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. Criticak
    Jun 17, 2013
    8
    Season 1 was a 7.8 out of 10. Season. 2 was a 8.7 out of 10. Season 3 was a 9.8 out of 10 and finally season 4 was a 6.2 out of 10. It was all going great up until season 4, don't get me wrong it's one of my favorites but unfortunately it got worse. Season 5 please don't disappoint.
  2. SJ-ULTI-Reiews
    Oct 10, 2013
    9
    The Vampire Diaries is a very gritty, sexual, and dark show. It takes place in Mystic Falls, two brothers Damon and Stephen Salvatore move into town. Stephen is their to meet Catherines doppelganger Elena Gilbert, and Damon is just their to cause his brother trouble. As they get closer to Elena they both fall in love with her. As the end off the season nears the two vampire brothers mustThe Vampire Diaries is a very gritty, sexual, and dark show. It takes place in Mystic Falls, two brothers Damon and Stephen Salvatore move into town. Stephen is their to meet Catherines doppelganger Elena Gilbert, and Damon is just their to cause his brother trouble. As they get closer to Elena they both fall in love with her. As the end off the season nears the two vampire brothers must protect Elena and try to stop Catherine. This is an amazing show, the cast is great. Overall this is in my top 5 favorite shows.… Expand
  3. AvantGuardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    8
    The Vampire Diaries will surprise you with its ruthlessness, unpredictable twists and gore. It is on the CW, the cast is quite young, and it obviously isn't on HBO like True Blood, however the Vampire Diaries is one of the only shows on air that will take its main characters and kill them. That says a lot about it. It's ruthless. They literally do things every episode that you NEVER sawThe Vampire Diaries will surprise you with its ruthlessness, unpredictable twists and gore. It is on the CW, the cast is quite young, and it obviously isn't on HBO like True Blood, however the Vampire Diaries is one of the only shows on air that will take its main characters and kill them. That says a lot about it. It's ruthless. They literally do things every episode that you NEVER saw coming because you didn't think a show even had the balls to do something like that. The Vampire Diaries is Sexy. It has a very attractive, well rounded cast. The lore is original and not cheesy. The show functions on a story-arc, not an episode to episode basis, and I would categorize it as possible the King of Supernatural Soap Operas. It is very Soapy, but unlike Soaps, it actually Kills off characters, and innocents, and everybody. The show loves death. If you've avoided it because you think it's Twilight on TV, you are so wrong. It's a legitimately Dark show. Sure its got its teenagers and its sex and its glam, but all that gore and violence is there, and it doesn't disappoint in either aspect. Give it a try, and I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.… Expand
  4. Gareque
    Aug 21, 2015
    9
    I started watching this simply because I started on the originals and grew attached to the characters as the protagonists, so I wanted to see them as the antagonists instead. At first, I was very skeptical of the show, the first couple of episodes are cheesy, there's no denying it... But at least the characters are likeable.

    My problem, at least I thought it was a problem, was that I    I started watching this simply because I started on the originals and grew attached to the characters as the protagonists, so I wanted to see them as the antagonists instead. At first, I was very skeptical of the show, the first couple of episodes are cheesy, there's no denying it... But at least the characters are likeable.

    My problem, at least I thought it was a problem, was that I can't start a story half way through, so if I wanted to get to the season the originals get there, I had to start from the beginning. After about 5 episodes though, I was hooked.

    The relationships between the characters isn't quite so clear cut and what at first seemed like 'good brother & evil brother' soon turns into something a bit darker with several decent storylines on both parts. It also does a good job of taking characters that they put there for you to hate, then suddenly making you like them.

    All in all, as a guy watching this, I can only say it's definitely not a chick flick in series form. Sure, it's central arc is a love story, but that's the focus of many great tales. Hell, even Spartacus can be boiled down to him doing everything out of love for his wife.

    Don't give it a miss out of embarrassment as I've found it very enjoyable. As for the 'reviews' saying that there's no depth and it's just another mushy Twilight remake? These people clearly haven't watched it past the first couple of episodes... Besides, any show that does werewolf turning the right way (including the full, cringe-worthy snapping of bones) gets bonus points in my book.    … Expand
  5. MichelleR12
    Jan 4, 2014
    10
    The first season starts off slow and predictable but then it morphs into a fantastic piece of entertainment. This is not just a teen show by any means! I am 26 and I love this show! The intricate story lines and cliffhanger moments leave you wanting more. You develop such a bond with these characters and feel as though you know them on such a deep level. Some of the story lines need workThe first season starts off slow and predictable but then it morphs into a fantastic piece of entertainment. This is not just a teen show by any means! I am 26 and I love this show! The intricate story lines and cliffhanger moments leave you wanting more. You develop such a bond with these characters and feel as though you know them on such a deep level. Some of the story lines need work and certain aspects are redundant but this is a quality show. Give it a shot and watch more than the first 4-5 episodes and you will be hooked!!… Expand
  6. SiAScORCH
    Nov 5, 2014
    7
    This show is pretty good and keeps you interested, though sometimes it can be a bit slow but it's not often. It has a lot of action in it, more so earlier in the seasons as this season has started off a bit slow. Perhaps slow is the wrong term to use though, because it's more that it doesn't have as much action as what it has had in the past. It's still a good show to watch and you won'tThis show is pretty good and keeps you interested, though sometimes it can be a bit slow but it's not often. It has a lot of action in it, more so earlier in the seasons as this season has started off a bit slow. Perhaps slow is the wrong term to use though, because it's more that it doesn't have as much action as what it has had in the past. It's still a good show to watch and you won't be disappointed from keeping up with it.… Expand
  7. luzarius
    Mar 28, 2018
    6
    I would've given the show a 9, but the vocal music they used was too annoying. The show is not teeny bop, but the music is. The show has lots of controversial, mature, adult themes filled with morale quagmires that are highly entertaining. Keep in mind, the characters start out innocent in high school, but the show slowly goes to dark places. It feels like you're truly experiencing aI would've given the show a 9, but the vocal music they used was too annoying. The show is not teeny bop, but the music is. The show has lots of controversial, mature, adult themes filled with morale quagmires that are highly entertaining. Keep in mind, the characters start out innocent in high school, but the show slowly goes to dark places. It feels like you're truly experiencing a visual re-enactment about the life of a vampire from their diary in all it's evil controversy.

    Once again, it's not a teeny bop show. The only teen bop misconception is the horrible vocals of the music they use. Imagine you're in a theater watching a play with brilliant actors and then all of a sudden the dude behind your seat starts playing guitar and singing out loud about his girlfriend with an annoying voice that constantly cracks as if his balls are cut off. I'd turn around and tell the dude to STFU!! Sadly, the show is plagued with annoying vocal music that actually ruins the scenes. The actors are very talented and know how to move the audience emotionally, but the vocals of the music they use are awful. I wish there was a way to turn off the vocals of all the music they play during the scenes. You know what's funny though? During the intense scenes where it's very emotional , they don't play annoying vocal music. It should've been that way through out the whole show. Try it. Watch the show and compare the emotional scenes with vocal music to the intense scenes without vocal music. You'll find that the scenes without vocal music are much better. You can focus all your attention on the emotion of the actors. Instrumental music is fine because it remains background music, but a singers voice always intrudes into the foreground and competes with the foreground vocal talking of the actors. Playing emo teeny bop music over a scene actually breaks immersion. The vocals of the music they use actually brought me out of the intense scene. I often would find myself laughing inappropriately during scenes because the vocal singing of the music was so out of place, lol. You want to focus on the emotions of the actors, not the emotions of the singer of the music. Hopefully producers figure this out one day.

    Unfortunately in season 7 & 8, they went too far with the diversity & inclusion, aka tokenism on steroids. This resulted in some poorly written characters and obvious casting of under qualified actors.    … Expand
  8. brufz
    Oct 9, 2015
    9
    It's not the best show ever but has great performance. The writers try hard to copy the brotherhood from the SPN. Although the story is about Stefan, the one who shines is his brother Damon, very well played by Somerhalder. A deep character who is growing season by season. Obviously his looks are a bonus but is really his personality who sells him and drives the show. He's a anti hero.
    I    It's not the best show ever but has great performance. The writers try hard to copy the brotherhood from the SPN. Although the story is about Stefan, the one who shines is his brother Damon, very well played by Somerhalder. A deep character who is growing season by season. Obviously his looks are a bonus but is really his personality who sells him and drives the show. He's a anti hero.
    I can see a bit of "Headcliff" in him.    … Expand
  9. meganuncapher
    Dec 14, 2015
    10
    I love it and anyone who says its for the simple minded is wrong because they take things to seriously. its for entertainment dude chill. and damon and stefan are hot. and i agree elena is a little stupid at times but the show wouldnt be the same without her.
  10. ChanandlerBong
    Jan 2, 2016
    8
    Good tv show, worth watching. I was actually been mocked by some of my friends because it's vampires and it's 'teens', but once they tried watching it they were hooked. Show keeps you interested all the time and everything is happening pretty fast. Would recommend to anyone.
  11. Ryannleeward123
    Feb 29, 2016
    10
    When Elena wakes up she sould get back together with Stefan.!!! But I think that the vampire diaries is amazing, awesome, I love it so much. Can't wait to see Elena wake up!!
  12. EmilyBennett
    Nov 5, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I gave the show and 8/10 and the main reason is because Nina left. I understand that it's her decision and that we should all be respect it but i can't help but feel disappointed as the show would have concluded in a completely different way. Also, it breaks my heart seeing all the Stelena shippers hoping for a come-back. I'll admit that Stefan and Elena were everything (Stefan was Elena's "epic love") but it would be so unfair for Caroline and Damon if they did get back together.… Expand
  13. Virefly
    Feb 18, 2018
    0
    This show is wrong in so many ways. It's like Twilight but somehow even worse, And i'm an Supernatural fan.
  14. ami
    Oct 20, 2009
    8
    Vampire diaries stories were my one of my favourites. I like the series too.
  15. narm
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Well, if the Kansas City Star says it's rubbish then it has to be, right?
  16. HannahS
    Jan 21, 2010
    6
    In all honesty, I think my love for the show might stem from how good looking the entire cast is. I haven't read the books so I can't compare the two series.
  17. LaurenS.
    Jan 28, 2010
    9
    The TV show is amazing! Admittedly, it doesn't stick closely to the books, but it uses the same characters and the same basic plot, and you don't need to worry about sparkling vampires (not that twilight is bad). Vampire diaries is easily likable and hooks you in. The actors cast, play the characters well, and are... hot.
  18. 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
  19. LauraD
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    I really enjoy The Vampire Diaries. I was a fan of the book series when I was a teenager in the early 90's, and I'm loving this show more each episode.
  20. BD
    Nov 13, 2009
    7
    The main romance smolders longingly. Wesley portrays the role with earnest integrity. Female lead is capable and extremely easy on the eyes. The Twilight bandwagon passed me by, and True Blood's... sensationalism is better in measured doses. V. pleased with this series.
  21. KateM
    Oct 8, 2010
    9
    This is a genuinely good show, espesh for us addicts who have the pleasure of knowing that we are mocked for loving it. The only major problem is that Elena is a terrible character. I spend most of my time watching hoping that she will be killed horribley, though I know it will never happen. This shows craps all over Twilight- there is ALOT of blood sucking and neck biting and theseThis is a genuinely good show, espesh for us addicts who have the pleasure of knowing that we are mocked for loving it. The only major problem is that Elena is a terrible character. I spend most of my time watching hoping that she will be killed horribley, though I know it will never happen. This shows craps all over Twilight- there is ALOT of blood sucking and neck biting and these vampires turn from human to beast in a way that we haven't seen commonly in other vamp flicks… Expand
  22. Mariana80997
    Apr 26, 2013
    9
    I love vampire diaries It's my favourite show of all time i got addicted right on the first episode Its a very interesting show with a great story and it has the most exiting switches during sessons wich make people wanting to watch it more and more
  23. MarkMusic
    Apr 19, 2013
    6
    I mean Im rating out of is it actually good not how unoriginal it is or stupid. The actors are believable especially Nina Dobrev. Vampire Diaries is basically Twilight but (Remember this is coming from a guy) BETTER. Its actually darker, better ead female, better lead males, more interesting storylines. But like Twilight the only thing that is powering it are teenage girls. Id recommend ifI mean Im rating out of is it actually good not how unoriginal it is or stupid. The actors are believable especially Nina Dobrev. Vampire Diaries is basically Twilight but (Remember this is coming from a guy) BETTER. Its actually darker, better ead female, better lead males, more interesting storylines. But like Twilight the only thing that is powering it are teenage girls. Id recommend if your a guy watch Teen Wolf and girls should watch Vampire Diaries. The show isnt very original, but is better then some others.… Expand
  24. rach3399
    Jan 11, 2014
    4
    The Vampire Diaries isn't awful, but it isn't good either. The flashbacks are one of the redeeming qualities in this show. There are many far better vampire shows (Buffy).
  25. SemperAeternum
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Loving this season, even without Elena, and possibly even more with her departure given how the remaining characters have to now face themselves and one another. It's become more unpredictable & emotionally complex. Movie quality production levels and Freudian mind-benders make for a suspenseful & gripping vamp drama, grown out of what used to be a more popcorn teen-vamp drama. Yes,Loving this season, even without Elena, and possibly even more with her departure given how the remaining characters have to now face themselves and one another. It's become more unpredictable & emotionally complex. Movie quality production levels and Freudian mind-benders make for a suspenseful & gripping vamp drama, grown out of what used to be a more popcorn teen-vamp drama. Yes, there's plenty of guilty pleasure eye candy to behold which we love, but it was time to grow and I'm glad to see the writers, directors, actors...whole TVD team taking it to the next level! And loving the interplay with The Originals too!… Expand
  26. Lucas565
    Feb 26, 2021
    10
    A melhor série de vampiro que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa mesmo
  27. jdking1009
    Aug 12, 2018
    7
    Great show and good writing. When I started to watch the show I couldn't stop, but as I was reaching the end of the show I felt like they ran out of Ideas. It started to feel bit like every other love/romantic/action show you can find with just a twist of the characters being witches, werewolves and vampires. Overall great show.
  28. dobsley
    Dec 22, 2018
    6
    i thought this was my favourite show but I was wrong.

    Stefan and Elena were destined to be together , at least thats what the writers tried to pass through the first few seasons but then when the fans started to ship damon & elena julie plec started acting like delena was the " initial plan " . Personally what annoyed me the most is the fact that the writers tried sooo hard to change    i thought this was my favourite show but I was wrong.

    Stefan and Elena were destined to be together , at least thats what the writers tried to pass through the first few seasons but then when the fans started to ship damon & elena julie plec started acting like delena was the " initial plan " .

    Personally what annoyed me the most is the fact that the writers tried sooo hard to change the script in order to make it seem like Damon met Eelena first and that they were meant to be together. Damon literally killed Elena's brother, Stefan's BEST friend Lexi , raped Caroline and killed Elena's ex . BUT he was the one that got the happy ending lol . Stefan sacrificed his own life for Elena ,the person that he loved the most, and his beloved brother .

    anyways the ships were really **** up and at the end of the day the script writers had the most toxic relationship ever to be endgame.    … Expand
  29. Bruterake
    Oct 10, 2021
    3
    Cara assim tem uns pontos legais, mas a atuação é engraçada e fica ruim em certos momentos e a série sl n tem aquele gancho pra fazer vc querer assistir.
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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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