Supernatural TV is a favourite in many households across the globe. The human mind cannot help but be drawn to the possibility of the existence of magic, “super” beings, and other unexplainable, mystical experiences. As humans continue to evolve, so does their perception and portrayal of that which is surreal.

The rise of so-called new age spirituality and the self-improvement trend also increased the use of pop psychology in society. Thus, our TVs are now flooded with supernatural villains who seek to integrate their shadow instead of being controlled by it. The Vampire Diaries Universe is the perfect illustration of this societal shift.

Supernatural history

Unlike DC and Marvel, with countless films and television series, TVDU consists of The Vampire Diaries, followed by The Originals, and later, Legacies. Set in the small town of Mystic Falls, The Vampire Diaries story is centred on Elena Gilbert, a high school girl who becomes entangled in the lives of vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore. The show explores love triangles, supernatural lore, and the battle between good and evil.

The series revitalised interest in vampire stories, blending modern teen drama with complex emotional and psychological themes. Before this modern era, emotionally complex supernatural stories were rare but not absent, and supernatural TV shows did touch on personal struggles. Still, TVDU explores issues of identity, morality, trauma, and family dynamics in unprecedented ways. Some examples of emotionally evolved supernatural predecessors of TVDU include:

  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003): this series explored themes of adolescence, identity, and grief against a backdrop of supernatural battles. Buffy's struggles with her destiny as a Slayer mirrored real-life coming-of-age challenges.

  • Angel (1999–2004): a darker and more mature spin-off, Angel delved into redemption, existential despair, and the cost of heroism. It posed moral questions about the grey areas of good and evil.

  • True Blood (2008–2014): tackling themes of discrimination, addiction, and interpersonal relationships, this series added an adult-oriented, emotionally rich layer to supernatural TV.

  • Supernatural (2005–2020): while initially focusing on monster-of-the-week stories, the show evolved to highlight the emotional toll of family loyalty, sacrifice, and the brothers' struggles with destiny.

Core psychological themes in TVDU

Love and loss

At its heart, TVD is a story about coping with grief. Elena’s journey reflects the stages of grief, from denial to acceptance. Characters like Caroline Forbes, Bonnie Bennett, and the Salvatore brothers also navigate profound losses, highlighting themes of resilience and recovery. This theme carries through to The Originals where the Mikaelsons are forced to confront a thousand years worth of loving and losing at the hands of the world and each other.

Perhaps depicting generational karma, Klaus’ daughter, Hope, is caught in the same cycle in Legacies—after losing her biological family, she's forced to watch the love of her life die at least twice and is eventually forced to make the ultimate sacrifice that costs her her newfound family and her humanity.

Identity and duality

Vampirism in TVD often serves as a metaphor for identity struggles. Stefan battles his darker “Ripper” side, while Damon oscillates between his selfish desires and his yearning for redemption. Elena’s transition to vampirism underscores the tension between her compassionate human nature and her new supernatural instincts. In The Originals, Klaus, as a hybrid, embodies the tension between his violent instincts and his deep love for family, particularly his daughter, Hope.

Elijah’s polished morality contrasts with his darker impulses, while Rebekah’s longing for freedom highlights the conflict between family loyalty and personal happiness. Hope, as a tribrid, symbolises both potential salvation and destruction, reflecting the duality of good and evil. The Mikaelsons' motto, "Always and forever," encapsulates their complex family dynamic, caught between love and dysfunction.

Trauma and healing

Many characters carry deep-seated trauma. Stefan and Damon’s strained relationship stems from an abusive father and their transformation into vampires. Caroline’s insecurities as a human evolve into confidence and leadership as a vampire, showcasing healing and growth. The Originals delves deeply into the psychological and emotional toll of immortality.

Elijah Mikaelson’s exploration of his subconscious and repressed memories reveals layers of guilt and his relentless quest for morality, despite being part of a dysfunctional and destructive family. Through therapy, Klaus Mikaelson evolves from a tyrannical hybrid to a father willing to sacrifice everything for his child. This narrative arc underscores the possibility of redemption and growth, even for the most damaged characters.

Moral ambiguity

Few characters in TVDU are purely good or evil. The Salvatore brothers embody moral complexity, constantly wrestling with their past actions and striving for a better future. The Mikaelson family navigates the blurred lines between right and wrong as they grapple with loyalty, power, and survival. Klaus, in particular, embodies this complexity, vacillating between ruthless acts of violence and selfless sacrifices for his family.

This duality forces viewers to question traditional notions of heroism and villainy. Similarly, Legacies explores moral ambiguity through its younger characters, who often face dilemmas that challenge their ideals and test their character. The Salvatore School itself operates in morally grey areas, balancing its mission to nurture supernatural beings with the ethical consequences of its students' actions. This ambiguity adds depth to the story, allowing viewers to empathise with flawed, relatable characters.

TVDU’s cultural impact

TVD set a new standard for supernatural dramas by blending fantasy with nuanced emotional storytelling. It paved the way for shows like Shadowhunters and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina to explore similar depths. Through its characters and themes, TVD and its spin-offs have redefined what supernatural TV can achieve, proving that stories about vampires, witches, and werewolves can also delve into profound human truths.

Conclusion

The Vampire Diaries Universe transformed supernatural TV by intertwining modern psychology with emotionally complex narratives. Themes of love, loss, identity, and redemption resonate deeply with viewers, elevating the genre. By humanising its supernatural characters and tackling universal struggles, TVDU leaves a lasting legacy as a groundbreaking force in the supernatural genre.