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Season 1 – Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1997 Drama Horror Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 37 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Sarah Michelle Gellar takes on the role of Buffy Summers in this TV version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," based on the film of the same title, which starred Kristy Swanson. Buffy is a Slayer, one in a long line of young women chosen for a specific mission: to seek out and destroy vampires, demons and other forces of darkness. Unlike her predecessors, Buffy establishes a group of supportive friends who aids her in her battles with evil, including Willow, Xander and Cordelia. Her battles with evil are frequent, since Sunnydale, where Buffy and friends live, sits atop a gateway to the realm of the demons.
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Season 1

Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Buffy slays her way into the pop-culture lexicon in a debut season that lays the groundwork for one of TV's greatest supernatural teen dramas.

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Critics Reviews

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Riese Bernard Autostraddle I think I'd like Seasons One and Two a lot better now than I did at the time because it would be more hilarious. Oct 5, 2021 Full Review Guardian Staff Guardian Buffy is a sassy, spine-tingling treat for those weaned on such saccharine horrors as Sabrina The Teenage Witch. Mar 24, 2021 Full Review Jonathan Romney Guardian I'm not sure Buffy is what you'd call rich in subtext, but in its flip, know-it-all way -- and few young stars are quite as know-it-all than Gellar -- it's a textbook example of horror as a device for exorcising adolescent anxieties. Mar 24, 2021 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand ... the essential mix of supernatural weirdness, sharp writing, snappy dialogue, and high school heroes saving the world from evil on a weekly basis is fully formed from episode one. Mar 12, 2022 Full Review Jim Rohner Battleship Pretension The title that first made us all aware of both Joss Whedon as a unique creative voice and Sarah Michelle Gellar as a badass... Apr 15, 2021 Full Review Tom Jicha South Florida Sun-Sentinel It is grand fun. an inventive mix of mirth and macabre. Mar 24, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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SkyRo P Buffy the Vampire Slayer's first season stands as one of the most remarkable achievements in television history. I have an immense appreciation for everything this show embodies. It seamlessly brought the world of vampires into a contemporary setting, striking a perfect balance between thrilling and entertaining, while sprinkling in some delightfully quirky humor. The character of Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, delivers an extraordinary performance as the high school heroine who battles the forces of darkness. The series invites viewers into a whirlwind of chaos, led by Anthony Stewart Head’s character, Giles, the librarian and Buffy’s mentor, who supports her on her slayer journey. In its inaugural season, we witness how this seemingly typical cheerleader navigates her new life in Sunnydale, facing off against various challenges. Cordelia, played by Charisma Carpenter, embodies the quintessential valley girl with her charmingly cheesy demeanor. Alongside her are Willow, portrayed by Alyson Hannigan, the quirky best friend, and Xander, brought to life by Nicholas Brendon, providing a perfect balance of humor and camaraderie. This ensemble cast is nothing short of phenomenal, with the introduction of the charismatic villain Spike, played by James Marsters, adding another layer of excitement to the show. The comedic timing of Sarah Michelle Gellar shines, complemented by the warmth of her mother, Joyce, despite her brief appearances. The formation of what they call the “Scooby Gang” resonated deeply with me, as I borrowed that term to describe my own circle of high school friends. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is packed with unforgettable moments, and I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this series, especially the first season, which sets the stage for the incredible journey that unfolds. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review james o the series is described as Doctor Who with X-Men, has cited Night of the Comet, The X-Files and My So-Called Life as a big influence. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/03/25 Full Review Pietro M The fIrst season of Buffy is the perfect model to follow to build a great monster/case of the week series without losing a season long plot. This is the shortest season, but the model will be replicate the next 6 seasons of 22 episodes. This must be taken as an example today. 8 Years of Production for 7 seasons, 144 episodes in Total. 3 Months of Hiatus between each season, a powerful cast and a story that will live forever in everyones heart. This was great television. Now the model has changed. You can't grow with a show. The gap between each season is so exhausting . Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/25/24 Full Review Rimon M an overall good series Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/13/24 Full Review Lisa M Good start to a fantastic programme. Some S1 episodes a a little hit and miss, but it introduces you to the gang and sets up a fantastic show that is well worth staying with through all 7 seasons. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/23/24 Full Review Joe P Perfection. An unexpected triumph! Deserves its cult status. Does an astounding about of character and setting development in just the first episode. It's no wonder so many seasons and a spinoff came out of this. Ultimate tv viewing. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 3 Aired Mar 17, 1997 The Witch Cheerleading candidates are being struck down by a variety of catastrophes, so Buffy sets out to unmask the witch she suspects is at fault. Details Episode 4 Aired Mar 25, 1997 Teacher's Pet Buffy tries to protect Xander after he falls for a substitute teacher; Angel warns Buffy of a claw-handed vampire. Details Episode 5 Aired Mar 31, 1997 Never Kill a Boy on the First Date As Buffy tries to behave like a normal girl on a date, the Master calls on a warrior vampire to destroy her. Details Episode 6 Aired Apr 7, 1997 The Pack Xander and a group of obnoxious students start acting strangely after entering a quarantined hyena exhibit at the zoo. Details Episode 7 Aired Apr 14, 1997 Angel Buffy can't deny her obsession with Angel, while Xander's frustration over his feelings for Buffy intensifies. Details Episode 8 Aired Apr 28, 1997 I Robot, You Jane Buffy and Giles face a demon spirit that has been trapped since the Dark Ages; Willow falls for a cyberbeau whom she met online. Details Episode 9 Aired May 5, 1997 The Puppet Show Buffy sets out to catch a thief who steals human organs; the principal forces Giles to run the school talent show. Details Episode 10 Aired May 12, 1997 Nightmares People in Sunnydale begin living out their worst fears, including Xander, who comes to school in his underwear, and Giles, who discovers he can't read. Details Episode 11 Aired May 19, 1997 Out of Mind, Out of Sight Buffy and Cordelia become allies to combat an invisible spirit; Angel warns Giles that Buffy could be in danger. Details Episode 12 Aired Jun 2, 1997 Prophecy Girl Buffy's plan to live a normal life goes awry when the Earth cracks open and an army of demons emerges. Details
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Season Info

Director
Bruce Seth Green, Stephen Cragg, Reza Badiyi, David Semel, Stephen L. Posey
Creator
Joss Whedon
Executive Producer
Joss Whedon, Gail Berman, Sandy Gallin, Fran Rubel Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, David Greenwalt
Screenwriter
Rob DesHotel, Ashley Gable, Matt Kiene, David Greenwalt, Joss Whedon, Dean Batali, Thomas A. Swyden
Network
The WB
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama, Horror, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Mar 17, 1997