Where to start
The Vampire Diaries
2 versions · originally a series, 2009
The Vampire Diaries universe centers on the volatile intersection of immortal supernatural power, ancient family legacies, and intense, centuries-spanning romantic obsessions.
✦ Most fans start here
The Vampire Diaries (2009)
The original tv
✦ Start hereThe Vampire Diaries
Julie Plec · Series · 2009
The Vampire Diaries (2009) establishes the definitive foundation, focusing on the tangled love triangle between a human girl and two vampire brothers haunted by their shared 1864 past.
2013 series
The Originals
Julie Plec · Series · 2013
The Originals (2013) shifts the perspective to the Mikaelson clan, exploring the power dynamics and political maneuvering of the world's first vampire family as they fight to reclaim New Orleans.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Vampire Diaries and The Originals?
You should watch The Vampire Diaries, which premiered in 2009, before starting The Originals. The Originals, released in 2013, serves as a spin-off series that continues the narratives established within the world of The Vampire Diaries.
Is The Originals a direct continuation of The Vampire Diaries?
Yes, The Originals is a spin-off series based on characters and plot lines originating from The Vampire Diaries. It focuses on the lore established in the 2009 series and expands upon the supernatural universe created in The Vampire Diaries.
Should I finish The Vampire Diaries before starting The Originals?
It is recommended to finish The Vampire Diaries before beginning The Originals. Because The Originals debuted in 2013 as a spin-off, watching The Vampire Diaries first ensures you have the necessary context for the characters and events that carry over between the two shows.
How long is The Vampire Diaries compared to The Originals?
The Vampire Diaries began in 2009 and consists of eight seasons. The Originals, which premiered in 2013, consists of five seasons. Both series are set in the same supernatural universe, with The Originals acting as a spin-off to the primary events of The Vampire Diaries.