Vampires have always had a fluctuating presence in pop culture, rising and falling like the tides. The phenomenon surged in popularity after the release of Twilight in 2008, leading to a wave of beloved series such as The Vampire Diaries. Although the vampire craze eventually faded, eclipsed by the zombie renaissance brought about by The Walking Dead, our fascination with these immortal beings has never truly died.
Today, vampire-centric TV shows are experiencing a resurgence, focusing more on the roots of traditional fantasy rather than supernatural elements. As bloodsuckers claw their way back into the spotlight, we’ve compiled a list of the best vampire TV shows to stream right now.
1. What We Do in the Shadows
Created by: Jemaine Clement
Stars: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch
Original Network: FX
Watch on: Hulu
Based on the film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows follows a group of vampires living in Staten Island. Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja, along with their human servant Guillermo, navigate mundane life with a blend of deadpan humor and slapstick comedy. The show cleverly juxtaposes the absurdity of their supernatural lives with the often trivial concerns of human existence.
2. Interview with the Vampire
Created by: Rolin Jones
Stars: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Bailey Bass
Original Network: AMC
Watch on: AMC+
Interview with the Vampire is a fresh adaptation of Anne Rice’s classic novel. This series reimagines Louis as a Black, gay brothel owner in early 20th-century New Orleans and explores themes of toxic love and moral ambiguity. The chemistry between Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid elevates this series, which skillfully marries modern sensibilities with the original story’s gothic roots.
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Created by: Joss Whedon
Stars: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz
Original Networks: The WB, UPN
Watch on: Hulu
A cornerstone of vampire television, Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers, a high school student destined to fight the forces of evil. The show combines romance, drama, and horror while exploring complex themes of loss and resilience. With its memorable characters and sharp dialogue, it set the standard for supernatural dramas and remains an influential classic.
4. Angel
Created by: Joss Whedon, David Greenwalt
Stars: David Boreanaz, Charisma Carpenter, Glenn Quinn
Original Networks: The WB
Watch on: Hulu
As a spinoff of Buffy, Angel follows the titular character, a vampire with a soul, as he seeks redemption in Los Angeles. The series explores darker themes than its predecessor while maintaining the humor that made Buffy a hit. Angel successfully blends crime drama with supernatural elements, making it a compelling watch.
5. The Vampire Diaries
Created by: Julie Plec, Kevin Williamson
Stars: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder
Network: The CW
Watch on: Max
Initially a teen drama, The Vampire Diaries evolves into a captivating saga filled with twists, supernatural politics, and complex relationships. The series features a love triangle that drives the plot, but its true strength lies in its character development and the ethical dilemmas faced by the vampires and humans alike.
6. Being Human
Created by: Toby Whithouse
Stars: Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow
Network: BBC Three
Watch on: BritBox
Being Human revolves around three supernatural roommates: a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost. The British series skillfully mixes humor with horror, exploring the challenges of living amongst humans while dealing with their own supernatural predicaments. It’s a poignant look at identity and acceptance.
7. True Blood
Created by: Alan Ball
Stars: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård
Original Network: HBO
Watch on: Max
Set in a world where vampires live openly thanks to synthetic blood, True Blood is known for its gritty exploration of societal issues and complex character dynamics. Though it faced criticism for uneven storytelling, it boldly tackles themes of love, acceptance, and morality, all while delivering thrilling vampire lore.
8. Midnight Mass
Created by: Mike Flanagan
Stars: Hamish Linklater, Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel
Network: Netflix
Watch on: Netflix
Midnight Mass is more than just a vampire show; it’s a meditation on faith, addiction, and morality set on a struggling island community. While never explicitly labeling itself as a vampire narrative, its themes resonate with the genre, creating an atmospheric and thought-provoking experience.
9. A Discovery of Witches
Adapted by: Kate Brooke
Stars: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode
Original Networks: Sky One
Watch on: Sundance Now
Based on Deborah Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches follows historian Diana Bishop, who discovers a powerful manuscript and becomes embroiled in a world of magic and forbidden love with vampire Matthew Clairmont. The series is a lush, romantic exploration of supernatural alliances.
10. Preacher
Created by: Sam Catlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Stars: Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun
Network: AMC
Available for Purchase on: Amazon Prime
Preacher is a wild adaptation of Garth Ennis’s comic series, blending dark humor with supernatural elements. It follows Jesse Custer, a preacher with extraordinary powers, as he embarks on a quest for God. The show’s bizarre characters and outrageous plotlines create a uniquely captivating experience.
11. Castlevania
Created by: Kevin Kolde, Warren Ellis
Stars: Richard Armitage, James Callis
Network: Netflix
Watch on: Netflix
Castlevania stands out as one of the best video game adaptations, offering a rich narrative steeped in gothic horror. Following the legendary vampire hunter Trevor Belmont, the series is both visually stunning and thematically deep, exploring the consequences of vengeance and the nature of evil.
As vampires reclaim their place in pop culture, these shows offer diverse interpretations of the genre, ranging from darkly comedic to deeply philosophical. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s a vampire series for everyone to sink their teeth into!