The CW’s viewer base steers toward the younger side due to its liking toward fantasy and science fiction shows, such as The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural. And it is also because of these shows that the network has tasted so much success.
For around a decade these two shows were at the top of the CW, and still carry an enormous fanbase. We never got to see a crossover between them, but there were a lot of similar elements that they both shared. However, Supernatural’s longevity and format has meant it has eclipsed The Vampire Diaries in several areas, with the show excelling in these points. That’s not to see the latter was a bad show, but these 10 things have definitely been done much better on Supernatural.
Keeping The Importance Solely On The Main Characters
It’s unprecedented for a show to have lasted over a decade and a half and only have two characters be part of the main cast. And yet, Supernatural has operated using this very formula. Through every season, Sam and Dean have been the main focus of all the storylines.
This has allowed the series to keep its main characters relevant, without having to resort to shifting importance over to other characters to maintain a freshness level. On The Vampire Diaries, the main trio didn’t always take center stage, which meant fans were left exasperated on occasions where we had characters like Bonnie or Caroline dominate scenes.
Quality Of Villains
For the most part on The Vampire Diaries, the popular villains were those who were either played by the same actors that appeared as the main protagonists, or those who became good guys themselves. The show was always mainly popular for its heroes rather than villains, so this is an area it didn’t shine in.
Supernatural has had great variety in this regard, as we’ve seen villains with contrasting personalities. Where you’ve got witty baddies like Crowley and Lucifer, you’ve also got scary ones like Azazel and Lilith. There’s also a coolness factor to these villains too, as Lucifer, Chuck, Dick Roman, Crowley, among others all have enough content to fill up highlight reels.
Comedy
Right from the get-go Supernatural added in the comedic element by distributing these to Sam and Dean based on their characterization. Sam got the kind where he reacted toward awkward situations and had a dry sarcasm to him; Dean has been the slapstick comedian who is the main source of hilarity on the show.
It extends toward other characters and situations as well, as Supernatural has retained a lighter attitude in all episodes, even season finales. The Vampire Diaries never excelled here, and even when the show tried to be funny it didn’t succeed; only the occasional reaction and expressions from Damon could be considered as comedic.
Diving Into Lore
You have to give The Vampire Diaries credit for handing fans such a large history where it vampires and other monsters were concerned, as we saw the likes of the Original species, doppelgangers, and many different realms. However, going up against Supernatural’s universe is a different matter.
Supernatural has taken things far and wide, to the point that it’s universe has several other universes! We’ve also seen extensive histories carved out for monsters, demons, witches, angels, and many other species. There have been realms such as Purgatory, Apocalypse worlds, Heaven, Hell, and several more. Supernatural has perfected and shaped out every kind of lore out there.
Appeal Toward A Broader Demographic
When The Vampire Diaries came out in 2009, the Twilight craze was off the charts, which enabled the show to take off in popularity as well. Unfortunately, having the premise of two handsome vampires fight over a teenage girl led to the series being perceived mainly for a female audience.
Supernatural has also had a predominantly female following. However, the generally gritty storylines, brutal and action-oriented sequences, and an overall masculine tone has allowed Supernatural to have a more balanced viewership between the male and female audiences.
Avoiding Teen Drama Tropes
It wasn’t until the seventh season that The Vampire Diaries started shedding its teen-focused style, as Elena’s departure allowed for the show to move into action territory rather than romantic. However, for the most part, the series was filled with teen drama tropes.
Supernatural avoided this right from the beginning, even though it had initially been promoted along the lines of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The series hasn’t focused on romance or convoluted plot lines between several characters, or having antagonists with tortured pasts transition into being good guys. The main benefit by engaging in this style has been the fact that Supernatural has aged remarkably well, and has remained relevant as its audience has grown.
Hard-Hitting Fight Scenes
Since there’s a lot of fighting on both shows, it goes without saying that we saw characters engage in these sequences quite a bit. Here, The Vampire Diaries generally did a good enough job, although it didn’t live up to its full potential since the characters were said to have super skills yet didn’t display them much.
Supernatural’s fight scenes have been particularly gritty for the most part, as we’ve seen them escalate into bloody slayings and no-holds barred beat downs. The choreography in these fights aren’t movie-quality, but they haven’t held back on them either, and the action sequences have been a delight where the heroes go all-out against their foes.
Metafiction
When you’ve got shows that lasted as long these ones did, then there really needs to be references toward the viewer where the series acknowledges them in such a way. We only barely got to see that on The Vampire Diaries, but Supernatural has taken extra lengths toward it.
Even the main antagonist in Chuck/God has used the Supernatural books to paint himself as a prophet, with characters in-universe reflecting the type of fandom that we see in real life behind the show during conventions. There have even been references toward “Destiel” and other fan theories within the series as a nod toward the fans that have followed the show for so long.
Longevity
To be fair, a show lasting as long as eight years is incredible for any series in the world, so The Vampire Diaries had a superb accomplishment by lasting as long as it did. Still, it pales in comparison to Supernatural, which has lasted almost double the length, and has existed in three different decades.
The show’s longevity has come due to a better quality of evolving with the viewer, as the series has brought in more supporting characters from diverse backgrounds to reflect the changing nature of television. And yet, Supernatural’s secret to success has also been due to the show retaining the elements that made it a success to begin with; namely the format of each season.
Love Between The Brothers
At its heart, both of these shows have been about brotherly love than anything else, and the overall storyline has centered around these bonds. The Vampire Diaries even ended with an embrace between the Salvatores, even though the series had seen them be at odds with each other more than them being loving bros.
On the other hand, Sam and Dean have never fought over a girl, they’ve kept the other as their main “love,” and guaranteeing each other’s safety has been first priority. Dean’s love for Sam in particular has been the driving part of his character, and Supernatural’s main hook has been the Winchesters turning the world over simply for their unconditional love.
