The new CBS sitcom Eternally Yours is already making waves by blending classic vampire lore with a modern comedic twist. But what really sets it apart is its unexpected nod to the Blade franchise, as revealed by the show's creators in a recent interview.
A Fresh Take on Vampire Rules
When developing the show, creators Joe Wiseman and Joe Port didn't just wing it—they dove deep into vampire mythology. "When we got picked up, and when we were writing the pilot as well, we started doing research. It's as ridiculous as it sounds," Wiseman admitted. "Like, 'Okay, what are the rules for vampirism?' And I guess I hadn't really realized how all the different books, movies, and TV shows take great liberties with a lot of different stuff."
Their research revealed a wide range of interpretations, from sunlight being lethal to the Twilight universe where vampires can sparkle in daylight. This gave them creative freedom. "We basically realized that we had a tremendous amount of freedom as far as what we could do," Wiseman explained. "So we started talking about what is going to support storytelling, and so we try not to establish a rule unless we have to because rules are fun, but they are also restrictive."
Blade Meets Sitcom
One of the most intriguing aspects is how the show's protagonist, Charles (played by Parker Young), embodies a Blade-like spirit. In a conversation with Collider, Young shared his hopes for his character's evolution: "I want to be Blade," he said, referencing the iconic Marvel vampire hunter. "I want to kill; I want to slice some people with swords. I want to be a vampire hunter. Someone has to thin out those guys. That's why I'm here."
This blend of humor and action is a deliberate choice. The show follows a married vampire couple, Charles and Liz (Allegra), who have been together for 500 years and are now navigating a dry spell. Since vampire law forbids divorce, they must work through their issues while dealing with their expanding coven's antics. The Blade influence adds a layer of excitement, promising moments of vampire-on-vampire combat that could rival any action movie.
Balancing Rules and Storytelling
Wiseman emphasized that they only introduce rules when necessary to support the narrative. "We don't want to impose anything on the characters and in our storytelling until we have to, until there's a reason to explain something or to usually support some story we're trying to tell," he said. This approach keeps the show flexible and allows for surprising twists, much like the Twilight series' enduring popularity.
Fans of vampire lore will appreciate the show's nods to various traditions, from fangs and blood-drinking to the daylight dilemma. But Eternally Yours isn't just about the supernatural—it's a character-driven comedy about relationships, immortality, and the challenges of staying together for centuries.
What's Next
You can catch Eternally Yours on CBS and Paramount+. A special Halloween-themed episode airs this Thursday at 8:30 PM ET, promising even more spooky fun. For those who love a good vampire story with a twist, this show is shaping up to be a must-watch. And if you're curious about other undead adventures, check out our ranking of the most nail-biting Twilight Zone episodes for more eerie entertainment.
