I feel embarrassed. I know The Vampire Diaries is a typical soap opera plus vampires. But for some reason, I cannot stop watching it. I am stupidly obsessed. So I am prepared to tell you all the reasons I've grown to love The Vampire Diaries. Between the steamy hookups, sassy zingers, and neck-snapping, what’s not to love?
We first met Elena Gilbert, played by Nina Dobrev, and the ever-handsome Salvatore brothers — Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder and Stefan played by Paul Wesley — back in 2009 when most of them were still in high school and Mystic Falls was brand new territory. Throughout the years, we’ve laughed with them, cried with them, and mourned with them, but the one thing that’s kept us coming back week after week is love.
So presented without commentary — and in no particular order — here are 50 reasons I love The Vampire Diaries.
1. The love triangle to end all love triangles (even though it’s weird that it involves brothers).
2. Ian Somerhalder’s blue eyes.
3. Paul Wesley’s hazel eyes (and what’s behind them — sorry, Kelly Clarkson pun).
4. Caroline Forbes' snarky one-liners.
5. Elijah Mikaelson's suits. All of them.
6. Decade Dances.
7. Klaroline forever.
8. Jeremy Gilbert's black widower status.
9. The fact that Elena used to actually journal. Those were the good ol’ days.
10. The Originals
11. Klaus Mikaelson's horse drawing for Caroline.
12. Only casting hot guys. (It’s a CW thing.)
13. Doppelganger fever.
14. Vampire 101 (teaching new vamps how it’s done).
15. The music in each and every episode. It’s amazing, seriously.
16. Delena vs. Stelena debate.
17. Just how many stars have appeared on both The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars.
18. Nina Dobrev’s ability to play multiple characters (even when it means three in one scene!).
19. Every single thing about Rebekah Mikaelson.
20. The Ripper, even though he’s super creepy.
21. Ian’s hero complex. Seriously, he wants to save the world.
22. All the feels when the veil was lifted at the end of Season 4.
23. Steven R. McQueen's muscles.
24. Damon and Alaric's epic bromance.
25. The ability to kill off characters all the time.
26. The running joke that Matt is the only mortal left.
27. Katharine chopping John Gilbert's fingers off in the Season 1 finale. Gross!
28. Klaus’ addiction to stabbing his siblings. Seriously, cut it out, dude.
29. Daylight rings, because bursting into flames sucks.
30. Never going to classes in high school and still graduating.
31. Ian and Paul’s off-screen bromance.
32. Everything Rebekah wears.
33. Lexi and Stefan’s friendship.
34. The fact that Elena, Caroline, and Bonnie are college roommates.
35. Historical flashbacks — especially when they involve period attire.
36. Everything about Caroline. She seems like a dumb blonde at first, but she’s a loyal friend to the end.
37. How feisty/crazy/insane Kol Mikaelson was. RIP, dude.
38. The show’s love of Aussie actors. Accents = swooning.
39. Seeing how far Nina Dobrev has come since her Degreassi days.
40. Bonnie being the token witch. Always.
41. The Gilbert Ring has been used a million times — yet still has a consequence for using it.
42. Proving that even when co-stars break up, they can still remain friends (we’re looking at you, Ian and Nina).
43. GIRL POWER: Nina, Candice, and Kat are total besties — and they can dance.
44. The other supernatural creatures. (Werewolves, witches, and hybrids. Oh, my!)
45. Crying our eyes out at Bonnie's funeral. Thank goodness she is alive again! So many emotions!
46. Stefan’s obsession with eating forest creatures.
47. Humanity switches. Everyone’s got ‘em! Turn yours on, please.
48. Paul Wesley’s obsession with beanies. Too cute!
49. Damon and Elena dancing together at the Miss Mystic Falls pageant.
50. Katherine’s hair. Heck, everyone's hair.
