25 Must-Watch TV Shows for Fans of The Vampire Diaries

Summary

The series Once Upon A Time skillfully combines the enchanting world of fairy tale characters and their captivating stories with the reality we live in. Our protagonist, Emma Swan, finds herself being led to Storybrooke, a peculiar town where all the beloved characters from classic tales are held captive, their true identities concealed from them. This captivating series not only encompasses elements of fantasy, romance, and drama similar to The Vampire Diaries, but also provides a unique perspective through its focus on beloved fairy tales. Fans of the show will surely delight in the enticing twists given to their favorite characters and the intricately woven storylines that connect them.

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Available to stream on Prime Video

is a reboot of the beloved supernatural drama series from the 90s. The show revolves around three sisters who discover that they are powerful witches destined to battle evil forces. As they learn to harness their magical abilities, they also face personal struggles and navigate complex relationships. Charmed (2018-) offers a unique blend of supernatural elements, compelling storytelling, and strong female empowerment themes.

Streaming on Netflix, Charmed is a modern take on the beloved 90s series. Following three sisters who uncover their incredible witch abilities, they are thrust into a battle against evil forces to safeguard the world. Similar to The Vampire Diaries, Charmed intertwines the mystical with intricate connections and personal development. Delving into the powerful bond between the sisters, it charts their transformative path in accepting their true potential and fulfilling their destined fate. For admirers of The Vampire Diaries, Charmed offers a captivating realm of magic and resolute, empowered female protagonists.

Fans of supernatural dramas will discover a plethora of shows similar to The Vampire Diaries to indulge in. This drama orbits around Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and her hometown, Mystic Falls, where she and her close-knit group of friends uncover the existence of vampires, werewolves, and witches, all entangled in the town's rich history. At the epicenter of these supernatural tales are a pair of brothers (Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley), both turned into vampires decades ago, with a shared penchant for the same woman.

The Vampire Diaries establishes a captivating mythology surrounding its characters and spawned two spinoff series. The Originals delves into the origins of the vampire family, while Legacies follows the offspring of the characters from the other two shows. When fans of The Vampire Diaries find themselves concluding another exhilarating binge-watch, they can find solace in the plethora of series ready to fill the void.

25. Nancy Drew (2019-2023)

Stream Nancy Drew remake on Max

The CW's Nancy Drew remake explores supernatural creatures like ghosts and spirits, offering a modern twist on the original novels. With new backgrounds and methods of encounter, the characters delve into small-town mysteries in Horseshoe Bay, where secrets from the town's past are concealed, reminiscent of Mystic Falls. While The Vampire Diaries spans over four seasons, Nancy Drew's captivating storyline unfolds in less than a year.

24. Legacies (2018-2022)

Streamable on Netflix

Fans seeking shows similar to The Vampire Diaries needn't search far beyond its two spinoff series. Although The Originals largely aligns with the timeline of The Vampire Diaries in its inception, Legacies takes place after the series' events. The story revolves around Hope Mikaelsson, who enrolls in a school tailored to assist adolescents with supernatural abilities in navigating their lives. As a tribrid, Hope possesses vampire, witch, and werewolf DNA. The show ventures beyond known lore, incorporating various deities into its narratives.

23. First Kill (2022)

First Kill, available for streaming on Netflix, offers Vampire Diaries fans a captivating mix of conflict between vampires and humans, intertwined with a compelling romance. This unique series presents a fresh perspective on vampire mythology, while also exploring the concept of vampire hunting as a family legacy. As the story unfolds, two teenage girls from opposing sides of the vampire-human divide find themselves destined for a collision. One comes from a lineage of hunters, tasked with taking down her first vampire, while the other hails from a vampire family, required to eliminate her first human to attain adulthood. When love blossoms between them, their lives become significantly more complex. Regrettably, for avid fans, First Kill encompasses just a single season.

22. Veronica Mars (2004-2019)

Stream The Vampire Diaries on Hulu. The series follows a teenage girl's journey as she unravels the existence of vampires in her small town. Meanwhile, Veronica Mars explores her own small town and uncovers the truth behind local tragedies, such as the murder of her best friend. Both shows highlight the protagonist's relationships with friends and their romantic entanglements with intriguing individuals, reminiscent of Elena's experiences in The Vampire Diaries.

21. Wolf Pack (2023-)

Stream Wolf Pack on Paramount+ and discover its similarities to both Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries. This captivating series follows two unsuspecting teenagers who are thrust into a werewolf conflict after being bitten. As they uncover the truth, they realize that two of their classmates are natural-born werewolves. Together, this group of teens must unite in order to solve the mystery of the town's killer werewolf. Their survival depends on their ability to stick together, mirroring the alliances formed by the various vampire groups in The Vampire Diaries.

20. Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)

Streamable on Fubo and Showtime, the original Penny Dreadful was a far more successful venture compared to its spinoff. Airing from 2014 to 2016 and set in Victorian England, the show chiefly centers around Vanessa Ives and her team of investigators as they join forces to eradicate supernatural beings haunting London. Among the formidable antagonists lurking in the depths are the notorious Dracula, Mina Harker, and Dorian Gray. Although darker and more intense than The Vampire Diaries, Penny Dreadful mesmerizes with its captivating narrative, seamlessly intertwining three seasons into a cohesive story arc.

19. Being Human (2011-2014)

Stream Being Human on AMC+. The show follows the lives of a vampire, werewolf, and ghost who share a home and embark on a journey of self-discovery as they navigate their roles in the world. Alongside the supernatural elements, the series features compelling romances, including the emotional and iconic relationships between Aidan and Sally, as well as Josh and Nora.

18. Shadowhunters (2016-2019)

Stream "Shadowhunters" on Hulu to dive into a captivating world filled with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and faeries. The series revolves around Clary Fairchild, who discovers her role as a descendant of the powerful Shadowhunters, entrusted with safeguarding the world from malevolent supernatural forces. Similar to "The Vampire Diaries," expect thrilling encounters with werewolves, vampires, and warlocks as they clash or join forces with the Shadowhunters. Amidst the action-packed sequences, the show also delves into intriguing romance and mysteries.

17. From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series (2014-2016)

Now available for purchase on Amazon and Vudu.

While From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series may not have a large fanbase, fans of The Vampire Diaries will still find enjoyment in this vampire tale. The show follows the story of two brothers, Seth and Ritchie, who become tangled in a criminal underworld of vampires during their travels. Similar to the bond between Damon and Stefan in The Vampire Diaries, viewers will appreciate witnessing the strength and growth of Seth and Ritchie's relationship as they face various challenges. Additionally, they may be intrigued by the redemptive journey of Santánico Pandemonium, who, like Klaus from TVD, evolves from a villain to an empowering hero. The main distinction is that From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series incorporates more explicit themes and violence.

16. Roswell, New Mexico (2019-2022)

Streamable on Netflix, this series draws inspiration from a young adult book series much like Vampire Diaries. Set in Roswell, New Mexico, the story revolves around Liz Ortecho, who stumbles upon the revelation that her childhood best friend is an extraterrestrial being. As the plot unfolds, Liz learns of a greater and more heart-wrenching secret that will forever alter her life. While vampires are absent from the show, their influence is evident. The writing team boasts talents from Vampire Diaries and The Originals, including Carina Adly Mackenzie and Eva McKenna, and familiar faces from those shows, such as Nathan Dean Parsons, Michael Trevino, and Riley Voelkel, make appearances as well.

15. The Magicians (2015-2020)

Stream The Magicians on Netflix. This five-season series follows Quentin Coldwater as he navigates Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy alongside his close-knit group of friends. Much like The Vampire Diaries, The Magicians creates a rich mythology and focuses on the dynamics within a tight-knit group. Quentin's obsession with fantasy and magic leads him to discover a real magical world and a prestigious college where he can learn and connect with other magicians. While The Magicians is arguably more mature, it shares themes of romance, drama, and the supernatural with The Vampire Diaries.

14. Grimm (2011-2017)

Stream Grimm on Peacock and Prime Video

Inspired by the history of the Grimm Brothers, the series Grimm revolves around a detective assigned to safeguard his town from supernatural dangers. The show focuses on detective Nick Burkhardt, a member of the esteemed Grimm hunters' lineage. Packed with a diverse range of supernatural beings, both benevolent and malevolent, the series delves into the dramatic interactions among the protagonist, his allies, and their adversaries in their quest to maintain the town's safety. Unlike Vampire Diaries which features supernatural creatures, Grimm brings to life creatures drawn from storybooks.

13. Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

Streamable on Disney+, Once Upon a Time is a contemporary reimagining of various fairytales and beloved fairytale personas. The story revolves around Emma Swan and her son, Henry, who firmly believes that Emma is the offspring of Snow White and Prince Charming, and that their community is inhabited by an array of fairytale characters. The show introduces an assortment of other iconic figures, including Captain Hook and the Mad Hatter, blended with elements of fantasy, sorcery, drama, and romance. Similar to The Vampire Diaries, this series skillfully incorporates flashbacks to gradually unveil the intricate pasts of both the heroes and the villains.

12. Supernatural (2005-2020)

Streaming on Netflix, fans of The Vampire Diaries can now delve into the extensive episode collection of Supernatural. Running from 2005 to 2020, the series follows brothers Sam and Dean as they crisscross the United States, battling malevolent supernatural beings and rescuing those in need. While romance may not take center stage, numerous relationships are forged, and fans can delight in the presence of vampires and other supernatural creatures that abound throughout the series. A highlight of the show, similar to The Vampire Diaries, is the unwavering bond between the two brothers that lies at its heart.

11. Sleepy Hollow (2013-2017)

Stream Sleepy Hollow on Hulu now! This re-imagined version of the classic tale brings Ichabod Crane, the headless horseman, and Sleepy Hollow to life in modern America. After being resurrected by a supernatural force centuries after his death, Crane must stop the villainous headless horseman and other supernatural beings that threaten Sleepy Hollow. Join Crane and his partner Abbie Mills on a thrilling journey filled with drama, romance, and supernatural forces, reminiscent of The Vampire Diaries.

10. Salem (2014-2017)

Stream Salem on Hulu, a supernatural drama set during the 17th century and based on the Salem Witch Trials. Follow Mary Sibley, the most powerful witch in Salem, as her plans are forced to change when her former lover returns. If you enjoy The Vampire Diaries, this show offers a similar dark and suspenseful drama and romance, but with a focus on witches.

9. True Blood (2008-2014)

Stream True Blood on Max and Hulu. The series revolves around Sookie, a waitress who stands out in Louisiana due to her ability to read minds. As she becomes enamored with a charming vampire from the South, her challenges to assimilate into society intensify, compounded by the locals' reluctance to embrace their relationship. While both True Blood and The Vampire Diaries feature vampires, the two shows possess distinct qualities that captivate viewers. True Blood offers a mature storyline intertwined with supernatural intrigue, ensuring engagement for all.

8. Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)

Stream Pretty Little Liars on Max and Hulu, a captivating teen drama that aired for 7 seasons. Set in Rosewood, this series follows a group of former friends who reunite after their friend goes missing. As they receive mysterious messages, their lives take a dark and twisted turn. While not supernatural, the show appeals to fans of The Vampire Diaries and the lovable characters of Pretty Little Liars. With unexpected twists and engaging drama, it will keep viewers hooked until the very end.

7. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Streaming now on Hulu, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an enthralling supernatural drama that, much like Vampire Diaries, has even generated a successful spinoff. The show chronicles the journey of Buffy, a young woman belonging to a lineage of Slayers tasked with preserving a world free from vampires, demons, and other malevolent supernatural beings. It's highly likely that Vampire Diaries enthusiasts have already immersed themselves in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff series, Angel. However, if there are still some who have managed to bypass this iconic show since the '90s, it's time to rectify that. With an array of captivating characters and engaging storylines, Buffy effortlessly weaves the supernatural elements into the tapestry of Buffy's coming-of-age and teenage angst.

6. Riverdale (2017-2023)

Streamable on Netflix, Riverdale is a cutting-edge and contemporary television adaptation of the iconic Archie comics. It takes place in the fictional town of Riverdale and delves into the thrilling lives of beloved characters such as Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica. Since its premiere in 2017, this suspenseful teen series has consistently captivated fans, leaving them on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will unfold next. Like The Vampire Diaries, Riverdale airs on The CW, albeit without the presence of vampires and werewolves. Nevertheless, it offers an abundance of gripping, intense, and otherworldly moments that will undoubtedly leave any fan of teen dramas completely engrossed.