WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After The Vampire Diaries
From Fresh Thrills to Classic Redemption: Four Must‑Watch Picks for Vampire Diaries Fans
If you’re craving more of the brooding romance, supernatural intrigue, and tangled family dynamics that made The Vampire Diaries a cultural touchstone, look no further than this quartet of picks. From the freshly minted thriller "56 Days" to the fan‑favorite "First Kill," the timeless anti‑heroic grit of "Angel," and the epic spin‑off "The Originals," each title promises a distinct flavor while staying tethered to the core allure of vampire‑laden drama. Together they map a spectrum that spans new‑age mystery, teen‑centric queer love, classic noir redemption, and a sprawling bloodline saga.
What unites these selections is more than just the presence of fanged protagonists; it’s the way each series explores love’s darker edges, the weight of legacy, and the perpetual tug‑of‑war between humanity and the supernatural. "56 Days" injects a contemporary crime‑mystery spin, perfect for viewers who enjoy modern twists on doomed romance. "First Kill" pushes boundaries with its bold LGBTQ narrative, resonating with audiences hungry for fresh representation. "Angel" offers a nostalgic dive into redemption‑driven storytelling that still feels relevant, while "The Originals" delivers the ultimate continuation of the Salvatore saga, amplifying the stakes with family loyalty and power struggles. Whether you’re after new thrills or classic comfort, this lineup delivers the full spectrum of what makes vampire drama irresistible.
Why these shows are similar to The Vampire Diaries
The story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same girl, who bears a striking resemblance to the beautiful but ruthless vampire they knew and loved in 1864.
These recommendations branch out from The Vampire Diaries with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
56 Days
TV • 2026
drama • crime • mystery
Why Watch Next
This 2026 drama‑crime series offers a modern, high‑stakes romance wrapped in a mystery, echoing the intense love triangles of The Vampire Diaries while delivering a fresh, post‑pandemic edge.
Overview
When an unidentified body is found in a luxury apartment linked to Oliver Kennedy and his girlfriend Ciara Wyse, Detectives Lee Reardon and Karl Connolly reconstruct the couple's deadly romance across the past 56 days.
First Kill
TV • 2022
drama • mystery
Why Watch Next
First Kill captures the youthful, forbidden love and supernatural conflict that fans of The Vampire Diaries adore, presenting a bold, LGBTQ‑centered twist on vampire lore.
Overview
Falling in love is tricky for teens Juliette and Calliope: One's a vampire, the other's a vampire hunter — and both are ready to make their first kill.
Angel
TV • 1999
sci_fi_fantasy • drama
Why Watch Next
Angel stands as a classic counterpart, blending vampire mythology with gritty noir and a quest for redemption, offering longtime fans a familiar yet distinct spin on the genre.
Overview
The vampire Angel, cursed with a soul, moves to Los Angeles and aids people with supernatural-related problems while questing for his own redemption. A spin-off from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The Originals
TV • 2013
sci_fi_fantasy • drama • mystery
Why Watch Next
The Originals extends the Salvatore universe with a powerful family drama, deepening the supernatural intrigue and delivering the same audience‑pleasing mix of vampires, witches, and werewolves.
Overview
The Vampire Diaries spin-off that follows the Mikaelsons, a family of millennia-old, power-hungry vampires who want to reclaim the city they built, New Orleans, and dominate all those who have wronged them.
More shows and movies featuring actors from The Vampire Diaries
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to The Vampire Diaries.
V Wars
TV • 2019
Why It’s Relevant
This series blends vampire mythology with a dramatic, pandemic‑style conflict, echoing the supernatural tone of The Vampire Diaries while showcasing Ian Somerhalder in a lead role.