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The Vampire Diaries

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Where to watch: CW)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Teen vampire drama big on blood -- and iffy messages.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, growing up

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The central conflict pits a good-hearted vampire against his evil vampire brother -- and his own baser instincts. Underage characters also drink frequently (not a great message to send to real-life teens) and make references to casual sex.
  • Role models:

    The main characters have good core intentions, but their behavior (including underage drinking) isn't exemplary across the board. No one is entirely positive, but some characters (including an evil vampire) are entirely negative. Despite his innate thirst for human blood, the show's "good vampire" character fights it and prefers to hunt animals instead.
  • Violence:

    Violent conflict (including vampire attacks and hand-to-hand combat that involves people throwing each other into buildings and out of windows) is part of every episode -- and so is blood. The main character's parents were killed in a car accident.
  • Sex:

    Some heated kissing between teens and references to casual sex, as well as an incident in which a male teen tries to force a girl to have sex with him. Characters equate the term "hooking up" with actual intercourse.
  • Language:

    Occasional use of words like "crap" and "ass," along with descriptive terms such as "tranny mess."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Most of the main characters (including the heroine) drink alcohol socially, even though they're underage high schoolers. Some drink to the point of being drunk and have to "sober up," although there are rarely any consequences for their actions. Another character smokes cigarettes and deals and takes drugs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Vampire Diaries

Parents need to know that teens will probably want to watch this slickly produced vampire drama. One obvious reason is that it's about high schoolers -- and attractive ones at that. It also plays into the current popularity of all things vampire. But it's edgier than Twilight, and it's not an age-appropriate choice for all teens. For one thing, the subject of underage drinking is presented as something that all teens just sort of "do," without adult knowledge or much consequence. There's also kissing and talk of casual sex and a plenty of violence, although most of the time, it isn't over-the-top gory.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the popularity of vampires in the media. Why do audiences -- particularly young adults -- find vampires so appealing? Do you think it's just a fad that will wear out its welcome, or are vampires here to stay?
  • How does the show portray teen drinking? What do you think the real-life consequences of behavior like that shown here would be?
  • If you've read the books that this series is based on, how does the show compare? Did the writers take any creative license? If so, why do you think they changed the story?

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Our Members Say

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See all 14 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Vampires!

    The Vampire Diaries is an exceptional show all vampire fans must watch. The main characters, Stefan and Elena, are positive role models determined to do what is right. A clear theme of good vs. evil is present.

  2. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Good for 12+ but not for under 10

    I really enjoy this series and it portrys vamparis very well

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Perfect for teenage girls

    I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! I haven't read the books but I might now. I think that this show is very good for Twilight fans. It's a good show for girls that are mature enough to handle violence and some sexual stuff.

  4. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Vampire Diaries ROCK

    i luv this show i watch it every Thursday im addicted to it and it's not that bad if ur mature i mean really there it nothing in this show that we haven't heard of or seen so yeah and Stefan is awesome he is a good vampire. I LUV STEFAN!!!!!!!!

  5. I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    In the first episode, there's drug addict, a promiscuous teenage girl, an underage drinking party that is portryed as "just another night out" or a normal, regular occurrance. There's virtually no adult-teen interactions. there may be more that I've forgotten to mention. Basically, it's a really warped portrayal of teen life. I realize that this is supposed to be just entertainment, but to an age group that includes a good number of people who are trying to figure out who they are and what they stand for, this only provides something negative. I'm pretty middle of the road on most things, and I do give my kids the opportunity to decide on most things for themselves. However, I disliked this so much, I felt compelled to add this review.

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