Unleashing the Best Vampire TV Shows: From Beloved Classics to Exciting New Releases

Sink your teeth into the ultimate list of the best vampire TV shows to satisfy your supernatural cravings! From the dark and brooding world of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to the blood-soaked drama of "True Blood," this collection of captivating series is sure to leave you hooked and hungry for more. Step into the shadows as we explore the timeless allure of these fanged creatures, taking you on a thrilling journey from past favorites like "Dracula" to present-day sensations like "Reginald the Vampire." Whether you're a die-hard vamp fan or a curious mortal searching for your next binge-worthy obsession, these shows are bound to sink their teeth into your television-loving heart. Get ready for a mesmerizing dive into the realm of the undead!

What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows demonstrates that vampires can be both dramatic and funny. This mockumentary-style comedy is set in present-day Staten Island and follows a group of vampires (and their familiars) who struggle to adapt to modern life. The show currently has four seasons, and FX has already renewed it for a fifth and sixth season. Fans of vampiric shenanigans have a lot to look forward to.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Set in Sunnydale, California, the '90s series Buffy the Vampire Slayer revolves around a high school student named Buffy Summers who just so happens to be the Vampire Slayer. By day, she's a regular student, but by night, with the help of her friends, she takes on vampires and demons. Buffy's influence can be seen in later teen vampire shows, and its seven-season run is worth a rewatch.

Angel, The WB (1999 - 2004)

Introduced in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the character Angel is a brooding vampire with a troubled past. He spent 170 years causing chaos across Europe until a family cursed him, restoring his soul and leaving him with guilt. In search of redemption, Angel becomes a private detective in Los Angeles, dedicated to "help the helpless."

Where to watch Angel:

Forever Knight, CBS/USA Network (1992 - 1996)

An older vampire show from the '90s, Forever Knight is a supernatural crime drama set in modern-day Toronto. The series follows Nick Knight, a vampire who works as a homicide detective and seeks to atone for his past sins. Nick grapples with his vampire nature, his desire to become mortal again, and his relationships with mortals and other vampires. With three seasons and a cult following, it is considered a classic '90s supernatural television show.

Where to watch Forever Knight:

Dracula, NBC (2013)

In NBC's Dracula, Abraham Van Helsing and Dracula form an unlikely alliance to seek revenge against the Order of the Dragon. Dracula, whose life was ruined by the Order, poses as an American entrepreneur in London. However, he falls in love with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased wife, complicating his plans for vengeance.

Where to watch Dracula:

Interview With the Vampire, AMC/AMC (2022 - present)

Anne Rice's novel Interview With the Vampire is hailed as one of the best vampire stories. AMC's adaptation is the first television series based on the novel, telling the life story of the centuries-old vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac. Through Louis' narration, we meet his maker and lover Lestat de Lioncourt and witness their experiences together over the centuries.

Where to watch Interview With the Vampire:

Let the Right One In, Showtime (2022)

Showtime's Let the Right One In stands out as it centers around a young vampire. The series follows Mark and his daughter Eleanor, who was turned into a vampire at a young age. Eleanor must hide her true nature and only come out at night while her father tries to find a cure for her condition. Their return to New York City brings hope for a solution to Eleanor's predicament.

Where to watch Let the Right One In:

Reginald the Vampire, SyFy (2022 - present)

Syfy's Reginald the Vampire is based on the Fat Vampire novel series by Johnny B. Truant. The show plays with common vampire tropes: conventionally beautiful, graceful, and emotionless bloodsuckers. It follows the average guy Reginald Andres, who becomes a vampire and tries to navigate his new life while holding onto his old self.

Where to watch Reginald the Vampire:

Vampire Academy, Peacock (2022)

Based on Richelle Mead's novel series, Vampire Academy takes place at St. Vladimir's Academy, a boarding school for vampires. The story follows Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir guardian-in-training, and Lissa Dragomir, a Moroi vampire princess. Together, they navigate life at the academy and the politics of the royal vampire society.

Where to watch Vampire Academy:

First Kill, Netflix (2022)

Netflix's First Kill is based on V.E. Schwab's short story. It tells the story of Juliette Fairmont, the youngest member of a wealthy vampire family, who falls in love with Cal Burns, a vampire hunter. Their forbidden love puts them at odds with each other's families and tests the strength of their relationship.

Where to watch First Kill:

Firebite, AMC (2021 - present)

In a world where vampires and humans have been at war for over 230 years, Firebite focuses on two Aboriginal vampire hunters, Tyson and Shanika. They are determined to defend the last colonial stronghold and bring an end to the war against the Vampire King and his army.

Where to watch Firebite:

Midnight Mass (2021)

Stream On Netflix

Midnight Mass on Netflix is hailed as a hidden gem. The show is set on a remote island and revolves around a priest who brings a vampire to his congregation, mistaking it for an angel. The resulting horror and chaos unfold as the true nature of the creature is revealed.

The series is brooding, sinister, and deeply philosophical, showcasing the power of horror to both engage and frighten viewers. Fans describe it as beautiful and brilliant, with a touch of tragedy.

V Wars, Netflix (2019)

Unlike traditional vampire shows, V Wars takes a unique perspective that focuses more on the coexistence of vampires and humans in society. The show explores the scientific aspect of vampirism and how a biological pathogen triggered the vampire population. As tensions rise between vampires and humans, society becomes divided, leading to a potential war.

Where to watch V Wars:

The Strain

In The Strain, vampires are far from handsome creatures of the night. This series, from Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, follows a doctor with the CDC as he battles a vampiric virus spreading in New York City. The vampires in this show are truly monstrous, with long slithering tongues that may haunt your nightmares.

NOS4A2

Based on Joe Hill's novel, NOS4A2 offers a creepy twist on Christmas. The series centers around an ancient evil being that feeds on the life force of children to remain forever youthful. When the evil being kidnaps the son of protagonist Vic McQueen, she is determined to find and kill it.

Shadowhunters, Freeform (2016 - 2019)

Shadowhunters follows a secret group of human-angel hybrids known as Shadowhunters. Trained to defend humans against supernatural beings, they live alongside werewolves, vampires, warlocks, and faeries. The series focuses on 18-year-old Clary Fray, who discovers her connection to this hidden world and brings along her best friend Simon Lewis. Together, they navigate the challenges of being part of a supernatural realm.

Where to watch Shadowhunters:

Van Helsing, SyFy (2016 - 2021)

The name Van Helsing is synonymous with vampire hunters, and Van Helsing continues the tradition. The protagonist, Vanessa Van Helsing, wakes up in a post-apocalyptic world covered in ash due to a volcanic eruption. She possesses blood that can turn vampires back into humans, making her a valuable target. Despite the dangers, Vanessa fights to save the remaining survivors.

Where to watch Van Helsing:

Preacher, AMC (2016 - 2019)

Based on the Vertigo comics, Preacher follows Jesse Custer, a preacher with a unique gift. He can make anyone do whatever he commands after merging with an entity called Genesis. Together with his vampire best friend and girlfriend, Jesse embarks on a quest to find God, who has abandoned Heaven.

Where to watch Preacher:

Being Human, BBC Three (2008 - 2013)

Being Human combines supernatural horror with comedy. The British series follows a werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost who strive to live ordinary lives and coexist with humans. They face challenges related to their supernatural natures while dealing with the judgment of their fellow creatures. The show was so popular that it inspired a sequel spin-off and an American remake.

True Blood (2008-2014)

Stream On HBO Max

True Blood gained a reputation as one of the best series on HBO. It injects new life into the vampire genre with its sexy edginess and compelling characters. The central love triangle between Sookie Stackhouse, Bill, and Eric captivates viewers. The series gradually unveils its vampire mythology, creating a rich and engaging storyline.

A Discovery of Witches, Sky One (2018 - 2022)

A Discovery of Witches centers around a witch and a world filled with magic. Diana Bishop, a witch and historian, discovers a mysterious manuscript that reveals dangerous secrets about magical beings. With the help of geneticist Matthew Clairmont, an ancient vampire, they uncover the truth while navigating the tensions between humans, vampires, witches, and daemons.

Where to watch A Discovery of Witches:

Legacies, The CW (2018 - 2022)

As a spin-off of both The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, Legacies follows Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus Mikaelson, and a werewolf named Hayley Marshall. They attend the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, where supernatural beings learn to control their impulses. Hope, as a three-fold hybrid, faces unique challenges in this teenage drama.

Where to watch Legacies:

The Vampire Diaries, The CW (2009 - 2017)

The Vampire Diaries is set in Mystic Falls, a town teeming with supernatural activity. Vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore return to their hometown, stirring up trouble for Elena Gilbert and her friends. Love triangles, supernatural threats, and the complexities of vampire-human relationships drive the storyline throughout the show.

Where to watch The Vampire Diaries:

Midnight, Texas, NBC (2017 - 2018)

Midnight is a secluded town located in Texas, specifically designed to cater to the supernatural, enigmatic, and eerie beings who reside on the fringes of society. It is also inhabited by a small number of humans.

Those who have been ostracized for not conforming to societal norms have discovered a sense of belonging and acceptance in Midnight. The eclectic group includes a psychic who ran away from home, a vampire and his deadly assassin spouse, a formidable witch and her human partner, a half-demon and his celestial husband, a weretiger, a demon hunter, and a talkative familiar. These individuals, considered outcasts, form a support system for each other, joining forces whenever the equilibrium of their community is disrupted by the arrival of two newcomers.

Where to watch Midnight, Texas:

With a multitude of vampire TV shows to sink your teeth into, it's clear that the undead have captivated audiences for decades. From the classic favorites like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The Vampire Diaries" to newer additions such as "Interview With the Vampire" and "Let the Right One In," there's something for every vampire enthusiast out there. Whether you prefer the thrilling tales of hunters and creatures of the night or the more romantic and dramatic narratives of immortal love, these shows never fail to transport us to a world where vampires reign supreme. So, grab your wooden stakes and garlic cloves, and get ready for a binge-worthy vampire TV marathon that will leave you mesmerized and thirsting for more.