October is the spooky season with tricks, treats, and terror filling the air. It’s also when ghosts, ghouls, and supernatural beings make themselves known. Halloween is the perfect time for horror films and TV specials with most TV shows having at least one Halloween themed episode, while others have more and sometimes these episodes are linked. Here are a variety of fun and scary episodes from 31 TV shows, so sit back, relax and enjoy watching your favourite characters on this frightening feast day!

1. Friends: The One with the Halloween Party (Season 8 Episode 6)

Halloween arrives in New York as Monica and Chandler throw a costume party for the gang. Chandler has a costume mishap resulting in him wearing a pink bunny costume, Joey comes as Chandler, Phoebe as Supergirl, Monica as Catwoman and Ross as “Spud-Nik”, Rachel wears a fancy dress before she can no longer fit in it due to her pregnancy. Her maternal feelings cause her to give out all the candy resorting to giving money instead. Sean Penn guest stars as Ursula’s fiancé.

2. Modern Family: Halloween, The Last Halloween (Season 2 Episode 6, Season 11 Episode 5)

Spooky season is a big deal in suburban Los Angeles resulting in seven different Halloween episodes in this series. The first Halloween episode showcases Claire’s love for Halloween as she turns her home into an elaborate haunted house for trick or treaters. Mitchell goes to work dressed up as Spiderman with unexpected results, Cameron repeatedly tells a traumatic childhood story of why he is scared of Halloween. Meanwhile Gloria starts talking with an English accent. This episode marks the 30th episode overall. In the final Halloween episode, the audience sees Phil trying to scare Claire until he eventually succeeds. Alex and Luke both go through a break up and Gloria wins a Drag Queen contest. (See also Season 4 Episode 5, S6 E6, S8 E5, S9 E5, S10 E5)

3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Halloween (Season 1 Episode 6)

This episode starts an iconic Halloween tradition in the precinct between Jake and Captain Holt that continues throughout every season. Jake bets Holt he can steal his Medal of Valor from Holt’s locked office before midnight. His efforts are hilarious. Amy and Charles have to go undercover in costume much to her dismay and Terry discovers Rosa’s secret. Although this episode is not particularly scary, it is fun to watch these beloved characters celebrate Halloween. (See also Season 2 Episode 4, S3 E5, S4 E5, S5 E4, S6 E16)

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Halloween, Fear Itself, All the Way (Season 2 Episode 6, Season 4 Episode 4, Season 6 Episode 6)

Being the chosen one means Buffy fights off Vampires on a day-to-day basis alongside any other demon that decides to rise up over Sunnydale. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there are three Halloween episodes across the seven seasons. The first Halloween episode takes place when the gang are still in high school: the costume shop owner performs a spell that turns everyone who bought their costume from him into their characters, for example, Buffy loses her slaying powers and becomes a weak debutante in her pretty dress. The second episode is at a college haunted house frat party where everyone’s worst fears come to life and the third showcases Buffy’s role as a parent in her sister Dawn’s life. Regardless of Halloween, these three episodes are worth a rewatch as they show Buffy’s character development from high school student, college student and legal guardian.

5. The Vampire Diaries: Haunted, The Five (Season 1 Episode 7, Season 4 Episode 4)

 Mystic Falls is home to vampires, hybrids, doppelgangers, werewolves and witches: everyday is like Halloween. However, there are two specific episodes in the series to note: the first takes place at a Halloween dance at the high school. Vicki, Jeremy’s girlfriend, is a new vampire with an addictive personality but Stefan kills her because she  attacked Elena. Damon compels Jeremy to forget about Vicki. Stefan’s good guy personality and Damon’s bad boy persona are played against each other in both of these episodes and the rest of the series. In Season 4, Damon dressed as Jack the Ripper with Elena and Bonnie as his victims attend a Halloween frat party at Whitmore College. Damon helps Elena master her new bloodlust and she begins to feel things she shouldn’t. *blares feel so close by Calvin Harris* Meanwhile, Klaus acts as a puppeteer controlling Stefan and tortures Connor, a vampire hunter belonging to the group, The Five.

6. Pretty Little Liars: The First Secret, This is a Dark Ride, Grave New World. (Season 2 Episode 13, Season 3 Episode 13, Season 4 Episode 13)

Anonymous texts from a creepy stalker that knows way too much about you and your friends is enough to scare anyone on a regular day. Therefore, these Halloween specials are extra terrifying. It also cannot be a coincidence that each Halloween special falls on the thirteenth episode. This first episode is a prequel to the pilot. The Halloween before Ali goes missing, Alison and the girls get invited to Noel Kahn’s Halloween party until a worrying text from Alison causes the liars to leave and go to an abandoned house. The next episode unfolds on a terrifying ghost train with the girls dressed up as Marilyn Monroe, Daisy Buchanan, Marie Slim Browning and Barbarella with interference from A. The last Halloween episode takes place first in a graveyard, then underground tunnels which leads the girls to a creepy old mansion. The end of the episode confirms that Alison is alive and wants to come home to Rosewood.

7. One Tree Hill: An Attempt to Tip the Scales, Not Afraid (Season 3 Episode 4, Season 8 Episode 6). 

Tric is the perfect setting for Halloween in both of these episodes. In the first, a masquerade ball leads everyone to dress up as who they would like to be rather than who they are. For example, Hayley dresses up as Sandy from Grease. Stolen kisses, practical jokes and commitment issues are at the heart of this episode as Fall Out Boy perform. In the second one, although in their adult life, the gang enjoy an open mic night at Tric on Halloween with some funny costumes as Julian arrives as a Dalmatian with his mother as Cruella and Hayley comes as herself in high school; a pregnant cheerleader.

8. Ugly Betty: The Lyin, the Watch and the Wardrobe  (Season 1 Episode 5) 

The Suarez house is transformed with Halloween decorations by Ignacio. Betty arrives at Mode dressed as a butterfly for the costume contest only to learn that Marc only sent the email to her. She takes it in her stride and decides she has won. Marc finds a new way to make fun of Betty by dressing up as her. Henry, secretly dressed as Superman, grows closer to Betty, much to Walter’s dismay. Amanda tries to get her claws into Daniel by keeping his watch from their night together but Betty figures it out. Meanwhile, Daniel visits Claire in rehab and Wilhelmina’s wicked  witch personality thrives in this episode as she can’t fit into a designer gown and has been slandered for dating a younger man.

9. Sabrina the Teenage Witch: A River of Candy Corn Runs Through It (Season 2 Episode 31)

This tv show has many Halloween themed episodes to choose from due to the realm between living and the dead being at its weakest on All Hallows Eve. Also, it being Hilda and Zelda Spellman’s favourite holiday. Episode 31 shows an unexpected Halloween party being thrown at Sabrina’s enchanted house for all of her fellow, mortal students. Although she was the last to know, Sabrina decides to let the party go ahead. The arrival of talking furniture, Ghouls from the closet, termites, overflowing cauldrons, and an attention seeking, talking cat make this Halloween party one to remember. (See also Season 1 Episode 5, S3 E56, S4 E81, S5 E103, S6 E120, 123)

10. How I Met Your Mother: The Slutty Pumpkin, The Slutty Pumpkin Returns (Season 1 Episode 6, Season 7 Episode 8)

Although there are three Halloween episodes in this series,  the first and the last are the ones to note because they are linked. The first Halloween episode of the series highlights Ted’s hopeless romantic personality trait as he goes to the party on the roof hoping he will meet this girl in a slutty pumpkin costume four years earlier. Marshall and Lily enter the costume contest as a parrot and a Captain Sparrow character at MacLaren’s and win with surprising results. Barney must change his costume multiple times as his pick up lines keep failing him. Robin doesn’t like to share which causes Mike to break up with her. The last Halloween episode is a continuation of the first as the title suggests, The Slutty Pumpkin Returns. Ted discovers the slutty pumpkin costume in a shop window and finds out the identity of the girl, Naomi (guest star Katie Holmes). They begin dating until they both agree they have no chemistry and break up. Barney’s worst nightmare comes through as Robin discovers he is one quarter Canadian. (See also Season 6 Episode 7)

11. New Girl: Halloween (Season 2 Episode 6)

 This Halloween episode marks the 20th episode in the series. Jess goes to work at a haunted house, dressed up as a zombie. She develops feelings for Dr Sam even though their relationship was meant to be just physical. Nick is stressed out because his college crush, Amelia, is coming to visit him. He also faces his fear of haunted houses with entertaining results. Schimdt tries to get close to Cece but realises she’s happy with Robby. Winston and Shelby fight about their costumes. (See also Season 3 episode 6)

12. Desperate Housewives: Now I Know, Don’t be Scared (Season 4 Episode 6)

Halloween arrives on Wisteria Lane with consequences for all. Gaby continues her affair with Carlos while trying to break up with potential governor candidate Victor. Bree forbids Danielle from attending Bob and Lee’s Halloween party because she’s pregnant. In true Danielle fashion, she disobeys and her water breaks at the party. Lynette beats cancer but becomes obsessed with a possum in the garden. Edie’s biggest fear comes through as Carlos ends their relationship. Susan meets a living ghost, Mike’s father, who she thought was dead. Secrets past, present and future come to light on Halloween night. (See also Season 7 episode 6)

13. Sister, Sister: Halloween (Season 3 Episode 7)

In an effort to be different, both Tia and Tamera buy the most outrageous costume they can find only to end up dressed the same as each other. The twins borrow Roger’s brand new Mercedes convertible to drop their friends at a Halloween rave even though they are grounded. The girls end up at the Canada US border and on the late night news leading to a hilarious reaction from a furious Ray in his pink bunny costume.

14. Glee: Rocky Horror Glee Show (Season 2 Episode 5)

Music and holidays go hand in hand. McKinley’s high school Glee club pays tribute to the 1973 Rocky Horror Picture Show Musical. Carl and Emma attend a midnight screening of the film which prompts Will’s decision to make this the school play. Finn and Rachel are cast as the leads but Finn struggles with body image issues due to his role. With the play cancelled, Glee performed it for themselves. Seven cover songs are featured in this episode, ending with the Glee club singing Time Warp.

15. Stranger Things: Trick or Treat, Freak  (Season 2 Episode 2)

There is a clue in the title that ‘strange things’ are always happening in the town of Hawkins. Halloween is no different. The boys dress up as Ghostbusters paying homage to the film at that time while nobody else at school is in costume. That’s a nightmare in itself. The kids continue to fight monsters from the upside down in this spooky episode filled with 80’s references.

16. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody: The Ghost in Suite 613 (Season 1 Episode 19)

Since Stephen King’s The Shining and subsequent film version, hotels can have a creepy element with abandoned rooms, long corridors and basements. In this episode, The Tipton hotel is the perfect setting to discover a haunted room. After Muriel tells a ghost story about suite 613, Zack, Cody, London, Maddie and Esteban decide to spend the night. Esteban holds a séance, Arwin detects paranormal activity while the rest of the gang wait patiently to hear from ghost Irene.

17. Bones: Mummy in the Maze (Season 3 Episode 5)

Bones episodes mainly consist of finding human remains in a strange situation. This episode is like every other one with an added Halloween twist. At a Halloween hay maze, a mummified corpse was found by a lost kid. A second body shows up at Shoreline Amusement Park and Booth and Bones rescue another girl from becoming the third body. There’s a Halloween party for the Jeffersonian Institute which Cam insists everyone must go to because there will be sponsors in attendance. Booth is dressed up as a squint and Bones is Wonder Woman. What a team.

18. Teen Wolf: Illuminated  (Season 3 Episode 16)

Werewolves are the first supernatural species introduced to Beacon Hills although it is home to other mysterious beings. A power outage puts a curfew on the town, however, Danny and Ethan manage to throw a blacklight Halloween party in Derek’s empty loft. The mystery surrounding the hooded figures is still at large as Ethan and Lydia are attacked and marked in the same way Isaac was; with a reverse number 5 as the symbol. This is a good episode to watch before the upcoming film.

19. American Horror Story: Murder House (Season 1 Episode 4, 5)

Each episode of AHS is scary but the two part Halloween special highlights the fine line between the living and the dead: the ghosts of anyone who died in the murder house can finally leave on Halloween night. Five mangled teens from a school shooting haunt Tate to find out why he killed them while he’s on a date with Violet. After seeing an ultrasound of Vivien’s baby, the doctor collapses leading the audience to believe there is something seriously wrong. Ouija boards, the return of the rubber man, and the revelation that Constance is Tate’s mother sums up some of the action.

20. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air: Hex and the Single Guy (Season 4 Episode 7)

Bel Air is bewitched on this scary holiday as the Banks’ family attend a séance with a spiritualist to help Hilary make contact with Trevor, her dead fiancé. Will’s scepticism leads to a hex being put on the whole family as they all experience bouts of bad luck. The next morning, Will wakes up thinking it was a bad nightmare until the day begins to repeat itself.  (See also Season 1 Episode 8,9)

21. Dawson’s Creek: Four Scary Stories (Season 5 Episode 9)

Joey, Jack, and Pacey return to Grams’ house unsatisfied after seeing a horror film. Joey suggests maybe she can’t be scared anymore which is music to Jack and Pacey’s ears as they play a prank on her. To prove she’s not as scared as they think, she tells them a frightening story that happened to her. The boys follow suit and in true Grams fashion, she joins in and tells the scariest story of all, Jennifer’s story. The episode flashbacks to the time of each of their stories. Jen takes over Charlie’s (Chad Michael Murray) radio station on Halloween night and horror ensues. Gram’s retelling leaves Jack, Joey, and Pacey terrified. (See also Season 1 Episode 11, S3 E7, S6 E6)

22. That’s So Raven: Don’t Have A Cow (Season 2 Episode 2)

Raven and Chelsea find an old spell book in grandma Viv’s old trunk. They perform a spell and wish for an invite to Alana’s Halloween party. After the first spell works, they perform another to have the best costumes. However, a mishap during the potion making causes them to start developing cow features. Raven didn’t see this coming as she’s got cow ears and Chelsea’s got a tail. They rush to the party to stop the spell before they turn into livestock. Meanwhile, Cory decides he’s old enough to go trick or treating with his friends rather than his parents.

23. Hannah Montana: Torn Between Two Hannahs (Season 1 Episode 17)

Deception and mistaken identities take over Malibu in this Halloween special. Robby Ray’s niece, Luann, who looks like Miley, comes to visit from Tennessee. At first, she fools everyone (except Miley) with her sweet and innocent act. She ties Miley up and leaves her in the closet then goes to a party dressed as Hannah with an unsuspecting Lola. Terrified she’s going to ruin her secret, Miley escapes and rushes to the party. The two Hannah’s get mixed up and it’s up to Lily and Oliver to determine who’s the real Miley. Meanwhile, Jackson and Bobby Ray are annoying their neighbours with their Halloween decorations. 

24. The Big Bang Theory: The Middle Earth Paradigm (Season 1 Episode 6)

Penny throws a Halloween costume party and invites the gang which is a test of their social skills. After The Flash costume disaster, they must change outfits: Leonard is Frodo, Raj is a Norse God Thor, Sheldon is The Doppler Effect and Howard is Robin Hood. Penny kisses Leonard for the first time. Although this Halloween episode is not scary, it is fun to watch. (See also S2 E6, S6 E5, S12 E6).

25. This is Us: The 20’s (Season 2 Episode 6)

Halloween is here and the Pearson family are back in this fun filled flashback episode. It shows the big three at aged ten and then again in their twenties. Jack and Rebecca take the kids trick or treating dressed as Sonny and Cher while Kate is Sandy from Grease, Kevin is a cigar-smoking bum and Randall is Michael Jackson. The big three struggle in their twenties: Beth and Randall are awaiting the birth of baby Tess not long after Randall’s nervous breakdown; Kate is working as a waitress and involved with a married man and Kevin attempts to steal an acting role from his roommate and friend. Miguel reaches out to Rebecca for the first time in years. There are no present day scenes as this episode offers an insightful journey into the past lives of Kate, Kevin and Randall on Halloween.

26. Supernatural: Family Remains (Season 4 Episode 11)

Having already discussed the Salvatore brothers, it’s time to talk about the Winchester brothers: monster hunting duo Dean and Sam. In this episode, they investigate the appearance of a ghost girl after a man called Bill Gibson was murdered in a locked room in an abandoned house. His wife died in childbirth, and his daughter hung herself in this attic. The boys try to warn the Carter family who are going to move into the house but they don’t pay any attention until their son, Danny,  is kidnapped through the walls. Disturbing facts about the Gibson family makes this a horrifying episode.

27. Once Upon A Time: The Doctor (Season 2 Episode 5)

Storybrooke becomes home to a new monster, Frankenstein, otherwise known as Dr Whale, in this episode. Frankenstein is the first character to appear from literature that is not for children. The scene in the lab is a reference to the 1931 film, Frankenstein. In the present day, Dr Whale wants Regina’s help in bringing his brother back but she refuses because she’s trying not to use magic for Henry’s sake. Dr Whale revives Regina’s first love Daniel Colter by giving him an enchanted heart with disastrous results. Torn Limbs, hearts inserted and removed and an ogre massacre is just a  part of the action in this episode.

28. 13 Reasons Why: Tape 2 Side B (Season 1 Episode 4)

The ghost of Hannah haunts every episode of this show as the audience are brought through her thought process before her death. This episode takes place on Halloween. It focuses on the character Tyler Down who is on the fourth tape which documents the reasons Hannah committed suicide. He was stalking Hannah and taking unwanted pictures of her. He took a picture of her and Courtney Crimsen kissing and showed everyone at school which ended the girls’ friendship. Clay helps to clean the outside of Hannah’s house as it has been toilet papered and chats with her mom. He delivers his own form of revenge by sending a naked picture of Tyler to the whole school.

29. Heartland: The Haunting of Hanley Barn (Season 3 Episode 4)

Hooded figures, thunder crashing and a power cut make this episode a spooky one. Hudson’s favourite ghost story takes place at Hanley barn. Mr Hanley’s horses are being spooked at night by the supposed ghost that’s been haunting the place. During a thunderstorm, Ty and Amy spend the night keeping an eye on the horses while Caleb, Soraya and Ashley try to frighten them. A tragic love story from years ago comes to light at the end.

30. That 70’s Show: Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die (Season 3 Episode 4)

Hitchcock’s horror influence infiltrates Point Place Wisconsin as the gang fall victim to different comic spoofs from the films.  Laurie attacks Kelso in the shower while her red shampoo goes down the drain. Fez thinks Bob killed Midge and disposed of her body. Eric has vertigo after falling from the garage roof and Kitty is left in charge of birds which does not end well. (See also Season 2 Episode 5)

31. Dynasty : Wild Ghost Chase (Season 3 Episode 3)

The Carringtons have a flair for the dramatics and this Halloween spectacle lives up to their reputation. What better way to celebrate the scary season than with a party at the manor. Fallon is dressed as Marie Antoinette and Adam is Louis XVI and ironically they both end up in Halloween cake following their fight. After his sister’s body is found in the Carrington Lake a few episodes back, Evan destroys Fallon’s garden which is part of her community service to try and ensure she goes to jail but later apologises.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 31 Spooky Halloween TV Episodes To Watch appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him—and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be—that thirsted for my blood
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

Remember these lines? Remember gushing over them? That was over fifteen years ago.

Needless to say, Twilight was one of the most talked about books of 2005, that forever changed the way we think about vampires. Twilight was named an “ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults,” an Amazon.com “Best Book of the Decade So Far”, and so much more!

There is a reason for it being the huge hit that it is… that high school romance coupled with the promise of eternity, the right amount of intrigue, and that fairytale vibe, which is kinda hard to resist, isn’t it?

And now, in 2020, Midnight Sun is expected to be released on August 4^th 2020. When Bella met Edward, an unforgettable love story was born, and now fans get to experience this all over again but through the eyes of Edward Cullen.

Whether it’s been years since you read the book or if you have been going back to it for rereads, we got you covered. Here are a few book series that you can read if you loved The Twilight Saga and these will get in the perfect mood before the release of Midnight Sun.

1. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

This series features vampires, though not in the way Stephenie Meyer did. There are the Moroi and the Strigoi (the good ones and the bad) and Rose is training to be a guardian for her best friend Lissa, but trouble seems to find them in the very place that is to be their refuge. It is a wonderful tale of friendships, sacrifices, suspense, and romance, especially because Rose and Dimitri have to make up one of the best ships in the entire YA genre. You are sure to fall in love with them and the series, which is made up of six books, perfect for a binge read, don’t you think?

2. Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead

This is a spin-off of to The Vampire Academy series and features Adrian, the royal Moroi and Sydney, an alchemist. If forbidden love is your guilty pleasure, then this book is perfect for you. Sydney has been taught her whole life that vampires are evil and unnatural, but all that changes when she is forced into hiding with three of them. There’s something about Adrian that she can’t seem to resist and as if that is not enough, she gets caught up in secrets and lies and has to deal with high school! The series comprising of six books is sure to keep your heart racing. Oh, and the slow burn? Yes, please.

3. Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick

Okay, this isn’t about vampires, but the series does involve a fallen angel! Nora Grey’s life changes when she meets Patch and against her better judgement, she seems to be drawn to him and a world she didn’t know existed. This is a perfect fit for lovers of Twilight and will keep you up through the night, glued to the pages.

4. The Immortals series by Alyson Noel

Now for an addictive, haunting, and mesmerising tale, The Immortals series! Sixteen-year-old, Ever, lost her family and now has a weird superpower that got her branded as a freak. But her life takes a drastic turn when she meets Damen, a gorgeous, exotic, wealthy man belonging to another world, the only one who can soothe her powers. This book has the ability to capture your heart and your imagination, transporting you to a whole new world.

5. Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Katy starts her senior year in a new school resigned to a boring life…. until she meets her neighbour. Daemon is infuriating, arrogant, gorgeous…. and what did I miss? Right, he’s an alien. When the alien next door marks her, things get complicated and also extremely entertaining. With Daemon’s attitude and Katy’s wit, this book will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. Again, not a vampire novel, but nevertheless it will definitely appeal to your inner Twilight fan.

6. The Vampire Diaries 

It’s almost impossible to talk about vampires and not mention The Vampire Diaries. If the book series by L.J. Smith isn’t your thing, then you have to check out the television series, or rewatch it again, as it is vastly different from the books.

The eight seasons are one huge rollercoaster ride following the life of Elena Gilbert as she falls in love with Stefan Salvatore. Their relationship gets increasingly complicated as Damon returns with plans of resurrecting their past love, Katherine Pierce. What happens next?

7. The Twilight Saga

This is a no-brainer. If you loved Twlight back then, now is the time to revisit Forks and you have the perfect excuse! What better way to read Midnight Sun other than to reread the Twilight saga?

Other than the four books – Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn, there are a few extras.

• The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (The Twilight Saga #3.5) was published in 2010. It’s the devastating tale of the newborn army as they prepare to close in on the Cullens.
• Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined (The Twilight Saga #1.75) published on November 1^st 2016

Be sure to check out Stephenie Meyer’s website where a quote from the book is to be posted every Tuesday and Friday until Midnight Sun is released!

Are you looking forward to Midnight Sun? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 7 Book Series To Read While Waiting For ‘Midnight Sun’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The show first aired in 2009, and at the time, I was thirteen years old. It debuted during the height of the vampire craze and like many other teens, I fell in love—and yes, sometimes the embarrassment does set in, but we’ve all had weird interests! Almost everybody was reading the Twilight series, talking about the Twilight movie or whatever other vamp related series was out at the time, so when the announcement came for a new television show about vampires and based on a book series, I was a little more than interested.

This is one of those rare cases where the adaption surpasses the original. The books were okay, and I believe I read about 5 out of 100 (that’s what it felt like as they kept releasing more and more), but the show became incredibly different and much more interesting than the source material so I stopped reading them.

The Vampire Diaries had all the essentials. From the love triangle featuring a gorgeous human girl and two vampire brothers—one brooding and the other your typical bad boy, to the quaint little town plus a high school setting, it created the perfect blend for a new addiction. I remember watching the very first episode and thinking, this is so good. This was more than likely my youth talking as I was the audience The CW was after, but my small interest in other successful CW shows, such as Supernatural, Smallville and Gilmore Girls, may have helped to fuel it as the network seemed to only every produce quality shows.

In a way, I think this series helped to shape the network into what is today. After TVD‘s release, they had some misses with other shows which aimed for the same audience (e.g. The Secret Circle and Starcrossed), but The Vampire Diaries helped to draw in a new crowd which were hungry for a ‘supernatural meets high school’ world. While writing this, I’m viewing other past shows by The CW and it’s interesting to see all the other shows they’ve created and what was on around the time of The Vampire Diaries premiere. It’s sort of surprising as it doesn’t feel as though the show has been running for eight years, but that becomes obvious where you compare the cast from back then to now, oh how they’ve aged. Perhaps it’s a new experience for me as I think this is the first long-running show where I’ve watched from the beginning to the end while it’s still going whereas other shows may be new, cancelled or I’ll be playing catch up.

But looking back now, the pilot episode of the show was beyond cheesy, except that’s not something which really stood out to me at the time. Speaking honestly, the entire first season is mostly cringe-worthy and if you’re watching it as a new fan, it does get better. The show develops substantially in the second season and almost everything about it just becomes better. The characters developed significantly in one season, which isn’t always something you always see in shows.

Take Caroline’s character, for example. Her vampire transformation at the start of the second season changed her from a bitchy high school girl and forced her to become something else entirely. The actors also developed significantly in the second season as the acting really wasn’t great at first. It becomes quite noticeable when you’re watching a new show as the actors may be new to the biz or still ‘finding’ their character, it can come across poorly.

Don’t get me wrong, each show experiences downfalls. Sometimes it could be from a long-running show not feeling as ‘fresh’ anymore, or the plot becomes ridiculous or boring (see Supernatural which lost its mojo more than a few times). For me, I felt the show lost its spark after the Originals left to venture on to create their spin-off show. This happened in season four and while Elena finally became a vampire which was an exciting development, we had to watch the doppelgänger plot unfold and it just went a little downhill.

Ever since then, I never really felt the same about the show. This may have been because I was getting older and was losing interest in the allure of vampires or the show never found its spark again, maybe it was a combination of both. It still had some high points every now and then such as when Chris Wood joined the show as Kai Parker and any scene with the big bad bitch Katherine helped to pique my interest once more. Personally, I knew the show would never be the same when Nina Dobrev left at the end of season six, even though many fans were beyond elated to finally see her go. The following season was the worst season of them all as it felt as if the show was scrambling to hold their world together by coming up with an elaborate story featuring vampire heretics and whatever else they thought could work in order to keep their viewers.

So why did I keep watching? I have no idea. Maybe it’s because I held an interest all those years ago and like some others, I just wanted to know how it ends. While the final season was like a rollercoaster of both up’s and down’s, I finally found myself reacting to scenes once again. I found myself gasping as Enzo was killed, shedding a tear for Bonnie who can never have it all, and then smiling as Stefan and Caroline said I do. The show seemed to find its roots once more which helped to deliver an epic series finale which did justice to the show no matter what other’s may say.

You’ll never have the perfect ending for a show, it’s impossible to satisfy millions of fans, but for The Vampire Diaries they did the best they could and I am damn happy about how it ended.

5 Favourites from The Vampire Diaries

1. The Lore: While every vampire series is different, the lore for The Vampire Diaries was fascinating. Albeit some parts of it led to the downfall of the series, overall it was quite fascinating.
2. The Flashbacks: We’re talking all the Katherine and Salvatore brothers flashbacks, especially the ‘We’ll Always Have Bourbon Street’ set in 1942 New Orleans.
3. Every Single Dance: From when the Mikaelson’s threw a ball to the high school decade dances, any time there was a dance or function, you knew it was going to be a good episode.
4. Katherine: Katherine had her moments and while I didn’t like her all the time, I think I just enjoyed seeing Nina Dobrev become another character and do it so well. All her doppelgänger performances were all pretty amazing.
5. The Originals: The Original vampire family was one, if not the most, favourite plot of the entire series. While their spin-off show was interesting at first, it lost its way (or maybe it’s just me again) and I can’t see it lasting much longer on the network.

5 Dislikes from The Vampire Diaries

1. Bonnie: Before you jump the gun, Bonnie is on this list because I’m not happy that it took so many highs and lows for her to finally accept herself. She’s also on here because while characters don’t always have to have a happy ending, it would have been nice to see Bonnie end up with her man. In my mind, she’s back with Jeremy.
2. Matt: Eight seasons and he’s still human. I think he’s the only one who survived that long. Many don’t like his character and I was never entirely sure where I stood. On one hand, he balanced the supernatural but on the other, he could be really annoying…
3. Season Seven: Enough said.
4. Sybil: Many commented on her likeness to Dobrev, which was on purpose and even mentioned in the show but her character was insufferable.
5. Ghost World: The other side should have been left alone, and Bonnie and Damon should have never ended up there for so long either.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your The Vampire Diaries experience and highlights in the comments below!

The post Saying Farewell to ‘The Vampire Diaries’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Vampire Diaries premiered in 2009, which was right in the middle of the worldwide vampire craze and saw other book adaptions, such as Twilight and True Blood, satisfying the world’s love for vamps.

The series has definitely been a roller-coaster with many up’s and down’s, and it has also come a long way since the cringe-worthy pilot and first season.

Vampire Diaries has had all the essential drama elements from the love triangle between a human girl and two vampire brothers, to the suspense and shocking twists and turns including numerous deaths for the same character (yup, we’re talking Bonnie Bennett).

Of course we can’t forget to mention all the different supernatural creatures from doppelgängers and werewolves to witches, hybrids and sirens, just to name a few. Some we loved, some we loved to hate such as the original vampires, who ended up with their own spin-off series, The Originals.

So how will the series end? But more importantly, will it do the show justice? This last season has felt a little scrambled as the main plot didn’t feel present in every episode. Maybe it’s just the show is tired or they’re too busy wrapping everything up in a shorter season (16 episodes). They’ve brought back multiple characters such as Tyler Lockwood, only to have him killed off. In the previous episode, we saw Vicki and Kelly Donovan return to do Katherine’s bidding. It seems like the show and this season is all about giving each character once last hurrah before wrapping, especially with a few more people (Jeremy and Elena’s real dad) coming back in this final episode.

We know Elena is back for the final episode, which felt obvious as how could you not finish the show and bring back a main character from her two season slumber. Either that or they would have had to kill her off with one of the many attacks her coffin has faced. We also know Elena will be attending a funeral for a major character. Now many think it will be the obvious choice of being Bonnie, however, surely she’s had enough of death by now? Next up is Stefan and Caroline, and if it will be either of this pair, it has to be Stefan. Then there’s Matt Donovan, is he classed as a major character? I feel like it would be sad to see him go, as he’s the only human to have made it through eight seasons, so that only leaves Damon Salvatore.

Could they really kill Damon off just as the series ends and Elena finally wakes up? Will it be Katherine who delivers the final blow? If it is Damon, they’re taking a page straight out of True Blood‘s series finale where Sookie loses Bill and then a flash-forward is shown of her living a normal life. Perhaps Elena may just end up with her original beau, Matt Donovan. If this is the case, I can guarantee there will be many disgruntled fans, just as there was for the True Blood finale. Despite everyone’s reluctance over love triangles, you do want to see someone get the girl, especially after many years of watching them.

While my love for The Vampire Diaries has wavered due to both the story and myself growing up and losing interest in the vampire world, I feel obligated to see it through and learn how it ends. It used to be one of those shows were I adored everything about it and would devote my attention fully to it, but now it’s more so playing in the background while I do something else. Regardless of this, I’ll definitely be watching and posting a review of the series finale after it airs. I more than likely will shed a tear or two as well.

Here’s hoping somebody writes in their journal just for those ‘feels’. Stefan and Elena, we’re looking at you. So get ready to say goodbye to Mystic Falls. The two-hour event kicks off with an hour-long retrospective special about the series followed by the series finale.

How do you hope the series will end? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Vampire Diaries: It’s Almost Time To Say Goodbye appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Today a new, and very brief, promo video was released of Damon and Elena finally seeing one another after two seasons apart and much longing on Damon’s behalf.

The series finale ‘Wedding Bells?’ airs March 10th on The CW. Check out the promo below!

A wedding is quickly planned in order for Damon and Stefan to lure a dangerous enemy out into the open. This looming threat puts the fate of Mystic Falls in eminent danger and must be destroyed.

Will Elena end up with anyone in the end? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Vampire Diaries: Elena and Damon Reunite! appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been gifted with a few spoilers about the finale, including the return of various characters such as Elena and Jeremy, and the possibility of a Steroline wedding based on some behind-the-scenes photos.

Now we also know there will be a major character death in the season finale and it begs the question, who could it be? We already lost Tyler and Enzo this season so will TVD be following a similar finale set-up as HBO’s vampire drama, True Blood?

In True Blood, major character Bill dies with a flash-forward showing Sookie happily pregnant with a human husband. Could it be that Damon will die to save his brother or Elena and do some good for once? If this is the case, hopefully he will be reunited with Elena for even a short period of time, instead of the two missing each other as one dies and the other awakes. Perhaps if this is the case, maybe Elena will end up with forever human Matt Donovan?!

The other much more obvious possibility is Bonnie, since her life is linked to Elena’s. But with Kai, the one who created the spell, returning in the previous episode and offering to bring Elena back in exchange for the Salvatore brother’s help, it may not be her. Another reason we hope it’s not Bonnie is because she’s had a shocking life, we can’t even remember how many times she’s died and when she finally became happy with Enzo, that was ripped away from her.

With Stefan now human, maybe it will be his character that passes? We still might get that Steroline wedding, but he could die shortly after or in a flash-forward 70 years from now where Damon and Caroline watch as he goes into the ground forever.

If this is the case, Elena would have to become a vampire again as Entertainment Weekly states that Elena is surrounded by her loved ones as she watches another person she loves buried in the Mystic Falls cemetery. We’re leaning towards Damon dying as why wouldn’t he be the one to greet Elena as she wakes up instead of Stefan, as shown in the sneak peek below? Hmm…

So who could it be? Let us know who you think might die in the comments below!

The series finale airs March 10 on The CW.

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