Back in 2009, The CW struck gold with The Vampire Diaries, a sexy supernatural drama that turned Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Candice King into household names. The show ran for eight seasons, amassing a devoted fanbase and cementing the network's reputation for addictive teen angst. But when the network decided to spin off a new series in 2013, few expected it to surpass the original. That show was The Originals, and it's now streaming on Peacock, ready to win over a whole new generation of viewers.
Set in the same universe as The Vampire Diaries, The Originals shifts the focus from high school romance to a gripping family saga. The series centers on the Mikaelson family—Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), and Rebekah (Claire Holt)—the original vampires, who were turned by their witch mother centuries ago. When the show begins, Klaus is living in New Orleans, where his protégé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) rules the city's supernatural underworld. But everything changes when Elijah arrives and discovers that a werewolf named Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) is pregnant with Klaus's child—and that she's being used as a pawn in a witch plot to overthrow Marcel.
Unlike its predecessor, which started as a teen romance with supernatural elements, The Originals is a dark, intricate family drama wrapped in a supernatural gang war. The stakes are higher, the tone is grittier, and the show isn't afraid to kill off major characters in shocking ways. This unpredictability keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making every episode a thrilling ride.
What truly sets The Originals apart is its complex, morally ambiguous characters. The Mikaelsons are ruthless killers who, in any other show, would be the villains. But the series humanizes them, revealing the tragedy and abuse that shaped them. As the seasons progress, audiences become deeply invested in their struggles, especially when their parents return from the dead in season two, forcing the family to confront their painful past while raising Klaus and Hayley's daughter.
The show also keeps things fresh by introducing new characters each season. Freya (Riley Voelkel), the long-lost firstborn Mikaelson, and Vincent (Yusuf Gatewood), a witch caught in the crossfire, join the cast in season two and quickly become fan favorites. Their arrival brings new conflicts and personal demons, adding layers to the already rich narrative.
Romance is still a key ingredient, but The Originals handles it with a darker edge. Love stories are constantly interrupted by betrayal, death, and political maneuvering, ensuring that conflict always takes center stage. Yet the relationships are compelling enough to keep viewers emotionally invested.
Now that The Originals is available on Peacock, both longtime fans and newcomers can dive into this gripping saga. It's a rare spinoff that not only lives up to its predecessor but arguably surpasses it. If you're looking for a supernatural drama with depth, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, The Originals is a must-watch. And if you're in the mood for more vampire content, check out our list of vampire movies that should never be remade. For more Peacock additions, see what's coming with Train to Busan and its sequel.
