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The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural–fantasy horror television series developed by Kevin Williamson, based on the book series of the same name by L. J. Smith. The series follows the life of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), who falls in love with vampire Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), and soon finds herself caught in a love triangle between Stefan and his older brother, Damon (Ian Somerhalder). The series also focuses on the lives of Elena's friends and other inhabitants of the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia.

When The Vampire Diaries premiered on The CW Television Network on September 10, 2009, it attracted the largest audience of any series since the network began in 2006.[1] Therefore, the series was given a full, 22-episode order on October 21, 2009.[2] The show's first season ended its initial run on May 13, 2010.[3] Before the finale, on February 16, 2010, The CW announced that it had renewed the show for a second season,[4] which is expected to premiere on September 9, 2010.[5]

The show was received with average critics, but the critics agreed that the show improved with each episode.[citation needed] The ratings were high for the target group The CW aimed, but stayed average towards the end of the season.[citation needed] Despite everything, the show received numerous audience choice awards, such as two People's Choice Awards and seven Teen Choice Awards; however, it was not nominated for any more prominent awards.[6][

The series follows the life of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), who falls for a century-old vampire named Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Their lives grow more and more complicated as Stefan's vicious brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder) returns to town with a vendetta against his brother. The series is set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, a town charged with supernatural history. Other storylines revolve around the other inhabitants of the town, most notably Elena's younger brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen), Elena's friend Bonnie Bennett (Katerina Graham), a witch whose abilities develop throughout the season, and their insecure friend Caroline Forbes (Candice Accola).

Main article: List of The Vampire Diaries characters
Nina Dobrev portrays Elena Gilbert, a strong-willed and empathetic young woman who is involved in a romantic relationship with Stefan.

Paul Wesley portrays Stefan Salvatore, a vampire who is involved in a romantic relationship with Elena.

Ian Somerhalder portrays Damon Salvatore, Stefan's malevolent vampire brother who develops romantic feelings for Elena.

Steven R. McQueen portrays Jeremy Gilbert, Elena's adoptive younger brother, later revealed to be her cousin.

Sara Canning portrays Jenna Sommers, Jeremy and Elena's aunt and legal guardian.

Katerina Graham portrays Bonnie Bennett, Elena's best friend and a witch.

Candice Accola portrays Caroline Forbes, Elena's shallow friend; daughter of the town's sheriff, Elizabeth Forbes.

Zach Roerig portrays Matt Donovan, Elena's childhood friend and ex-boyfriend. He is Vicki's younger brother.

Kayla Ewell portrays Vicki Donovan, Matt's troubled older sister and girlfriend of Tyler and then Jeremy.

Michael Trevino portrays Tyler Lockwood, Vicki's ex-boyfriend and Jeremy's rival; son of the mayor of Mystic Falls.

Matthew Davis portrays Alaric Saltzman, hired by Mystic Falls High School as a history teacher after Mr. Tanner's death; his wife Isobel was turned into a vampire by Damon.