Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Blood, violence are the real draw in angsty vampire drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Vampire Diaries
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 120 parent reviews
Parents say this show is a captivating mix of supernatural drama and romance, making it a favorite for many, but opinions on its appropriateness for younger viewers are deeply divided. While some parents feel it is suitable for teens aged 12 and up due to the entertaining plot and positive themes about family and friendship, others express concern over its graphic violence, mature themes, and portrayal of unhealthy relationships, asserting that it can be harmful for impressionable youth.
- age suitability
- mature themes
- graphic violence
- positive messages
- parental concern
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 547 kid reviews
Kids say the show is entertaining and has a compelling plot with strong character development, appealing to mature viewers typically aged 12 and up. However, it does contain elements of violence, sexual content, and some strong language that may not be suitable for younger audiences, making parental discretion advisable.
- engaging plot
- character development
- mature themes
- viewer discretion
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
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 : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 19, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate