The Originals (2013)
An ancient vampire family returns to reclaim New Orleans in this gripping Vampire Diaries spin-off built on blood, power, and unbreakable bonds.
The Originals - Series Information
- Original Title: The Originals
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Julie Plec
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (44 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 92
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 3, 2013 (United States - NR), October 3, 2013 (Canada - 18+), October 3, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), October 3, 2013 (Germany - 16), October 3, 2013 (France - 10), October 3, 2013 (India - U), October 3, 2013 (Australia - MA 15+), October 3, 2013 (Brazil - 16), October 3, 2013 (Mexico - B), October 3, 2013 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: The CW
- Alternative Titles: 始祖家族 (CN), Прадавні (UA), ორიგინალები (GE), Первородные (RU), Os Originais (BR), Първородните (BG)
- Production Companies: My So-Called Company, Alloy Entertainment, CBS Studios, Warner Bros. Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Originals - Plot
The Vampire Diaries spin-off that follows the Mikaelsons, a family of millennia-old, power-hungry vampires who want to reclaim the city they built, New Orleans, and dominate all those who have wronged them.
The Originals - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Mikaelsons' ruthless return to New Orleans unfold:
Always and forever.
Where to Watch The Originals
Looking for where to watch The Originals?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Originals - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Julie Plec
Main Cast
- Joseph Morgan
- Daniel Gillies
- Charles Michael Davis
- Phoebe Tonkin
- Danielle Campbell
- Leah Pipes
- Yusuf Gatewood
- Riley Voelkel
- Steven Krueger
- Claire Holt
Writers
- Michael Narducci
- Michelle Paradise
- Carina Adly MacKenzie
- Diane Ademu-John
- Christopher Hollier
Executive Producers
- Julie Plec
- Leslie Morgenstein
The Originals - FAQs
Where can you stream The Originals online?
The Originals is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Is The Originals a spin-off of another show?
Yes. The Originals is a direct spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. The Mikaelson family was introduced in that series before receiving their own show. Creator Julie Plec developed both series, and the two share overlapping mythology, characters, and the broader supernatural universe.
Who are the main actors in The Originals?
The principal cast includes Joseph Morgan as Klaus Mikaelson, Daniel Gillies as Elijah Mikaelson, Charles Michael Davis as Marcel Gerard, Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley Marshall, Claire Holt as Rebekah Mikaelson, Danielle Campbell as Davina Claire, and Leah Pipes as Camille O'Connell.
How many seasons does The Originals have?
The Originals ran for five seasons and 92 episodes in total. Seasons 1 through 3 each comprised 22 episodes, while Seasons 4 and 5 were shorter, with 13 episodes each. The series concluded in 2018 on The CW.
What is The Originals TV series about?
The Originals centers on the Mikaelson family — millennia-old vampires who return to New Orleans, the city they once built, to reclaim power from witches, werewolves, and a vampire faction led by their former protégé Marcel. Family loyalty, betrayal, and survival drive the story.
Did The Originals get a spin-off series of its own?
Yes. The Originals spawned its own spin-off, Legacies (2018), which follows Hope Mikaelson — Klaus and Hayley's daughter — at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. Legacies aired on The CW and ran for four seasons before ending in 2022.
When did The Originals first air?
The Originals premiered on October 3, 2013 on The CW in the United States. The series ran for five seasons before concluding on August 1, 2018, making it one of the longer-running entries in the Vampire Diaries universe.
What is the content rating for The Originals?
The Originals carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains supernatural violence, mature themes, and some sexual content. International ratings vary by country.
More About The Originals
Explore further details, ratings, and official records for The Originals on these trusted platforms: