The world of vampires, werewolves, and witches has captivated audiences for years, and few shows have done it as successfully as “The Vampire Diaries” and its spin-off, “The Originals.” These series, filled with romance, betrayal, and supernatural drama, have amassed a dedicated following. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to embark on your journey through Mystic Falls and New Orleans, ensuring you don’t miss a single heart-stopping moment.
Understanding the Vampire Diaries Universe
Before diving into where to watch these shows, it’s crucial to understand the interconnected world they inhabit. “The Vampire Diaries” sets the stage, introducing us to Elena Gilbert and the Salvatore brothers, Stefan and Damon, in the seemingly ordinary town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. As the series progresses, we learn about the town’s deep supernatural history and the various creatures that call it home.
“The Originals,” as a spin-off, expands the universe by focusing on the Mikaelson family, the original vampires, in the vibrant city of New Orleans. This show delves into their complex family dynamics, power struggles, and the challenges of building a new life in a city teeming with supernatural factions.
Understanding the connection between the two shows enriches the viewing experience. While “The Originals” can be enjoyed independently, knowledge of “The Vampire Diaries” provides valuable context and allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of the characters and their relationships.
Where to Stream The Vampire Diaries
Finding a reliable streaming platform is the first step to immersing yourself in the supernatural world of Mystic Falls. Several options exist, each with its own advantages.
Streaming Services
Several popular streaming services offer “The Vampire Diaries.” Netflix has been a long-standing home for the series, making it easily accessible to millions of subscribers worldwide. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it’s always a good idea to check your local Netflix library.
Hulu is another excellent option, particularly for viewers in the United States. Hulu often carries the most recent seasons of popular shows and offers a vast library of other content.
Another option is HBO Max which houses the entire series including related content.
Purchasing Episodes and Seasons
If you prefer to own the series outright, several digital platforms allow you to purchase individual episodes or entire seasons.
Amazon Prime Video offers both options, allowing you to either buy specific episodes or invest in complete seasons for permanent access. This is a great way to ensure you can watch the show whenever you want, without relying on a streaming subscription.
Apple TV (iTunes) is another reliable platform for purchasing digital content. Like Amazon Prime Video, it allows you to buy episodes or entire seasons of “The Vampire Diaries.”
Vudu is also a viable option for purchasing episodes and seasons. It’s a digital video store that allows you to own your favorite content.
Where to Stream The Originals
Once you’re ready to explore the story of the Mikaelsons in New Orleans, you’ll need to know where to find “The Originals.” Fortunately, the streaming options are similar to those for “The Vampire Diaries.”
Streaming Services
Just like its parent series, “The Originals” is widely available on popular streaming platforms.
Netflix often carries “The Originals,” providing a convenient option for viewers who already subscribe to the service. Again, it’s important to verify availability in your region.
Hulu is another solid choice for streaming “The Originals,” especially in the United States. It provides a comprehensive library of episodes and seasons.
Similar to “The Vampire Diaries”, you can also find the series on HBO Max.
Purchasing Episodes and Seasons
If you prefer to own “The Originals” digitally, several platforms offer purchasing options.
Amazon Prime Video allows you to buy individual episodes or complete seasons, granting you permanent access to the series.
Apple TV (iTunes) provides a similar service, enabling you to purchase and download episodes or seasons of “The Originals.”
Vudu is also an option here, allowing you to build your digital library by purchasing the series.
The Chronological Order: Watching Both Series Together
To maximize your viewing experience, especially if you plan to watch both series, consider following a chronological order. This approach allows you to witness character development and plotlines in the order they were intended.
Why Chronological Order Matters
Watching in chronological order helps to avoid spoilers and understand the subtle connections between the two shows. Characters from “The Vampire Diaries” sometimes appear in “The Originals,” and vice versa. Seeing these crossovers in the correct sequence enhances the narrative flow and prevents confusion.
A Basic Viewing Guide
While a precise episode-by-episode breakdown can be complex, here’s a general guideline for watching both shows chronologically:
- Start with “The Vampire Diaries” Seasons 1-4. These seasons establish the core characters and the supernatural world of Mystic Falls.
- During “The Vampire Diaries” Season 4, specifically after episode 20, begin integrating “The Originals” Season 1. Watch episodes of “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals” alternately to maintain the chronological order. The suggested pattern is TVD 4×20, Originals 1×01, TVD 4×21, Originals 1×02, and so on. This synchronization is crucial because the pilot of “The Originals” airs during “The Vampire Diaries” season.
- Continue alternating between “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals”, paying attention to any crossover episodes or events mentioned in either show.
- After completing “The Originals” Season 1, continue with “The Vampire Diaries” Seasons 5-8.
- Finish with “The Originals” Seasons 2-5.
Remember that this is a simplified guideline. For a more detailed chronological viewing order, you can find fan-made lists online that specify the exact order of each episode.
Essential Characters and Storylines
Understanding the key characters and their interwoven storylines is essential for enjoying “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals.”
The Vampire Diaries Core Characters
- Elena Gilbert: A young woman who finds herself caught in the world of vampires.
- Stefan Salvatore: A compassionate vampire who strives to live a moral life.
- Damon Salvatore: Stefan’s charismatic but dangerous older brother.
- Bonnie Bennett: A powerful witch and Elena’s best friend.
- Caroline Forbes: A driven and ambitious friend of Elena’s who undergoes significant character development.
The Originals Core Characters
- Klaus Mikaelson: The original hybrid (vampire and werewolf) and the central figure of “The Originals.”
- Elijah Mikaelson: Klaus’s noble and honorable brother.
- Rebekah Mikaelson: Klaus’s sister, who longs for a normal life.
- Hayley Marshall: A werewolf who becomes involved with the Mikaelsons.
- Marcel Gerard: Klaus’s adopted son, who becomes a powerful leader in New Orleans.
Key Storylines
“The Vampire Diaries” focuses on Elena’s relationships with the Salvatore brothers, the supernatural threats that plague Mystic Falls, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
“The Originals” explores the Mikaelson family’s history, their power struggles in New Orleans, and their attempts to protect their family and legacy.
Tips for an Enhanced Viewing Experience
To fully enjoy “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals,” consider these tips:
- Watch in a distraction-free environment: Immerse yourself in the world of the show by minimizing distractions.
- Pay attention to details: The shows are filled with subtle clues and foreshadowing.
- Engage with the fandom: Discuss your thoughts and theories with other fans online.
- Rewatch episodes: You may notice new details and connections on subsequent viewings.
Conclusion
“The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals” offer a captivating blend of romance, drama, and supernatural thrills. By understanding the universe, choosing the right streaming platform, and watching in chronological order, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through Mystic Falls and New Orleans. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entranced by the world of vampires, werewolves, and witches.
Where can I stream The Vampire Diaries and The Originals?
Currently, The Vampire Diaries is available for streaming on Peacock Premium in the United States. You can also purchase or rent episodes and seasons through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, and Apple TV. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it’s always best to check your local streaming services and digital storefronts for the most up-to-date information.
The Originals, being a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, is similarly available. You can find it on Peacock Premium as well, and it’s also usually available for purchase or rental on the same platforms as The Vampire Diaries: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, and Apple TV. Again, remember to confirm availability in your specific country before committing to a purchase or subscription.
What is the best order to watch The Vampire Diaries and The Originals?
The best way to watch these two series is by following a chronological order that intertwines episodes from both shows as they originally aired. This allows you to experience the shared universe and character crossovers in the most seamless and impactful way. While watching The Vampire Diaries, you should begin The Originals after The Vampire Diaries Season 4 concludes.
Specifically, start The Originals with its first episode, which aired after The Vampire Diaries Season 4 finale. Then, alternate between the two shows season by season as they progress, catching any crossover episodes as they air. This prevents spoilers and enhances your overall viewing experience by maintaining the narrative connections between the characters and storylines.
Are The Vampire Diaries and The Originals related to Legacies?
Yes, Legacies is a spin-off of both The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, continuing the supernatural saga. It focuses on Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus Mikaelson from The Originals, and her adventures at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. Many characters from the previous series make appearances, and the lore established in those shows is crucial to understanding the storylines in Legacies.
Legacies builds upon the established world and mythology of its predecessors, exploring new threats and supernatural creatures while also delving deeper into the existing characters and their legacies. Understanding the events of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals will greatly enhance your enjoyment and comprehension of Legacies, as it often references past events and character relationships.
How many seasons are there of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals?
The Vampire Diaries ran for a total of eight seasons, captivating audiences with its supernatural drama and complex character relationships. These eight seasons are packed with romance, suspense, and thrilling storylines that kept viewers hooked from beginning to end.
The Originals, focusing on the Mikaelson family, spanned five seasons. It delved into the history and struggles of the original vampires, their quest for power, and their complicated family dynamics in the vibrant city of New Orleans. The five seasons offer a complete arc for the main characters and their intertwined destinies.
Do I need to watch The Vampire Diaries before The Originals?
While you can technically watch The Originals independently, it is highly recommended to watch at least the first four seasons of The Vampire Diaries first. This is because The Originals is a spin-off series that introduces the Mikaelson family within the context of The Vampire Diaries’ narrative. Watching The Vampire Diaries first provides crucial background information on these characters and their motivations.
Furthermore, certain storylines and character arcs in The Originals will have greater emotional impact if you’ve witnessed their development in The Vampire Diaries. Understanding the relationships and conflicts established in the parent series will significantly enhance your appreciation for the nuances and complexities of The Originals.
Are there any significant character crossovers between the two shows?
Yes, there are several significant character crossovers between The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, especially in the earlier seasons of The Originals. Characters like Elena, Damon, and Stefan make appearances, and plots often intertwine as characters move between Mystic Falls and New Orleans. These crossovers help to build the shared universe and maintain continuity between the two shows.
The crossover events are not just limited to brief cameos; some characters play important roles in specific storylines that directly impact the plot of both series. Following the recommended viewing order ensures that you experience these crossovers in the most impactful way, understanding the motivations and relationships driving the characters’ actions across both shows.
Are The Vampire Diaries and The Originals appropriate for younger viewers?
Both The Vampire Diaries and The Originals contain mature themes and content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. These shows often feature violence, blood, romantic themes, and some adult language. They are generally rated TV-14 or TV-MA, depending on the specific episode and the content it contains.
Parents should exercise discretion and consider the maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch these series. Reading reviews or episode guides can provide more detailed information about the specific content of each episode, helping parents make informed decisions about whether or not the shows are appropriate for their families.