The Originals (TV Series 2013–2018) Poster

(2013–2018)

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8/10
TVD spin-off show is better than the main show
Lee-Richardson199512 October 2013
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.
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9/10
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.
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9/10
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.
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10/10
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.
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10/10
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.
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10/10
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.
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10/10
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.
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9/10
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.
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10/10
Spin off way better that the main show!
drfaaiza-rehman12 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
THE ORIGINALS is a show which has amazed me this season more than the main show TVD(I am not comfortable with a girl hopping in love from one brother to another- I like Ian and Nina as couple but not on the show).

The story revolves around Mikealson family i.e. NIKLAUS, ELIJAH AND REBEKKAH. They return to New Orleans 100 years after they were chased out of the city by their father(who wanted to kill them). Upon returning they realize that a vampire KLAUS raised and later sired i.e Marcel is now ruling the city and has complete control over the supernaturals in New Orleans. Klaus finds this a challenge as the one who was sired to be his image has better his own master! Unlike many people I don't mind Klaus redeeming through his child. There are many kind of loves, why not let a man healed by the love of family once than by romantic love (which should come in but not dominate the whole picture!) Joseph Morgan, Claire Holt and Daniel Gillies - the three actors are amazing in this show especially the contrast between the wildness of Joseph Morgan(Klaus)'s character vs the Serenity and sophistication of Daniel Gillies(Elijah) character. This show charms because of the evolving power struggle between super natural world and in a place no less mysterious & magical than NEW ORLEANS!

Hope the creative team doesn't ruin this show with teen-drama and love triangles (involving brothers)! It has the potential to become a power packed show.

Guys give this show a try even if you don't like the main show!
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7/10
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!
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10/10
It was great..and the best has yet to come;)
NinaSimone545 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Coming as a new viewer I was pretty hesitant about watching the Originals. I heard that it was a spin-off of Vampire Diaries and I couldn't have been more unimpressed, seeing as I hated Vampire Diaries and what it had become (Elena drama -_-). However, to my surprise it was actually good. Really good. I see most of the reviews saying the pilot was dull and boring however, that was because they had already seen most of the scenes from the back-door pilot in TVD. They made it this way so viewers like me, who have never seen the episode ( I gave up on Vampire Diaries a while ago) could get caught up. Considering how they had to put seasons of information into one episode I think they did a pretty good job of explaining things. The episode was dark and mature and Elijah's love for his family is very heart-warming. I love the sibling dynamic on the show. Klaus the a hot head, Elijah collected and classy, and Rebekah the the indifferent little sister who just wants out of this family. But somehow I got the feeling that no matter what they all still love each very much and would do anything for one another other. And with a new addition on the way I want to see how they all handle this, especially Klaus the soon to be daddy. As for the other characters, Marcel is a sexy tyrant who I'm very interested in learning more about and how he came to power. Hayley the mother of soon to be "miracle baby" is a hoot and I loved her scenes with Elijah. I'm also interested in learning more about her past and finding out about her parents. Sophie is the brave witch with nothing to lose in this war, and people with nothing to lose are usually the most dangerous:) I'm curious to see how this war plays out between the Originals, Marcel , and the witches. New Orleans a city with so much history and supernatural lore is the perfect setting for this and I'm fairly certain that this show will be great. Laissez-le bon temps rouler!
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6/10
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....
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4/10
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.
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10/10
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!
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10/10
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
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10/10
Could have been on longer
jlcarpenter796 May 2018
The only disappointment I have is the cancellation of the show. There are so many ways it could have gone. I enjoyed this show more than the Vampire diaries.
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10/10
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 !!
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9/10
A spinoff that is better than the original (TVD)
dianamarinelli3 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
After watching the vampire diaries I decided to try the spinoff the originals and my god it's doesnt disappoint. It gives you the suspense and makes you keep on watching. I found this show way better than the vampire diaries because the originals keeps you watching without boredom and it doesn't turn out like the soap opera like tvd. Anyways overall it a good show 100% recommended even tho Julie ruined the ending and almost killed everyone off in the final season.
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9/10
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.
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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!
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6/10
Started Out Okay, Ended Tastelessly
shinedowness25 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I rewatched this show and found out I don't like it anymore. These characters on this show look like fashion models with soap opera acting. Klaus became whiny and weak than that former force to be reckoned with. Elijah's so-called gentleman behavior got boring really quick. Rebekah always bored me. Kol's TVD character was slaughtered in this TO soap opera. Finn became pathetically subordinate to his family to me. Marcel was too predictable for my tastes. Davina was too much of a Davina "Diva" for me. Hayley bored me from day one on TVD. Sorry not sorry, but I've seen things on TO that I have already seen in older shows. The only character I found interesting here was Vincent Griffith. He seems like a more pure leader that strives for peace. But, that was never enough. There is a reason why TO is taking a long time to air new episodes. It is not good enough like older vampire shows were that got better IMDb ratings.
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10/10
Adore it!
AnnaPagrati24 August 2021
One of my favorite shows ever made! This show really knows how to get the audience on the mood for every scene!
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7/10
Enjoyable if not entirely original
svanlijnden10 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The Originals plays like a supernatural Dallas set in New Orleans. It's about shifting alliances and power struggles, with frequent but doomed romances thrown into the mix. There be vampires and witches and werewolves duking it out to gain the upper hand. The series starts off with a tension challenge because the three leads, two brothers and their sister, are all Original Vampires – the first ones – and are therefore seriously hard to kill. But the writers are creative enough to find multiple ways of making them suffer. And there are always some recurring characters in the cast who are more vulnerable and at risk of getting offed. The one most at risk is a werewolf who will be giving birth to a miracle-baby, who will be half werewolf and half vampire. A considerable amount of people want her dead.

The main three characters will be familiar to a lot of viewers, The Originals being a spin-off. The dysfunctional family already spent a few seasons causing trouble on parent show The Vampire diaries. Now striking out on their own, the dynamic between the siblings doesn't take long to grow a bit stale. There is brother Klaus, who keeps manipulating people and then complains that people don't trust him and betray him. There is his sister Rebekah, who has a hard time forgiving Klaus for all the Evil things he has done – and is still doing – to her and to others. And there is the relatively noble Elijah who wants to do the Right Thing and thinks Klaus is not yet beyond redemption. The three seem to have trouble breaking out of their holding patterns, but thankfully the series shakes things up about two-thirds into the season in a way I will not spoil. To think that their petty infighting has been going on for centuries boggles the brain. It doesn't make immortality seem all that appealing.

Like in The Vampire Diaries, viewers could easily get emotional whiplash from all the turnarounds and betrayals. This whole town is in a codependent, abusive relationship with itself and you half wonder why everyone doesn't just pack up and get out of each other's face. Instead, people will end up bedding former enemies, who may very well end up trying to kill them again a few episodes down the road. It's entertaining but a bit exhausting to watch. Because the series keeps the twists coming hard and fast, you don't often get a chance to feel bored or to ponder just how ridiculous it all is. (A trick also employed by The Vampire Diaries.) The acting is okay for this sort of thing, with some wood-adjacent performances not spoiling the fun. The cast seems to relish chewing the scenery and especially enjoys getting all arch and Evil.

When a new episode rolls around, I will often completely have forgotten what happened the previous week, so the recaps at the beginning are useful. And yet, I can't help but watch. The Originals is like candy-floss, pleasant on the palate but it quickly evaporates. It disappears straight out of my mind after watching, as if it has been rejected by the memory bank. A guilty pleasure then, just like the series that Sired it, even if The Originals does not feel very original. More reviews at: popcultjunk.com / Twitter: @PopCultJunk
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4/10
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.
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10/10
A glorious ride that ended with a bad taste
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.
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