Home > The Vampire Diaries > Season 3 « TV Series Page The Vampire Diaries: Season 3 (2011 - 2012) SEASON: Season 3 Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Season 5 Season 6 Season 7 Season 8 Want to see Episode List Season 3 The Vampire Diaries Critics Consensus A bloody delight, The Vampire Diaries continues its winning run with its trademark twists, shocking deaths, and consistent character development. 90% TOMATOMETER Critic Ratings: 10 89% Audience Score User Ratings: 343 See score details Rate And Review Submit review Want to see Edit Submit review Super Reviewer Verified Super Reviewer Verified Edit Super Reviewer Rate this season Oof, that was Rotten. Meh, it passed the time. It’s good – I’d recommend it. Awesome! So Fresh: Absolute Must See! What did you think of this tv season? (optional) Submit Continue Super Reviewer Step 2 of 2 How did you buy your ticket? Let's get your review verified. Submit By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket. Super Reviewer Rate this season Oof, that was Rotten. Meh, it passed the time. It’s good – I’d recommend it. Awesome! So Fresh: Absolute Must See! What did you think of this tv season? (optional) Submit How did you buy your ticket? Submit By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. Episodes 1 The Birthday Air date: Sep 15, 2011 In the third season premiere, it's Elena's 18th birthday. As she searches for clues to locate Stefan, Damon tries to keep her from doing anything that might draw Klaus's attention. More 2 The Hybrid Air date: Sep 22, 2011 Damon and Alaric reluctantly go along with Elena's new strategy to find Stefan, leading Damon into a dangerous fight with an unexpected enemy. More 3 The End of the Affair Air date: Sep 29, 2011 Stefan is reunited with a vampire (CLAIRE HOLT), from decades earlier. In a flashback to the 1920s, Stefan comes face to face with a shocking chapter from his wild past. More 4 Disturbing Behavior Air date: Oct 6, 2011 A frustrating new enemy pushes Damon over the brink and he lashes out in a way that will have lasting consequences. Bonnie has a strange encounter that will affect everyone. More 5 The Reckoning Air date: Oct 13, 2011 Caroline is determined to see that Elena, Bonnie, Matt and Tyler all enjoy a traditional Senior Prank Night before the school year begins ... but the evening takes a deadly turn. More 6 Smells Like Teen Spirit Air date: Oct 20, 2011 On the first day of their senior year, Elena, Caroline, Bonnie and Matt still reel from recent events. Meanwhile, Stefan continues to carry out his latest assignment from Klaus. More 7 Ghost World Air date: Oct 27, 2011 Preparing to celebrate the traditional Illumination Night, Mystic Falls is invaded by spirits. After a violent encounter with an angry spirit, Damon asks Bonnie for help. More 8 Ordinary People Air date: Nov 3, 2011 Elena and Rebekah engage in a power struggle, until Rebekah finally reveals some of her family's ancient secrets and the violent past she shares with Klaus. More 9 Homecoming Air date: Nov 10, 2011 On the night of the Homecoming dance, Rebekah tells Elena why the evening is so important to her, leaving Elena with conflicting emotions. MY MORNING JACKET performs. More 10 The New Deal Air date: Jan 5, 2012 A REASON TO FEEL GUILTY - Stefan has hidden the coffins containing the bodies of Klaus' family, and Klaus quickly turns to violence to convince Damon and Elena that no one will be safe until he finds Stefan and gets his family back. Tyler continues to make the most of his new abilities as a hybrid, but he has to face the disturbing consequences of his actions as well. After a terrifying incident, Elena and Alaric grow increasingly concerned about Jeremy's attitude and, ultimately, his safety. Alaric meets the beautiful Dr. Fell (guest star Torrey Devitto, "Pretty Little Liars"), who is intrigued with his amazing ability to heal. While trying to strike a deal with Klaus, Elena delivers news that truly shocks him. Kat Graham also stars and internet personality Justine Ezarik guest stars as a bartender. John Behring directed the episode written by Michael Narducci. More Show More Episodes The Vampire Diaries: Season 3 Photos View All Photos (127) Tv Season Info The CW's number-one series continues for another season of epic romance, suspense and a bloody good thrill ride. Based on the best-selling book series, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers, obsessed with the same gorgeous girl, who are battling to control the fate of an entire town. Last season, the appearance of the vengeful Katherine Pierce threw a wrench into the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon, and the other residents of Mystic Falls were forced to choose sides as they fell victim to a new breed of danger. Stefan and Damon were later met with their greatest challenge yet -- the arrivals of Elijah and Klaus, two of the Original vampires. As Klaus went head to head with Damon and took a special interest in Stefan, he also seemingly focused on breaking the "Sun and Moon" curse by sacrificing Elena; never swaying from his mission, no matter the action the brothers took, he proved to be the most powerful vampire in existence. Season three opens the door to learn more about Klaus and the Original Family as his motives for wanting Stefan on his side are finally revealed. As Stefan sinks deeper into the dark side, Damon and Elena struggle with the guilt of their growing bond, even as they work together to bring Stefan back from the edge. Plus, the ghosts from Jeremy's past have a powerful message they're trying to deliver to him, not to mention the impact they're having on his relationship with Bonnie. And, as Caroline and Tyler grow closer, a war erupts between their families. Genre: Drama Network: CW Premiere Date: Sep 15, 2011 Creators: Julie Plec, Kevin Williamson Exec. Producers: Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, Leslie Morgenstein, Bob Levy Cast Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert Paul Wesley (II) as Stefan Salvatore Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore Kat Graham as Bonnie Candice Accola as Caroline Zach Roerig as Matt Michael Trevino as Tyler Matthew Davis as Alaric Joseph Morgan as Klaus Claire Holt as Vampire Torrey DeVitto as Dr. Fell Persia White as Abby Marguerite MacIntyre as Sheriff Forbes Cassidy Freeman as Sage David Gallagher as Ray Sutton Robert Ri'chard as Jamie Daniel Gillies as Elijah Malese Jow as Anna Susan Walters as Tyler's mother Jason MacDonald as Grayson Erin Beute as Miranda Charmin Lee as Gloria Taylor Kinney as Mason Lockwood Justine Ezarik as Bartender Casper Zafer as Finn Sara Canning as Aunt Jenna David Colin Smith as Medical Examiner Kayla Ewell as Vicki Arielle Kebbel as Lexi Kelly Hu as Pearl Jasmine Guy as Grams Stephen Martines as Frederick Frank Brennan as Tobias Fell Michael Malarkey as Enzo Show More Cast Episodes 1 The Birthday Air date: Sep 15, 2011 In the third season premiere, it's Elena's 18th birthday. As she searches for clues to locate Stefan, Damon tries to keep her from doing anything that might draw Klaus's attention. More 2 The Hybrid Air date: Sep 22, 2011 Damon and Alaric reluctantly go along with Elena's new strategy to find Stefan, leading Damon into a dangerous fight with an unexpected enemy. More 3 The End of the Affair Air date: Sep 29, 2011 Stefan is reunited with a vampire (CLAIRE HOLT), from decades earlier. In a flashback to the 1920s, Stefan comes face to face with a shocking chapter from his wild past. More 4 Disturbing Behavior Air date: Oct 6, 2011 A frustrating new enemy pushes Damon over the brink and he lashes out in a way that will have lasting consequences. Bonnie has a strange encounter that will affect everyone. More 5 The Reckoning Air date: Oct 13, 2011 Caroline is determined to see that Elena, Bonnie, Matt and Tyler all enjoy a traditional Senior Prank Night before the school year begins ... but the evening takes a deadly turn. More 6 Smells Like Teen Spirit Air date: Oct 20, 2011 On the first day of their senior year, Elena, Caroline, Bonnie and Matt still reel from recent events. Meanwhile, Stefan continues to carry out his latest assignment from Klaus. More 7 Ghost World Air date: Oct 27, 2011 Preparing to celebrate the traditional Illumination Night, Mystic Falls is invaded by spirits. After a violent encounter with an angry spirit, Damon asks Bonnie for help. More 8 Ordinary People Air date: Nov 3, 2011 Elena and Rebekah engage in a power struggle, until Rebekah finally reveals some of her family's ancient secrets and the violent past she shares with Klaus. More 9 Homecoming Air date: Nov 10, 2011 On the night of the Homecoming dance, Rebekah tells Elena why the evening is so important to her, leaving Elena with conflicting emotions. MY MORNING JACKET performs. More 10 The New Deal Air date: Jan 5, 2012 A REASON TO FEEL GUILTY - Stefan has hidden the coffins containing the bodies of Klaus' family, and Klaus quickly turns to violence to convince Damon and Elena that no one will be safe until he finds Stefan and gets his family back. Tyler continues to make the most of his new abilities as a hybrid, but he has to face the disturbing consequences of his actions as well. After a terrifying incident, Elena and Alaric grow increasingly concerned about Jeremy's attitude and, ultimately, his safety. Alaric meets the beautiful Dr. Fell (guest star Torrey Devitto, "Pretty Little Liars"), who is intrigued with his amazing ability to heal. While trying to strike a deal with Klaus, Elena delivers news that truly shocks him. Kat Graham also stars and internet personality Justine Ezarik guest stars as a bartender. John Behring directed the episode written by Michael Narducci. More Show More Episodes Critic Reviews for The Vampire Diaries Season 3 All Critics (10) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (1) 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. Apr 1, 2020 | Full Review… Mandi Bierly Entertainment Weekly Top Critic It wouldn't be a "Vampire Diaries" season finale without twists aplenty-and several heartbreaking deaths. Nov 16, 2017 | Full Review… Hillary Busis Wall Street Journal Top Critic The season three premiere took those character beats developed last season and not only executed them perfectly but also built upon that foundation. Sep 15, 2011 | Rating: A | Full Review… Carrie Raisler AV Club Top Critic 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. Apr 1, 2020 | Full Review… Vlada Gelman TV Line 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. Nov 16, 2017 | Full Review… Lindsey McPherson Baltimore Sun 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. Nov 16, 2017 | Full Review… Caroline Preece Den of Geek [There were a lot of] shocking moments leaving me wanting a lot more Mystic Falls. Is it September yet? Sep 16, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… Matt Richenthal TV Fanatic Overall a great episode and good season opener. Sep 21, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… Fay Brennan What Culture Pretty much everything has been turned on its head since we last visited Mystic Falls, Virginia, but it's a testament to The Vampire Diaries' consistently strong writing and acting that it already feels so normal. Sep 15, 2011 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Full Review… Steve Marsi TV Fanatic If anyone was worried that The Vampire Diaries had lost their touch with cliffhangers, the attack on Caroline should put those fears to rest. That scene was well executed to catch the audience off guard by turning quickly from light comedy to suspense. Sep 16, 2011 | Rating: 8.5/10 | Full Review… Diana Steenbergen IGN Movies View All Critic Reviews (10) Audience Reviews for The Vampire Diaries: Season 3 Apr 16, 2020 The third season of The Vampire Diaries doesn't disappoint. The complex storylines along with the "shocking" twists gives fans of the show exactly what they need. Brandon C Jan 06, 2019 Elena lives, Klaus can't know so Stefan go's with him to protect Elena. Stefan turns off his humanity and Elena loves the ghost of her boyfriend and clings to his memory while finding herself more drawn to Damon who has sacrificed his selfishness for his love of his brother and Elena. A must watch for fans of Seasons 1 and 2. Apr 10, 2017 the third season picks up once more where season two left off and the creators make it the most grueling so far, Klause is fully restored and intends to bring the rest of his family back together again, keep in mind if you havent caught up at this point youre going to be very lost the old stories apply to this particular mythology plus they give more of an explanation of why certain things work in this show Stefan and Klause wreak havoc in Memphis, Stefan has become a ripper once more because of the deal he made to save Damon and Klauses ultimate goal is that wants to create more hybrids like himself Elena refuses to give up on Stefan and a whole year has passed since they met but has Stefan gone over the edge? How can he conquer the darkness within him? Hes much more malicious this time around, at one point Stefan feels that if he cares hell feel too much pain We also see flashbacks in 1920 showing that he and Stefan were like brethren, Klauses sister Rebekah met him, too Klause compelled Stefan to forget, Rebekahs necklace is the same one Elena wears, Michael and Katherine were at the same bar in Chicago, Rebekah returns, Klause shuts off Damons humanity, Elenas blood is the key to make more hybrids, Elena feels stuck this time around and due to the growing love triangle if Elena chooses between Stefan and Damon shell end up hurting someone in the end or possibly losing them both, she is also concerned for Jeremy considering everything he has had to face at such a young age Flashbacks of the Vikings show the origin of the Originals and why Mikael hunts down everyone: Mikael was hard pressed on Klause, the Mikealsons were neighbors with the werewolves but after their youngest, Henrik was killed the peace was shattered, Ayanna a witch put the spell on the Mikaelsons and Elenas necklace is the same one she made, their mother Ester supposedly died at Mikaels hands, at the halfway point of the season we see a pretty damn cool reunion with Elijah returning along with Rebekah, Finn, and Cole to take down Klause, its even more shocking seeing someone return from the other side for 1000 years to settle an old score with the Mikaelson children, Rebekah is on an ever going search for love and a life of her own but it proves difficult thanks to her familys scarred history, its also believed that if the Originals die then every vampire in the bloodline will too, in the end Klause meets a grim fate that has long been overdue, for the Mikaelsons nothing is stronger than the bond of family even if they are not in sync with one another Bonnie and Jeremy date although Bonnie is having visions of her mother in connection to a coffin that cant be opened, Mikael also met Bonnies mother when he was looking for the doppelganger, Esther had help from an ancestor Bennet witch , Bonnie finally meets her mother, Abby who goes through a change that isnt in her control, Jeremy at the end of Season 2 is still having visions of Anna and Vicki, Vicki says she can be brought back to life but Anna warns against it, Vicky even talks to Matt for help, there always has to be a balance though and that means deadly consequences Damon has a distraction with the town news anchorwoman yet he still may have his affection for Elena, is it Damons fault is that he cares too much, that he is a liability?, Rebekah hates Elena for betraying her, at certain points Damon may look like he has the upper hand but still does terrible things for and to his friends, it may mean why he cant let others see hes good otherwise hed have to live up to their expectations, Damon and Elena unintentionally have a very strong moment of weakness that may also cause a rift between them and Stefan Tyler and Caroline officially date, Caroline ends up facing torture because of what she is and her father, Bill returns, he faces a tough choice between life and death, Tyler then reveals himself to his mother, Klause changes him into something else which makes him feel proud and more confident but as a result is sired (follows Klause) so its almost like he has no free will of his own, Masons spirit is also after Damon along with other ghosts when the Other Side is opened, funny enough despite Klauses self-centeredness and immoral nature he tries to woo Caroline every now and then, could he possibly have a heart after all? Alaric takes a new step in joining the council to keep humans safe, he and Damon have a rocky friendship, they find cave drawings it turns out that depict the history of the Originals, unfortunately Alarics ring is starting to falter which causes him to black out and open a darker side of him thats intent on killing all vampires, he and a Dr. Fell (a founder of the council) start dating, unfortunately a town murderer has Alaric put in jail and Damon flashes back to 1912 due to a similar incident, its revealed that those who wear the Gilbert ring go on a murderous rampage and dont know it, another journal reveals Samantha Gilbert was committed for her losing her mind, the constant dying and coming back to life has affected Alarics psyche, Alaric is then changed into a very deadly version of the monsters he believes has plague Mystic Falls, can he be saved? Do we need revenge or redemption? Is there peace we can find after were gone? Are we truly left alone? Humanity is a vampires greatest weakness, no matter what it keeps coming back. Is it Mystic Falls thats ruining these peoples lives? Theres nothing wrong with free will until you lose it. Maybe love is more powerful than loyalty. You should love the person that makes you feel alive. Its the most brutal of the series so far given that almost nothing can stop Klause and almost all hope seems lost when one of the sweetest supporting players makes a horrific change. And the cliffhanger has the creators make the most daring move theyve ever done. Everyone is connected in so many different ways. Everything changes in Season 4. Jon C May 10, 2016 unbelievably awesome Samee N Jan 07, 2016 This show is an example of a show gone bad after the first two seasons. If I had to sum this show up in three words it would be: Partner Exchange Game. Ari S Jun 07, 2015 Loved it. Still 100% Elizabeth F Dec 14, 2013 Continuing on a hot streak, this season introduced the highly-anticipated Original family and did not disappoint. The characters were a perfect addition to the show and the season finale provided one of the best cliffhangers ever! 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