Vampires have been central part of several shows over the years, especially supernatural genre where they are portrayed as mythical creatures who rise from the grave and live on the blood of the living. Their representation in popular culture-especially television, has changed dramatically over time.
The ABC soap opera Dark Shadows introduced viewers to the frightening and enigmatic world of the undead and was one of the first television shows to depict vampires. Since then, shows that focus on vampires have been increasingly popular.
With its intense love story, Twilight may have popularized the vampire myth, but there are other depictions as well—ranging from the sultry, dramatic world of True Blood to the dark comedy of What We Do in the Shadows. Blending romance and humor with tragedy, these shows never fail to enthrall viewers who are lured to the supernatural abiltities of these creatures.
Here is a list of 8 shows that are all about vampires.
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Alan Ball is the creator and producer of the American fantasy horror drama television series True Blood.
The telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who lives in the made-up Louisianan town, is the focus of the series. It takes place two years after "Tru Blood," a synthetic blood product, was created, enabling vampires to "come out of the coffin" and make their existence known to the world.
It documents the vampires' fight for integration and equal rights as anti-vampire groups start to rise to prominence.
Where to watch: HBO Max
The show is about an examination of the nocturnal routines of four vampires who have shared a home on Staten Island for more than 100 years.
Jemaine Clement developed the American comedic horror fantasy television series What We Do in the Shadows, which debuted on March 27, 2019.
The show centers on four Staten Island vampire roommates. It is the second television series in the franchise and is based on the same-titled 2014 New Zealand film.
Along with energy vampire Colin Robinson, traditional vampires Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja reside together on Staten Island that is kept up by Nandor's old friend, Guillermo. The vampires frequently conflict with the modern world, other supernatural beings, and/or each other.
Where to watch: Hulu
Salvatore brothers, Stefan and Damon, return to Mystic Falls in Virginia after years of conflict. Damon (Ian Somerhalder), seeking revenge for being turned into a vampire, pursues his brother's girlfriend. Meanwhile, Stefan (Paul Wesley), the kind-hearted sibling, falls in love with high schooler named Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev).
Based on L. J. Smith's book series of the same name, Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec created the American supernatural teen drama television series The Vampire Diaries.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Netflix
Joss Whedon is the author and director of the supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Though they are two distinct and unconnected works, the idea is based on the 1992 movie, which was also written by Whedon.
Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is the latest in a line of "Vampire Slayers," chosen by fate to battle demons and evil forces. Though she yearns for a normal life, Buffy learns to accept her destiny with the help of her Watcher, who mentors her, and the support of her loyal friends, the "Scoobies."
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+
Warren Ellis is the author and creator of the adult animated dark fantasy action series titled Castlevania. It is based on Konami's identical video game franchise in Japan.
Vlad Dracula Śepeș, a vampire, declares that everyone of Wallachia will pay with their lives when his human bride is falsely accused of witchcraft and is burned at the stake.
Castlevania: Nocturne, a follow-up series set in the Castlevania universe, debuted on Netflix on September 28, 2023.
Where to watch: Netflix
Penny Dreadful is a horror drama series created by John Logan. The title references penny dreadfuls, a 19th-century British literary genre known for its graphic and sensational content, and features characters from Victorian Gothic fiction.
The plot of the show follows American gunman Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) in Victorian London. He teams up with explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, scientist Victor Frankenstein, and medium Vanessa Ives to fight demonic perils.
Where to watch: Hulu
The American gothic supernatural horror miniseries titled Midnight Mass revolves around a poor and pious island village that encounters paranormal activity. This occurs after the arrival of an enigmatic priest who is tied to vampire-like entity, whose bloodlust and supernatural abilities drive the eerie events on the island.
The show is helmed by filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who is recognized for making horror projects such as The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club (2022), and more.
Where to watch: Netflix
The American gothic horror television series, Interview with the Vampire, is created by Rolin Jones for AMC. It is also known as Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire.
Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), a vampire, tells journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) about his life or afterlife in Dubai in 2022. Louis' story starts in New Orleans in the 20th century. His complicated connection with vampire Lestat and their family, including the young Claudia, is at the center of his narrative. Molloy discovers the sinister realities of Louis' immortality as the interview progresses.
Where to watch: Prime Video
While these eight shows offer a thrilling dive into the vampire world, there are plenty more to explore, like Dracula, The Strain, The Originals, and Being Human, among others.