Co-creator Kevin Williamson once considered casting Taylor Swift as a vampire in the series, though she never actually appeared.
The premiere of The Vampire Diaries drew 4.9 million live viewers—respectable, but not a smash. However, the DVR and repeat viewings were massive. Word of mouth spread about the shocking ending and the chemistry of the cast. Within eight episodes, the show was a cultural juggernaut. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Ep 1
The brooding, noble "vegetarian" vampire who feeds on animal blood and wants to live a normal human life. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Ep 1: Revisiting
: Initially presented as a bubbly, insecure rival to Elena, her character's development begins with her immediate attraction to Stefan. Critical Reception & Themes Word of mouth spread about the shocking ending
Upon its release, the pilot episode of The Vampire Diaries was a massive success for The CW network. It pulled in 4.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched series premiere in the network's history at that time.