The Vampire Diaries (CW)

common sense media says

Violence and sex are the real draw in teen vampire drama.


parents & educators say
  • 58% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
  • 46% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

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 obvious consequence. There's also kissing and seduction, plus talk of casual sex, along with semi-graphic violence -- although most of the time, it isn't over-the-top gory.

Positive messages: The central conflict pits a good-hearted vampire against his evil vampire brother -- and his own baser instincts. Underage characters also drink without clear consequences (not a great message to send to real-life teens) and make references to casual sex.
Positive 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, etc.) is part of every episode -- and so is blood. Characters also experience life-altering moments of violence, including death.
Sex: Some heated kissing between teens and references to casual sex and seduction, 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, with no emphasis on practicing safe sex.
Language: Occasional use of words like "crap" and "ass," along with descriptive terms such as "tranny mess."
Consumerism: Some advertising (for Bing) appears on the screen during the show, and characters from the series are appearing in commercials that air in conjunction with the show.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Most of the main characters (including the heroine) drink alcohol socially on occasion, 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, but he gets clean over the course of the series.

More on The Vampire Diaries

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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 the behavior that's 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

In THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, a teen-centered drama based on the best-selling young adult novels by L.J. Smith, orphaned high-schooler Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) is caught between two drop-dead gorgeous vampire brothers -- the good-hearted Stefan (Paul Wesley) and the sadistic Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Both Elena and Stefan keep track of their thoughts and feelings by writing in their journals, but Stefan's journal also contains fascinating details about his complicated past. Later in the series, the trio is joined by the cunning vampire Katherine (also played by Dobrev), an old enemy who becomes a duplicitous ally.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

For vampire-crazed fans of the Twilight series (both in book and movie form) and the adults-only TV drama True Blood, The Vampire Diaries has just about everything, including teen angst, dramatic tension, and crush-worthy creatures of the night. There are, of course, obvious parallels to the Twilight storyline. But it's worth noting that the book trilogy that inspired this series was originally released in 1991, predating Stephenie Meyer's Twilight bestsellers by nearly 15 years.

Even if you're lukewarm on the current vampire fad, The Vampire Diaries is better-than-average entertainment, boasting a soundtrack that oozes cool (with songs from artists like The Killers and MGMT) and a talented cast that can really get its brood on. The show took off as a hit with teens and young adults...and maybe even a few of their parents.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: CW
Cast: Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: CW

This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 26 parent & educator reviews:
  • 58% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
  • 46% say sexual content is an issue
  • 46% say violence is an issue
  • 31% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

dogsbark1
kid, 13 years old
 

xBVBxARMYx
kid, 13 years old
 
Best show ever! But some iffy stuff
I absolutley adore Vampire Diaries! I noticed the show at about the 5th episode of the 1st season. My mom knew that I was vampire obssesed so she let me watch it then decided it was inappropriate. Well, a year later, I have become more mature so I had started watching it online. I thought it was amazing! It does have some iffy content. Honestly the violence would be the worst. Of course the traditional stake in the heart. Some hearts are torn out by hand. But it is DEFINITLY not as nasty as that 2nd Indiana Jones movie( which is also amazing). The words are not to bad. I have only heard of 1 usage of the b-word (although i am probably not paying attention). No other bad ones really. The sexual content is not bad at all. Some dialogue, but nothing big. I mean, come on, what 10 year old hasn't seen a movie with at least a little bit of sexual content in it. This show is not to bad, the main one is episode 10- I think. But the worse thing would be the drinking and drugs and smoking. The youngest character, Jeremy, did and is doing drugs and is constantly smoking due to deppression- i think. All characters have done underage drinking in the show in almost every episode. Just make sure that the 21 age minimum for drinking is set with your teens/tweens. About the sexual content, say that it is immoral to have sex w/o being married. Also establish the consequences. Ex. unplanned pregnancy. I would recommend the book " Boys will put you on a Pedstal ( so they can look up your skirt)" for your girls. It expresses what is going on in a guys mind and all about that type of thing. I highly recommend it. I read it when my mom gave it to me when i was about 10, it was amazing. So this show is definitly not to bad. Just make sure that your kids know what not to do. A good message would be perserverence. A lot of teens in this show definitly shoe dedication and perserverence to what they believe in. So curl up on the couch and start watching this show with your kids at least 12 years of age! BYE! Everkat. - katherine

MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
One of my favorite shows. Great storylines, great chemistry. I recommend it to everyone with a lick of maturity. (:

zmaggiez
teen, 16 years old
 
good for teens and up!
this is a very good show, but it can be violent, and there are some parts where they show people after sex. but its very teenage appropriate!

sharlynarly
kid, 13 years old
 
Good!
I love it! It's good for tweens and teens. The only thing bad is the language and the violence. Besides that, great dramatic show!

 
this show is a little violent but it is a vampire show so obviously it will be violent but its not unnecessarily so there is some drinking but its usually in moderation which is a good message since most high schoolers do drink and while they do not talk about safe sex on the show they have never mentioned unsafe sex (stuff like "i don't use condom cause it doesn't feel as good" or "the pill makes you get fat") the characters that use drugs are looked down on by the other characters

 
Not as bad as people make it sound
The thing I don't really like about Common Sense is that they do not update their materials. This show has been out 3 years now and their reviews are based on the first 3 episodes of season 1. This show has gotten remarkably more appropriate. In the first season Jeremy was a drug addict due to the fact his parents died. However by Season 2 he stopped completely. Their was a little sexual content in season 1 but they've toned it down to just kissing, and shirt less men. The only thing their is would be violence. There is and always will be blood and death on this show. But you have to know that kids who are mature enough to know that vampires aren't real can handle this show. I'm always concerned as to what my kids are reading or watching, so I always screen these things. And I believe this show is fine for 13 year olds and up.

HWADOB
teen, 14 years old
 
This is not tame Twilight, folks.
I started watching this show when it came out, at the end of my Twilight loving phase. I don't remember much, but what I DO remember was because it was so disgusting the images have been burned in my mind (I was 11). The first episode was filled teens drinking (maybe high too, it went right over my if they were) and making out heavily, frolicking through a pitch black forest at night intoxicated, and a little violence if I do remember correctly. My mother agreed to just 1 more episode to decide her final opinion on whether I should watch it or not. Episode was much much cleaner. But of course, the last 30 seconds were basically disturbing adult video material. And that is why I've never watched the show again, even 2 years after.

hpxoxo6
teen, 15 years old
 
I love this show! Its addicting but i wouldnt reccommend it for people under 13.

beccster49
kid, 13 years old
 
This show is great
I LOVE THIS SHOW!! It's one of my favorite shows now and I'm starting to read the book. It's violent, of course, and Vicki and Jeremy smoke weed. A little bit of language, also. Heh, if you haven't had "the talk" with your parents then this would also be an issue. But I think its great for mature preteens and teens. TEAM DAMON!!

makeupmissy123
kid, 13 years old
 
BEST. SHOW. EVER. well, no, but it's deff up there!!! sure, theres kissing, some mild sex scenes, and theres one scene that goes like this: "i have to shower" (elena) "great! lets go!" (stefan) *giggles* "just me!" (elena) so, it's pretty mild, and most kids as young as 10 know about sex.

Thatsalicetoyou
teen, 15 years old
 
Great story line!! But not good for younger kids
I just love this show and the book.. hands down one of the best full on vampire stories ever!!

Ash Carter
teen, 18 years old
 
The Vampire Diaries! I so recommend
I totally love this show! Damon is soooo hot! But for the content I recommend 14+

goodgirladvice
parent of 11 year old
 
great for tweens and teens
hey its ok its better then the book my kid and i watch it all the time but some parts are a bit scary for some pepole

 
Family is a must in this show
This show is not gory at all, not when compared to things like Buffy and Supernatural. Okay, you have the heart removal and decapacitation, but there are issues other than violence. My 11 year old watches this show and is a faithful fan. One thing to note is Stefan's loyalty to his brother, and eventually Damon's. When Damon got a werewolf bite that would eventually kill him, Stefan sacrifices his good nature just for a cure. Also notable is Elena's devotion to her family, willing to sacrifice herself just so Klaus(the main villain) will not kill them. The music is great, as well. The "sex" is just making out, and apparently now making out shirtless, but with pants on is sex. So I guess you could say that there's a fair amount of sex in this show. It depends on how much your child can handle.

Bloody Gorgeous
teen, 16 years old
 
i Love This Show
I spent forever waiting for this show, ever since I knew it was to be. I had very high expectations.... The characters are great. Caroline is annoying and desperate, Bonnie is cool and psychic, Damon is deliciously evil, Stefan is... (for you twilight fans) a much lovelier version Edrward. Wait!! This series was out long before Twilight was even created! I bet lots of you didn't know that. So Edward Cullen is actually a sucky version of Stefan... Anyway, Elena is the former super-popular girl of the school, now more reserved since her parents died. The story is great, I regret not reading the books beforehand and now I simply must. It's very entertaining and cool and even scary. But everything has a downside. I don't like the whole ominous fog thing whenever Damon is around. It looks rather cheesy. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention how appropriate it is. There is some sexuality --kissing, shirtless girls-- and drugs (a continuously drunk and 'stoned' Jeremy) and violence --Damon biting into people and even killing them--

xzzz
kid, 11 years old
 
Entertainment Purposes only.
I think since drinking,language,smoking,and violence is a problem for younger viewers it should only be teens 15 and over. I'm sure the creators didn't make it for an age less and the show is very much for adults also. The vampires in it are in their 20's which is very clear. I watch it with my mom every Thursday or Friday I can never remember. But anyway it is only for entertainment for those of your worried it has a bad message for teens. The biggest (problem) I suppose is language I would say so talk to your teens about that.Like I watch it with my mom it should be a family show for children under 15 and should be discussed over with a parent. A minor upset is the cheesy music in each episode CW always does and at the worst times as well! However overall I enjoy the show very much!

 
This show is amazing! I never really watch real people shows...and this one has captivated me. The story is great! It is pretty violent, but it's a show about Vampires! I think that it is way better than Tw*l*ght.

mkerr1998
teen, 14 years old
 
Addicting.
A very addicting show, but sometimes disturbingly violent, and noticeable product placement such as Ford Cars, tablets, clothes, phones, etc.

Palyy96
teen, 15 years old
 
The BEST !
I really love this series. Its very interesting and tempting. It does have many sexual scenes but you can just fast forward them :P there is a lot of blood and violence in the show but thats alright, you dont really have to look at the blood. People 14 ad above should be allowed to watch this series since it also includes come adult situations and some dirty scenes are very intense for younger kids.

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