The Vampire Diaries
By Kari Croop,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Blood, violence are the real draw in angsty vampire drama.

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The Vampire Diaries
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Based on 128 parent reviews
Loved it, but definitely 15 yrs +
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would deffinitly recomend for tweens
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What's the Story?
Based on the bestselling young adult novels by L.J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls and centers on the interplay between orphaned Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and two vampire brothers, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Both Elena and Stefan keep track of their thoughts and feelings by writing in their journals, but Stefan's diary also contains fascinating details about his complicated past and the town's surprising supernatural history. Later in the series, the plot thickens with the arrivals of Elena's vampire doppelganger, Katherine (also played by Dobrev), "original" vampire Klaus (Joseph Morgan), and vampire hunter Rayna (Leslie-Anne Huff).
Is It Any Good?
Fans of vampires and young adult dramas might enjoy this show's style and themes, which include teen angst, dramatic tension, and conventionally attractive characters who become more complex in each season. The Vampire Diaries took off as a hit with teens and young adults, and maybe even a few of their parents. While there are obvious parallels to the Twilight storyline, 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.
The Vampire Diaries delivers better-than-average entertainment, boasting a soundtrack that includes songs from artists like The Killers and MGMT. This Teen Choice- and People's Choice-nominated series also gets props for maturing along with its characters, expanding the plot to include much more about Mystic Falls' fascinating past.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ongoing appeal of seeing vampires and other supernatural beings in stories like The Vampire Diaries. Why do audiences find magical creatures so appealing?
How does the show portray teen behavior, particularly when it comes to sex and drinking? Do the characters' choices lead to real-life consequences?
If you've read the books that the 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?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 10, 2009
- Cast: Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley
- Network: CW
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters, High School, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
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