Should I Watch The Originals before Vampire Diaries?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are new to the CW supernatural universe and want to experience the narrative in the order the shows were created, giving you a sense of how the world‑building evolved.
• Good fit: You have a particular interest in the Original family storyline and prefer to understand their origin before seeing how they intersect with the Salvatore brothers in the later series.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited viewing time and want to prioritize the series with the larger fan base and cultural impact, which is The Vampire Diaries.
• Warning sign: You are primarily interested in the romance and teen drama elements that are stronger in The Vampire Diaries, which are less central in The Originals.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides a chronological foundation for the shared lore, making later cross‑overs and references clearer.
• Introduces the Original family early, allowing you to appreciate their character arcs across both series.

Cons

• The Originals premiered after The Vampire Diaries, so some production quality and storytelling techniques may feel less polished.
• Starting with The Originals may delay exposure to the more widely discussed plotlines and fan community discussions centered on The Vampire Diaries.

Decision Checklist

• Do I prefer watching a franchise in chronological order to follow character development?
• Am I comfortable investing time in a series that has a slower‑burn plot compared to the later show?
• Is my primary goal to engage with the larger fan conversation, which largely focuses on The Vampire Diaries?

Alternatives to Consider

If you want flexibility, you can start with The Vampire Diaries—the more popular entry—and then watch The Originals as a spin‑off once you’re invested. Another option is to watch both series concurrently, alternating episodes during the overlapping seasons to experience the full narrative in real time.

Final Recommendation

For viewers who value a linear understanding of the franchise’s mythology and have the time to explore a slightly more adult‑oriented series first, starting with The Originals makes sense. However, if you are looking for the series with broader cultural resonance, stronger teen‑drama elements, and a larger community of discussion, beginning with The Vampire Diaries is the safer route. Assess your viewing priorities and time constraints before deciding, and remember that personal enjoyment is the ultimate guide.