at Kevin Williamson. Not his best work. The acting was lame. Can't wait until Flashforward comes on next week...I think 2 episodes of this was enough for me. I will wait til True Blood comes back to get my love of vampires fix!
  10. Mel
    Sep 17, 2009
    2
    Lacks acting. I felt like I was watching Buffy without the Slayer...or Dawson's Creek. Can we get some creativity please?
  11. 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.
  12. ShayS
    Sep 16, 2009
    6
    The show is good, the acting is okay, but the hole vampire theme is geting pretty sick. But i think the audince liked it, i mean the Teen- Drama Hit Series "Gossip Girl" got only 2.6 million viewers in each season, and this show got 4 million viewers.
  13. Nellius
    Sep 15, 2009
    6
    From the pilot, this looks like a decent show, but is doomed to fail simply because it's not nearly as good as True Blood. When I heard about it, the first thing that went through my head was "oh no, not another vampire show". And that's still the only thing going through my head after seeing the pilot. Hopefully the series will pick up and it'll be more than simply a poor From the pilot, this looks like a decent show, but is doomed to fail simply because it's not nearly as good as True Blood. When I heard about it, the first thing that went through my head was "oh no, not another vampire show". And that's still the only thing going through my head after seeing the pilot. Hopefully the series will pick up and it'll be more than simply a poor man's True Blood.… Expand
  14. narm
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Well, if the Kansas City Star says it's rubbish then it has to be, right?
  15. 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
  16. BrendanD
    Sep 14, 2009
    0
    Yeesh. This is just... awful. The vampire thing has been pretty played out. I really don't understand why Kevin Williamson decided to make a show like this -- especially when it's so vastly inferior to the other vamp-soap on TV, "True Blood." I mean, this is going to be an epic teen soap opera, right? Fine, but the reason why a certain segment went for something like Yeesh. This is just... awful. The vampire thing has been pretty played out. I really don't understand why Kevin Williamson decided to make a show like this -- especially when it's so vastly inferior to the other vamp-soap on TV, "True Blood." I mean, this is going to be an epic teen soap opera, right? Fine, but the reason why a certain segment went for something like "Dawson's Creek" was because there was humor and relatively (and I stress RELATIVELY) good acting. This has neither. What it DOES have is Ian Somerhalder in a completely wasted role. This essentially seems like what would happen if "Twilight" and "High School Musical" had a (non-musical) kid. Appallingly bad.… Expand
  17. Joe
    Sep 13, 2009
    0
    A hint: if you want a good vampire show, watch True Blood. If you want a BRILLIANT vampire show, watch "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or "Angel." It's crap like The Vampire Diaries that give supernatural shows a bad name. CW, you are a worthless station.
  18. 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.
  19. Angester
    Sep 13, 2009
    5
    Pilots tend to suck and this was no exception. I think that most of the acting was pretty bad and the music was awful. The story was EXTREMELY PREDICTABLE, but I also read the books fifteen years ago. I'll give it another shot in a couple of weeks, but my hopes aren't high.
  20. SteveR.
    Sep 12, 2009
    1
    There are shows that can portray teenagers without making them annoying (Buffy was great at this); but this show used every formula in the "books," every stereotype, and every one-note character design, as if the writers themselves were slackers trying to earn that last credit in remedial English, so that they could graduate before turning 21. Hiring models instead of actors was also a There are shows that can portray teenagers without making them annoying (Buffy was great at this); but this show used every formula in the "books," every stereotype, and every one-note character design, as if the writers themselves were slackers trying to earn that last credit in remedial English, so that they could graduate before turning 21. Hiring models instead of actors was also a ghastly (though predictable) decision.… Expand
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. bcrab
    Sep 12, 2009
    3
    It's a shame, more new teen heart throb with vampires. Go watch Buffy or Angel, this is something to be missed.
  25. Andy
    Sep 11, 2009
    6
    Sigh, TVlover M. obviously has no idea that the book this show was based on was released years before even the first Twilight novel. Is the show trying to cash in on the success of Twilight/True Blood? Arguably. But Stephenie Meyer certainly took bits of 'inspiration' from the Vampire Diaries books. Reviewing the show on it's merits alone, it certainly doesn't stand up Sigh, TVlover M. obviously has no idea that the book this show was based on was released years before even the first Twilight novel. Is the show trying to cash in on the success of Twilight/True Blood? Arguably. But Stephenie Meyer certainly took bits of 'inspiration' from the Vampire Diaries books. Reviewing the show on it's merits alone, it certainly doesn't stand up as well as the books (what vampire show/movie does?).However, it's far from the zero ignorant people choose to give it.… Expand
  26. 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.
  27. EmL
    Sep 11, 2009
    0
    Wow this series was such a disappointment It was so stupid. The actors we horrible and the plot UGHHHH Such a waste of my time. Will definitely NOT watch it again. Agree with Roman D it is entertainment for the simple minded.
  28. TVloverM.
    Sep 10, 2009
    0
    I couldn't take it. I gave it a shot; I saw about 20 minutes of it, then dived for the remote that fell on the floor and changed the channel. Just so uninspired, so cliche'. It's obviously trying to cash in on the Twilight phenomenon (which I also can't stand and find HIGHLY overrated), so it feels so tacky and gave me a strong sense of Deja Vu. I just wish this I couldn't take it. I gave it a shot; I saw about 20 minutes of it, then dived for the remote that fell on the floor and changed the channel. Just so uninspired, so cliche'. It's obviously trying to cash in on the Twilight phenomenon (which I also can't stand and find HIGHLY overrated), so it feels so tacky and gave me a strong sense of Deja Vu. I just wish this vampire phenomenon will go away already.… Expand
  29. RomanD
    Sep 10, 2009
    2
    Your average Vampire/beauty to save from evil brother show. predictable plot with overused cliches and scenes. will entertain the simple minded looking for some vampire and attractive girl action but shallow plot and acting will doom this thing early.
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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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