This show is miles better than The Vampire Diaries in my opinion. The show has a brilliant cast, characters, great story and good location. I like the way they have made this show darker than TVD and they haven't kept that 'coming of age' type of show. The originals also gives explanations and goes into some detail about the characters backgrounds and helps you understand the story between the Originals and Marcel. Also, the first couple of episodes have made me wanting more without a doubt. No disrespect to TVD, i like that show, I just think that the way this show focus' on the Original family and the story which they have created makes this show a better one than The Vampire Diaries. Definitely worth the watch.
355 Reviews
Better Than Expected
Supermanfan-1312 December 2023
Much like the Vampire Diaries, I thought that the Originals was going to be a show aimed at tweens. I was so wrong! It is a great supernatural show for people of all ages. I didn't start watching these two shows until earlier this year but I'm so glad I gave them a chance after reading so much about them. This is easily one of the best spinoffs I've ever seen. The Mikaelson family are never boring, every season was almost equally as good as the others. Klaus is one of the best characters in either show and the show is worth watching just for him. I highly recommend this show if you like shows about supernatural or vampires/werewolves. It doesn't get much better than this.
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this
Rob133111 June 2023
The Originals (along with The Vampire Diaries) surprised me as much as any show I've ever seen. It surpassed every expectations I had for this series. I just finished binging the entire series on Netflix recently and that's not an easy thing to do considering it has 92 episodes but it was so good that I just couldn't stop watching it. I watched a minimum of 3 to 4 episodes a day, even more on the weekend. Now that I finished it I can say without a doubt that it is totally worth the time and effort. I'll actually probably watch it all the way through again in the future because of how much I liked it. This is not your average vampire show. The dynamic between the family, especially Klaus and Elijah, is what makes this show so special. The Michaelsons make a lot of enemies on their time on Earth but always find away to get over their family problems to come out on top. This is a must watch for any fan of Supernatural shows.
ENDING OF THE ORIGINALS
enochkayiira4 May 2018
Why is the series ending on season 5. This is the best vampire show I have ever watched. The cast, literal alignment in scripts of the cast, the storyline are all so eye-catching and addictive. I for one am bitterly hurt that my favourite series is coming to an end.
Super awesome TV series!!!!!
prafulkrsingh215 October 2013
This series has gone far too good beyond its expectations in just two- three episodes, the way its story has picked up speed and the environment they are creating is awesome. Klaus' character as usual is classic and its fun to watch him argue with his brother Elijah and sister Rebekah. Talking about The Vampire Diaries, that show is different in its own way, but there is no way TVD should be compared to The Originals as its story has completely moved in another direction. The acting of all characters is awesome and story is mind-blowing. The flashback story they are gonna show seems to be quite fun as it is related to original vampires. Even in The Vampire Diaries I was a bit biased towards original vampires and waited for their part to come (not only me, happened with many people). So all in all its good they separated out original vampires' story from TVD.
Will forever be my favorite show
Moviesnob41123 January 2019
I truly cant describe thoroughly enough how much I love this show. This to me is the show of shows. The vampire diaries is a close second but for the older fans this show is the one. So many memorable characters, so many favorites. Makes me cry to think it's over.
This show is amazing. It gets better and better.
monique_isip30 October 2013
I have been a TVD fan since day 1. However,watching The Original's first episode has made me doubt whether it would be good or not as I thought the story would just rely on it's mother show TVD. However, watching a few more episodes, it is getting better and better and it has actually put me off watching TVD as TVD has got nothing on this show. I have just realized that I have been watching TVD because of the amazing "Originals". The main purpose of 'The Originals' is to show viewers that it is based on family and that is the most important thing. Unlike TVD that is based on sickening stupid never ending romance between the Salvatore brothers, Silus, Petrova Doppelgangers, Elena etc. I'm so fed up of it. Hence why I advice you to give TO a shot guys, this show is amazing.
A top notch drama series even to this day
galinpendragon25 September 2021
It's been three years since the controversial finale of the originals was aired.
I always get back to this show (in total I watched 3 times fully from start to end since 2018) and every time I get amazed by how the whole series was executed. (I tend to focus on different details every time I watch it)
Compelling story, especially season one and season two. The other seasons were also good, don't get me wrong, but the first two just stand out.
Marvelous cast that brought their characters to life.
Well written characters, even the secondary ones, with a strong development over the course of the show .
Great setting, not too small, and not too big at the same time, making it barely noticeable that the whole show has 4-5 main locations only.
There is really nothing I could have want more from show that's main purpose was to be a TV drama, from the ones you put on when you are back home after a long working day.
It was nice being so involved with Klaus's journey.
I always get back to this show (in total I watched 3 times fully from start to end since 2018) and every time I get amazed by how the whole series was executed. (I tend to focus on different details every time I watch it)
Compelling story, especially season one and season two. The other seasons were also good, don't get me wrong, but the first two just stand out.
Marvelous cast that brought their characters to life.
Well written characters, even the secondary ones, with a strong development over the course of the show .
Great setting, not too small, and not too big at the same time, making it barely noticeable that the whole show has 4-5 main locations only.
There is really nothing I could have want more from show that's main purpose was to be a TV drama, from the ones you put on when you are back home after a long working day.
It was nice being so involved with Klaus's journey.
A good show for a mature audience without the high school drama
Jydn18 January 2015
When I first watched this show I had hoped it was not in anyway shape or form like Vampire Diaries, which wasn't for me. I wasn't disappointed, It's definitely a show for a more mature audience without the high school drama and typical high school valley girl or boy band attitudes or music. Great work! I like it so far.
However I have to give it a 7/10 due to the fact that the 3 siblings despite having lived for a thousand years seem to show a great lack of judgment towards making almost any choice, Elijah being the wisest of course, but still falling for simple woes. You would think someone who's lived for a thousand years would be smarter and most definitely wiser than they seem to be, consistently looking to children for counsel, which admittedly gets frustrating at times. The show has only made two seasons so far so I look forward to their growths in both power and wisdom in future episodes!
However I have to give it a 7/10 due to the fact that the 3 siblings despite having lived for a thousand years seem to show a great lack of judgment towards making almost any choice, Elijah being the wisest of course, but still falling for simple woes. You would think someone who's lived for a thousand years would be smarter and most definitely wiser than they seem to be, consistently looking to children for counsel, which admittedly gets frustrating at times. The show has only made two seasons so far so I look forward to their growths in both power and wisdom in future episodes!
What is happening to The Originals?!
mrskv7817 November 2014
I previously gave this show 8 out of 10 but season 2 is just horrible! Its as if there are new writers for the show and they just throw everything plus the kitchen sink in to make up a story. The suspense,romance and great story lines of season 1 is gone and now we are left with this nonsense. Bringing back both evil parents, the witch mom and the aggressive dad could of been a very interesting story line but the way it is playing out is just ridiculous. I am so disappointed and have stopped watching Originals as it is just becoming to painful to watch this hot mess. Perhaps lessen the hundreds of useless cast? Maybe shoot more scenes in daylight? Do they always have to wear black? Davina is the only story line that I still find intriguing and it could be a great story line but we keep switching back from the evil mom to the evil dad and,and,and, and...Too many stories and I cant keep up. Keep it simple and great. Perhaps add some eye candy like in Vampire Diaries? I hope the writers come to their senses before they lose a large amount of their audience as all my friends are also on the brink of dumping this show. Something needs to happen and be fixed. The show has such great potential but at the rate it is going downhill I just don't know....
I'm 51 yrs old and have watched a lot of tv
RudeArtAndDesign_Com24 September 2021
... so it doesn't take me long to know garbage when I see it. I lasted 8:12 into this show and if you enjoy really good television, you won't even bother giving this show that long.
If you're a teenager that likes twilight and the like you'll probably enjoy this show. However if you're not, don't bother, this show us not for you.
If you're a teenager that likes twilight and the like you'll probably enjoy this show. However if you're not, don't bother, this show us not for you.
AMAZING show!
blueeyedgirl11715 October 2013
I am a HUGE Vampire Diaries fan! I wasn't ever really all that interested in the original family when they showed it on Vampire Diaries, nor did I care about them at all.. I found them all to be good actors/actress' but the lot wasn't that interesting... HOLY CRAP! This show is very surprising pleasantly good! Its so interesting and I really like it! Congrats to the creators for making another amazing show and the acting is great!!! The story line is so interesting I cannot wait for the next episode I find myself loving every episode... Julie created another masterpiece. Love the Originals and am so happy to see it succeed along with another new season of Vampire Diaries. So good!
One of THE BEST Vampire shows!
tamster7427 November 2013
I am SO addicted to this show! I never want it to end! The acting is brilliant...Klaus ROCKS! It keeps me wanting more....I knew I loved vampires for a reason ;) I lost interest in Vampire Diaries very quickly because the story lines were weak as well as the acting....too "teenager" 'ish....this series is more captivating and not so immature. Klaus's character is brilliant, scheming, evil, yet caring...you hate to love him/love to hate him! I'm also a fan of True Blood but...there is something about The Originals that has me hooked! :) It is also "believable" with the siblings being the original vampires. Each of them are unique in character. Who knows...maybe they used their "mind compulsion" on me.... and it worked! I highly recommend watching this series; you won't be disappointed! <3
Could have been on longer
jlcarpenter796 May 2018
i love it !!
jenna_fukin_b7 November 2013
I wasn't expecting a vampire diaries spin of to be so good in fact I was kinda upset that they took Klaus away from Caroline ! but my god this show has took over TVD completely I find myself more excited to see what happens I feel like the originals is a grown up version of TVD and I've grew up with it sorta say I love the plot and the twists the drama I hope you give this show a chance because it really does deserve it Klaus was mostly bad in TVD and i think he grew on us all he was such a dominant character he deserved his own show not to mention Elijah his brother as the nice one but will do anything for his family no matter how much they hurt him ( Klaus mostly daggers him and puts him in a box quite allot ) please please if you love TVD you will love this show :) watch it !!
More mature than VD
maloyutu18 October 2013
First three episodes are quite good. Story is fast and balanced. Cahracters are nice also and they have some nice back stories. I only hope that they are keep going strong like in these first few episodes. People who watched VD will still watch VD but its popularity will drop due to The Originals. This is what Ian Somerhalder said about The Originals:"Now, they're going to be taking these characters that mean so much to our show. I'm insanely happy for everyone, but I'm not thrilled. Not that I mind sharing, I just don't want to lose all these amazing actors on our show. Who are the other people who are gonna be coming on the show? Are they gonna be good? Because it's The CW, and everyone has to be pretty, and there aren't a lot of pretty people that can act well." For now I see few new actors in The Originals that do better job than him.
The Originals
Actseep3 October 2013
About The Pilots, I think some of these reviews from people are per-judging this show way to prematurely. Julie Plec has already stated that the first episode would recap from a different point of view the events from the backdoor Pilot from TVD episode 20 and to introduce Characters. While some portions were boring I can understand this as this needed to be done so that first Time viewers who did not see the backdoor pilot can be properly introduce to the show and for those who do not watch TVD. You people are judging this to early on and you have to give the stories a little time to take shape. While some of the main cast are not new to their characters others are that have not been on TVD, so they will need a little time to develop their characters. The others from TVD are on New ground to carry their own storyline separate from TVD so in time they will get accustom to their new environments. The Baby storyline I think can be really good, its been done on The Underworld Movies and it can make an interesting story, lets not knock it yet and see where it goes. This Pilot was good in my opinion, you all have to give it time, be patient and don't condemn it just yet. I give this Pilot 4 thumbs up!
Adore it!
AnnaPagrati24 August 2021
If you love Vampires, Werewolf and lazy writing.
davemfawcett30 March 2016
First let me say I am big into Syfy, but indifferent on the whole werewolf/Vamp thing. I initially liked the premise of the Original Vampires, but once I saw they made one stronger and truly immortal, I had the suspicion this would lead to lazy writing like what I witnessed with Silas in Heroes. Need a plot twist, use Silas, good today, evil tomorrow, plot against him, repeat. In my opinion ANY writer who creates a character like this does so as a crutch and uses it to avoid having to write just how does he escape or win? Even Superman wasn't considered immortal and had a weakness and could be killed, but you want me to believe I cut the head off this stupid Vampire and it will grow back? (theoretically) I will say for a TV show the acting and filming is good to excellent, if only the character development was there. I watched 8 episodes but after the lazy writers turned the two characters I liked into sniveling cowards...I hit exit and do not plan on going back.
A glorious ride that ended with a bad taste
alexleizerovichcoaching12 May 2022
This is one of my favorite series ever if not the favorite. The characters are written perfectly. With that said I was disappointed with the final season. This is my full series breakdown.
Season 1 9/10 Great first season.
The only reason its not a 10 is because it had way too many allegiances changes. And some balance of power issue that didn't make sense. Other then that its a prefect first season.
Season 2 11/10 I think this is the best season of any show ever. They fixed all the small issues from season 1. And you get all the big guns in here. In my opinion they didn't match this season after that.
Season 3 10/10 Another great season. Its started a bit different but evolved great. The last few episodes made this season top notch.
Season 4 9.5/10 This season was different aswell. It also had only 13 episodes compared to the previous 23. That changed the pace and the story telling. The ending of this season should have been series finale. It's a 10/10 series finale no doubt and makes sense.
Season 5 7.5/10 This is the weakest season by a long shot. It had a mix of a weak bad guys and leftovers of a bad guy from season 4. They also killed many characters, and some of the deaths didn't make much sense. Overall it felt like a very long setup for hope's legacies. My biggest issue that it was lacking the sophistication previous seasons had. It made me say many times no way this doesn't make sense.
The finale isn't bad, but if this season didn't exist, season 4 finale would be the perfect one for The originals.
Season 1 9/10 Great first season.
The only reason its not a 10 is because it had way too many allegiances changes. And some balance of power issue that didn't make sense. Other then that its a prefect first season.
Season 2 11/10 I think this is the best season of any show ever. They fixed all the small issues from season 1. And you get all the big guns in here. In my opinion they didn't match this season after that.
Season 3 10/10 Another great season. Its started a bit different but evolved great. The last few episodes made this season top notch.
Season 4 9.5/10 This season was different aswell. It also had only 13 episodes compared to the previous 23. That changed the pace and the story telling. The ending of this season should have been series finale. It's a 10/10 series finale no doubt and makes sense.
Season 5 7.5/10 This is the weakest season by a long shot. It had a mix of a weak bad guys and leftovers of a bad guy from season 4. They also killed many characters, and some of the deaths didn't make much sense. Overall it felt like a very long setup for hope's legacies. My biggest issue that it was lacking the sophistication previous seasons had. It made me say many times no way this doesn't make sense.
The finale isn't bad, but if this season didn't exist, season 4 finale would be the perfect one for The originals.
Absolutely adore this show!!
dismantlexme21 October 2013
As a huge fan of The Vampire Diaries, I was excited to hear about a spin off the The Original Family. At first I was worried it was going to be a disaster, but was I ever wrong! After watching the first 2 episodes I have to say I am impressed. Love the fact that more time is devoted to our favorite Originals, they really needed their own show. So happy this show exists!!! On a side note, I am watching American Horror Story Coven, A show about young and old witches coming to terms with their powers in modern day New Orleans...same city The Originals live in. It would be really cool to see an overlap of the shows for an episode or 2.... see how Marcus would deal with a Supreme Witch!!!!
One of the best Vampire shows ever.
jalondhoward12 December 2018
The show far exceeds TVD in terms of acting and storytelling. I was instantly hooked from the first episode. The show as a whole achieved greatness from season 1 to season 5. The series finale could've been better but the show will go down as one of my favorites to watch.
Loved The Originals
rescuefrog12 April 2021
When this show first came out, I didn't have the channel to watch it. When I got Netflix about 2 years ago, I didn't have the internet gbs to watch it although it was on my list.
Finally sat down and watched the First episode. I was instantly hook and ended up watching all five seasons in 4 days. WOW! I absolutely loved this show. Seasons 1-3 where excellent. Season 4 the premise wasn't exactly great-but really good. Season 5 was back to excellent. The writing, the scenery, and the acting was/is everything you want in a TV show. I didn't want it to end. By far my favorite TV show-ever!
The Mikaelsons, including Marcel draw you into their family and into the drama. I wanted so much to dislike Klaus and with every episode found that I could not. As with any vampire, werewolf, witch show, you can expect to lose important characters. And this show does not disappoint. Their loss is your loss. All the way to the very last scene. One that will be with me Always and Forever.
Finally sat down and watched the First episode. I was instantly hook and ended up watching all five seasons in 4 days. WOW! I absolutely loved this show. Seasons 1-3 where excellent. Season 4 the premise wasn't exactly great-but really good. Season 5 was back to excellent. The writing, the scenery, and the acting was/is everything you want in a TV show. I didn't want it to end. By far my favorite TV show-ever!
The Mikaelsons, including Marcel draw you into their family and into the drama. I wanted so much to dislike Klaus and with every episode found that I could not. As with any vampire, werewolf, witch show, you can expect to lose important characters. And this show does not disappoint. Their loss is your loss. All the way to the very last scene. One that will be with me Always and Forever.
Love this cast!
nelnyr4 March 2022
I love this cast and Joseph Morgan is one of my all time favorites. His intensity mixed with charm and charisma is brilliant. They are all phenomenal. I struggled with some of the storylines, which is why I only gave it 7 stars. But I do love that they went out on their own terms and wrapped the show up so beautifully. I've watched it through 2 full times and I'm sure I'll watch it again!
ahh the CW
mishel_60615 October 2014
As soon as I read it was from the CW, after I watched the first episode, it all made sense. Unfortunately.
I love the premise. I was a huge fan of Anne Rice and Interview with the Vampire when vampires were classy and powerful. So the beginning of the first episode was intriguing. It's too bad the show hadn't been done for Netflix, where they needn't be 'safe' or another channel where pretty people weren't their first obligation. Where everyone must be light skinned, sexy and extremely attractive. And where family and babies are what is of utmost importance. The sentimentality is nauseating. These beautiful people are playing strong, inhuman characters but how do you exhibit strength when all that is important is your sex appeal? The strength of any of the women is hard to imagine. Yet these are supposed to be vampires, witches and werewolves? Please.
I love the premise. I was a huge fan of Anne Rice and Interview with the Vampire when vampires were classy and powerful. So the beginning of the first episode was intriguing. It's too bad the show hadn't been done for Netflix, where they needn't be 'safe' or another channel where pretty people weren't their first obligation. Where everyone must be light skinned, sexy and extremely attractive. And where family and babies are what is of utmost importance. The sentimentality is nauseating. These beautiful people are playing strong, inhuman characters but how do you exhibit strength when all that is important is your sex appeal? The strength of any of the women is hard to imagine. Yet these are supposed to be vampires, witches and werewolves? Please.
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