Where to start
The Vampire Diaries
2 versions · originally a series, 2009
Themes: Forbidden Love, Brotherly Conflict, Doppelgangers, Redemption, Small Town Secrets.
The Vampire Diaries universe centers on the volatile intersection of ancient supernatural legacies and the intense, often destructive romantic entanglements of immortal beings.
✦ Most fans start here
The Vampire Diaries (2009)
The original tv
✦ Start hereThe Vampire Diaries
Julie Plec · Series · 2009
The Vampire Diaries (2009) serves as the foundational narrative, establishing the core love triangle between a human girl and two vampire brothers caught in a cycle of haunting historical obsession.
2013 series
The Originals
Julie Plec · Series · 2013
The Originals (2013) shifts the focus from teenage romance to the complex power struggles of the Mikaelson family, exploring the brutal, millennia-old political dynamics of vampires attempting to reclaim their city.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Vampire Diaries and The Originals?
You should watch The Vampire Diaries, which debuted in 2009, before starting The Originals, which premiered in 2013. Watching in release order allows you to follow the narrative development of the characters as they transition from the primary series into the spin-off show.
Is The Originals a direct spin-off of The Vampire Diaries?
Yes, The Originals is a direct spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. The series was released in 2013 and features characters that originated in the 2009 television show The Vampire Diaries, continuing their storylines within the same established universe.
How long did The Vampire Diaries run on television?
The Vampire Diaries premiered in 2009 and concluded after eight seasons. Following the completion of the series, viewers often move on to The Originals, which began airing in 2013, to continue exploring the supernatural world established in the original show.
Should I watch The Originals if I finished The Vampire Diaries?
If you finished The Vampire Diaries, watching The Originals is a logical next step. Since The Originals premiered in 2013 as a spin-off of the 2009 series, it provides additional context and depth to the characters and events established in The Vampire Diaries.