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Season 3 – The Vampire Diaries

Play trailer Poster for Season 3 – The Vampire Diaries Sep 2011 Drama Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 10 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
This supernatural drama, based on the series of novels by L.J. Smith, details the lives of two brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore, who have been living as vampires for centuries. After years of moving from from place-to-place to hide their eternal youth (and bloodthirsty condition), the brothers return to the small Virginia town, Mystic Falls, where their lives as humans ended. Damon is snarky, handsome and charming, with a propensity for evil, while Stefan tries to remain noble -- in part to atone for bad behavior in his past.
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The Vampire Diaries — Season 3

The Vampire Diaries — Season 3

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A bloody delight, The Vampire Diaries continues its winning run with its trademark twists, shocking deaths, and consistent character development.

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Critics Reviews

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Mandi Bierly Entertainment Weekly 04/02/2020
It's kinda like CBS showing Will and Alicia in the elevator in the promo for last season's Good Wife finale. Both scenes were still amazing, but they could have been even more jaw-dropping. Go to Full Review Hillary Busis Wall Street Journal 11/16/2017
It wouldn't be a "Vampire Diaries" season finale without twists aplenty-and several heartbreaking deaths. Go to Full Review Carrie Raisler AV Club 09/15/2011
A
The season three premiere took those character beats developed last season and not only executed them perfectly but also built upon that foundation. Go to Full Review Vlada Gelman TV Line 04/02/2020
After an eventful year full of hybrids, Originals, witches and lots of longing looks, The Vampire Diaries closed out its third season with some defining moments. Go to Full Review Lindsey McPherson Baltimore Sun 11/16/2017
Overall, nothing too shocking. But still major game changers in the series. Hopefully it gets better next season because I started to lose interest this season. Go to Full Review Caroline Preece Den of Geek 11/16/2017
Stefan's always been interesting in his extremely passive-aggressive need to be liked, and now he's let the beast roam free, it'll be an interesting watch. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Marco L @decatur555 Apr 27 The Vampire Diaries is a lot more entertaining and better written than people who dismissed it as teen vampire fluff often admit. Yes, it leans into romance, melodrama, and supernatural soap-opera energy, but it does so with real pace, strong narrative drive, and characters who keep the story moving. The love triangle gives it commercial appeal, but the real engine is the tension between the two brothers, which adds more emotional and dramatic bite than expected. It is darker, sharper, and more addictive than something like Twilight, and it knows how to use its clichés instead of being crushed by them. It definitely has uneven moments and plenty of excess, but it also has charm, momentum, and writers who understood how to keep a guilty pleasure alive. See more Leonora B @Cellestia Feb 1 One of my favourite seasons! See more Whats news T @RT28894787 05/20/2025 Watched season 3 it just amazing. The curiosity build for the original vampair for klaus that was fantastic.Go and watch this series See more Rowan C @RowanC3 10/08/2024 This season is probably my favorite because of the strong connection between Klaus and Elena. Klaus took over Stefan because he made a deal to pledge his allegiance if he were to give Damon the cure to the werewolf bite he received from Tyler. Overall, this season was an emotional rollercoaster with tons of action. See more Charlie W @RT69546351 08/09/2024 BEST SEASON JUST TOO GOOD See more Armondo F @RT30018664 07/30/2024 One of the highlights is the introduction of the Original vampires, particularly Klaus and his family, which adds a new layer of complexity and intrigue. The season also delves deeper into the characters' backstories, revealing more about their motivations and relationships. The emotional rollercoaster and unexpected twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats, making it one of the most memorable seasons of the series. See more Read all reviews
The Vampire Diaries — Season 3

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Nina Dobrev

Elena Gilbert

Paul Wesley

Stefan Salvatore

Ian Somerhalder

Damon Salvatore

Steven R McQueen

Jeremy Gilbert

Kat Graham

Bonnie Bennett

Candice King

Caroline Forbes

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 15, 2011 The Birthday Caroline plans a party for Elena's 18th birthday; Damon and Elena search for Stefan; Klaus and Stefan track a werewolf; Jeremy struggles with visions of ghosts. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 22, 2011 The Hybrid Klaus puts a plan into motion that has unexpected results; Alaric and Damon begrudgingly try Elena's new strategy to find Stefan; Jeremy seeks answers about the ghosts from his past. Details Episode 3 Aired Sep 29, 2011 The End of the Affair Klaus and Stefan meet up with an old acquaintance in Chicago; Damon and Elena follow a tip on Klaus and Stefan's whereabouts; Tyler talks to Sheriff Forbes about Caroline. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 6, 2011 Disturbing Behavior Klaus, determined to find out why his plan isn't working, seeks the help of a witch he knew long ago; a frustrating new foe pushes Damon over the edge; Caroline tries to help Elena confront her feelings. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 13, 2011 The Reckoning Caroline tries to make sure the Mystic Falls High School's senior prank night goes as planned; Damon thinks Jeremy can help defeat Klaus; Stefan is used for increasingly dangerous and violent purposes. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 20, 2011 Smells Like Teen Spirit Elena and her friends start their senior year with their heads still spinning from recent events; Damon is unhappy with his new houseguest; Matt goes to Bonnie for help; Stefan works on his most-recent task. Details Episode 7 Aired Oct 27, 2011 Ghost World Spirits of the dead invade Mystic Falls during preparations for a traditional celebration; Damon has an especially violent encounter with an angry spirit; Alaric finds a long-hidden clue. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 3, 2011 Ordinary People Alaric struggles to fully understand his recent discovery; Rebekah reveals secrets and details about her past; an unlikely ally surprises Damon and Stefan. Details Episode 9 Aired Nov 10, 2011 Homecoming Elena is left feeling conflicted after Rebekah opens up to her; Tyler's behavior shocks Matt and Caroline; in hope of outsmarting Klaus, Damon becomes a part of a dangerous partnership. Details Episode 10 Aired Jan 5, 2012 The New Deal Klaus uses violence to convey that no one will be safe until he gets his family back; Tyler tries to cope with recent changes; Alaric meets a beautiful doctor (Torrey DeVitto) who is intrigued by his ability to heal. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 12, 2012 Our Town Elena, Bonnie and Matt throw Caroline a party; Damon and Stefan butt heads over how to deal with Klaus; Bonnie learns of Jeremy's plans; Tyler refuses Klaus' latest demand. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 19, 2012 The Ties That Bind Bonnie thinks her recurring dreams could help her figure out how to kill Klaus; Tyler seeks help in his quest to reclaim his free will; Alaric's new friend, Dr. Fell (Torrey DeVitto), intrigues Damon. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 2, 2012 Bringing Out the Dead Alaric and Elena receive disturbing news from Sheriff Forbes about a recent murder; Damon asks an old acquaintance for help with an elaborate plan; Caroline is unable to stop a tragedy from occurring. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 9, 2012 Dangerous Liaisons When Elena receives an invitation to a formal ball at Klaus' recently renovated mansion, Stefan and Damon insist on going with her; Caroline uncovers a new side of Klaus. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 16, 2012 All My Children Elena discovers Damon's most recent indiscretion; Abby (Persia White) and Bonnie take part in a ritual to appease spirits of nature; Elijah (Daniel Gillies) presents Stefan and Damon with an ultimatum that puts Elena in danger. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 15, 2012 1912 Current murders in Mystic Falls remind Damon of a similar crime spree in 1912; Elena and Matt try to prove that Dr. Fell (Torrey DeVitto) is a killer. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 22, 2012 Break on Through Damon meets an old acquaintance at the Wickery Bridge restoration ceremony; Abby struggles to adjust to her new life; Elena asks Stefan for help; Damon tells Stefan about a new discovery. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 29, 2012 The Murder of One Damon and Stefan enlist Elena, Caroline and Matt to help with their new plan to destroy Klaus; Klaus threatens someone close to Bonnie, forcing her to work on a spell for him; Klaus and Rebekah find a way make Finn cooperate. Details Episode 19 Aired Apr 19, 2012 Heart of Darkness Damon and Elena learn that Jeremy has been hanging out with the wrong crowd; Klaus and Stefan go on an aggressive search for their missing weapon; Tyler is suspicious of Caroline and Klaus. Details Episode 20 Aired Apr 26, 2012 Do Not Go Gentle Damon and Meredith (Torrey DeVitto) plan their next move; Elena and Bonnie choose their dates for the school dance; Tyler is determined to sweep Caroline off her feet. Details Episode 21 Aired May 3, 2012 Before Sunset Klaus tries to leave town with Elena but encounters resistance from a surprising source; Bonnie asks Abby for help with a spell; Stefan and Damon have a candid conversation about the future. Details Episode 22 Aired May 10, 2012 The Departed Jeremy makes a life-changing decision in hope of protecting his sister; Stefan and Damon team up for a mission outside of Mystic Falls; Bonnie makes a covert, heartbreaking deal. Details

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The Vampire Diaries — Season 3

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Season Info

Director
John Behring, Chris Grismer, Joshua Butler, Wendey Stanzler, Pascal Verschooris
Executive Producer
Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, Leslie Morganstein, Bob Levy
Screenwriter
Caroline Dries, Michael Narducci, Evan Bleiweiss, Rebecca Sonnenshine, Brian Young, Al Septien, Charlie Charbonneau, Julie Plec, Elisabeth R. Finch, Turi Meyer
Network
The CW
Rating
TV-14 (V)
Genre
Drama, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 15, 2011