The Originals

The CW · 2013-2018 · 5 Seasons · 92 Episodes · Ended
DramaFantasySupernatural
52
Fan Heat

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About The Originals

The Originals follows the Mikaelsons, the oldest and deadliest family of vampires in existence, as they return to New Orleans, the city they helped build centuries ago. At the center stands Klaus, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, who learns that a young witch named Davina is being exploited by his former protege Marcel, the self-styled king now ruling the French Quarter. What begins as a power grab becomes something far more personal when Klaus discovers a child is on the way.

Driven by the family motto, always and forever, the Mikaelsons fight to reclaim their home from rival witch covens, restless werewolf packs, and the ambitious vampires who fill the streets. Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah scheme and bleed for control, but every victory carries a cost, and the loyalty that binds them is tested again and again by betrayal, prophecy, and the ghosts of a thousand years. New Orleans itself becomes a character, a city of music, magic, and old grudges that refuse to die.

Across five seasons the story widens to take in love, sacrifice, and the long shadow of an immortal family trying to find redemption. It is a tale of monsters who long to be more than monsters, and of the fragile humanity they protect even as they threaten to destroy it. The series stars Joseph Morgan as Klaus, Daniel Gillies as Elijah, and Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley.

Production Details & Legacy

The Originals was created by Julie Plec and originally aired on The CW, with streaming available on Max. The series ran for 5 seasons and 92 episodes from 2013-2018, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the drama and fantasy and supernatural genres. Since its conclusion, The Originals has continued to attract new viewers through streaming platforms and remains a frequent subject of critical reappraisal and fan discussion.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from The Originals, including Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan), Elijah Mikaelson (Daniel Gillies), Hayley Marshall (Phoebe Tonkin). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

The Originals holds a Fan Heat Score of 52 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. The show has built a committed and enthusiastic community of viewers who continue to engage with and champion the series. The series is notable for its drama, fantasy, supernatural qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

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? Frequently Asked Questions

The Originals is a supernatural drama and Vampire Diaries spin-off about the Mikaelsons, the first family of vampires, who return to New Orleans to reclaim the city they once ruled. Led by the hybrid Klaus Mikaelson and his brother Elijah, they battle witches, werewolves, and rival vampires across five seasons while clinging to the family motto, always and forever.

The series stars Joseph Morgan as Klaus Mikaelson, Daniel Gillies as Elijah Mikaelson, and Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley Marshall. The ensemble also features Charles Michael Davis, Daniella Pineda, Leah Pipes, and Danielle Campbell, with Claire Holt recurring as Rebekah Mikaelson.

The Originals streams on Max (and other platforms in some regions). Availability varies by region, so check your local streaming guide for current options.