The CW supernatural drama “The Vampire Diaries” will end its run in the 2016-17 season, creators and executive producers Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec announced at the series’ panel discussion at Comic-Con in San Diego.
“It’s so rare for a show to get to last this long, and what a privilege that Mark Pedowitz and Peter Roth have allowed us to choose the time to end the journey on our own creative terms,” said Plec on Saturday, referring to The CW’s president and cheif executive of Warner Bros. Television, one of the production companies responsible for the series.
“It’s been eight of the best years of my life. I will miss it terribly, but I’m so proud to be here to see it to its proper end.”
Williamson called “The Vampire Diaries” “a magical, thrilling, life- changing experience.”
“Working with Julie and our amazing cast and crew has been one of the highlights of my career and life,” said Williamson, creator of the 1998-2003 WB teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” and author of the screenplays for the horror films “Scream,” “Scream 2” and “Scream 4.”
“At its core, the show has always been about family and that’s what we have become behind the scenes as well — one big family. And while it’s sad to see it come to an end, I’m thrilled to be back and part of the final chapter.
“We’re very grateful to our loyal audience — they’re our family too — and we hope to say thank you by giving them the last and most epic season ever.”
The Comic-Con panel discussion for “The Vampire Diaries” concluded with a farewell video from the cast and producers, which featured the premiere of the song “Changing Tides,” by The Fray, continuing a long association between the rock band and the series.
The Fray’s “Never Say Never” was used in the pilot episode and its songs “Be Still” and “Ungodly Hour” were also used in key episodes.
In “The Vampire Diaries”‘ eighth and final season, the triangle of Stefan (Paul Wesley), Caroline (Candice King) and Alaric (Matt Davis) will team up with Bonnie (Kat Graham) to search for the two most important men in her life, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Enzo (Michael Malarkey), even though they may be long past saving, according to The CW.
The series’ final season will begin Oct. 21 and consist of 16 episodes, the network announced.
“‘The Vampire Diaries’ has meant so much to so many fans around the world, and has meant so much to all of us at The CW,” Pedowitz said.
“I am a huge fan of the show myself, and I’ve seen every episode. So I am very happy that we can give Julie and Kevin the chance to finish their story the way they have envisioned, and to give viewers a fantastic conclusion to eight spectacular seasons.”
— City News Service