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Season 4 – The Vampire Diaries

Play trailer Poster for Season 4 – The Vampire Diaries 2012 Drama Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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69% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
This supernatural drama, based on the series of novels by L.J. Smith, details the lives of two brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore, who have been living as vampires for centuries. After years of moving from from place-to-place to hide their eternal youth (and bloodthirsty condition), the brothers return to the small Virginia town, Mystic Falls, where their lives as humans ended. Damon is snarky, handsome and charming, with a propensity for evil, while Stefan tries to remain noble -- in part to atone for bad behavior in his past.
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The Vampire Diaries — Season 4

The Vampire Diaries — Season 4

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Critics Consensus

Vampire Diaries gets the best out of star Nina Dobrev, but could use some fresh blood on the page as plotlines struggle to move the series forward.

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Critics Reviews

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Rebecca Serle New York Magazine/Vulture Last night's episode was everything I wanted it to be. It had romance, terror, a huge helping of nostalgia, and a final twist to put every past season's cliff-hanger to shame. Rated: 5/5 Nov 16, 2017 Full Review Dawn Fallik Wall Street Journal The ritual is pretty gross. Nov 16, 2017 Full Review Mandi Bierly Entertainment Weekly Regardless, I'm happy Paul Wesley will get to play a bad guy for at least a portion of next season, it seems. Nov 16, 2017 Full Review Vlada Gelman TV Line If there's one thing you can count on from a Vampire Diaries season finale, it's a crazy-unexpected cliffhanger. And this year's conclusion did not disappoint. Nov 16, 2017 Full Review Dave Golder SFX Magazine All credit to Nina Dobrev who acts her little heart out, trying to portray the disorientation of the transitional phase, before she drinks her first blood (from a handy expendable-minor-guest-star-shaped dispenser) and becomes a full vampire. Rated: 3.5/5 Nov 16, 2017 Full Review Candice Grace TV Equals I'm going to out and say it - I hate that Elena didn't get to make the decision to become a without being in a high-stress situation Nov 16, 2017 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ilana V Season 4 of The Vampire Diaries is one of the most thrilling and emotionally rich seasons of the series. It marks the most dramatic turning point with Elena’s transformation into a vampire, adding depth to her character and intensifying the love triangle with Stefan and Damon. The storyline becomes darker and more suspenseful, especially with the arrival of Silas, one of the most dangerous villains so far. The special effects are more advanced than in previous seasons, making supernatural scenes more realistic. Combined with sharper image quality and some of the best performances from the cast, Season 4 truly stands out. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/21/25 Full Review Rowan C I liked how we were able to see Elena with her humanity off, because she was insanely ruthless. The two brothers trying to pull her back in using their strong connection with each other was an emotional success. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review Liz D Master... Love when they're in New Orleans. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/15/23 Full Review Audience Member This season was mediocre at best. It got a bit boring at times and honestly I barely remember this season. The one interesting thing was Elena with her humanity off and the friendship she formed with Rebekah Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member this in my opin is when the show really got good season 1,2,3 are way to twiglighty yes i know thats not a word but its what i feel but season 4 and up are amzing Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member I wish i could be a vampire but, it's good. All of the seasons are really good to watch... Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Vampire Diaries — Season 4

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Cast & Crew

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Nina Dobrev

Elena Gilbert

Paul Wesley

Stefan Salvatore

Ian Somerhalder

Damon Salvatore

Steven R McQueen

Jeremy Gilbert

Kat Graham

Bonnie Bennett

Candice King

Caroline Forbes

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 11, 2012 Growing Pains Elena realizes she must go through a terrible transition and become a vampire; Bonnie pays a steep price for trying to change Elena's fate; Matt becomes the focus of Damon's frustration and rage. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 18, 2012 Memorial Stefan and Damon argue about what is best for Elena as she makes the transition; a stranger arrives and starts questioning Sheriff Forbes and Mayor Lockwood; the return of a former classmate surprises Jeremy and Matt. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 25, 2012 The Rager Connor talks Jeremy into helping him uncover the secrets of Mystic Falls; Elena decides to continue her senior year at high school; Tyler receives an unexpected visit from Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), a werewolf who once helped him. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 1, 2012 The Five Damon accompanies Elena and Bonnie on a trip to Whitmore College; during a costume party, Damon teaches Elena how to choose a victim; Rebekah reveals information that stuns Stefan. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 8, 2012 The Killer Klaus and Stefan form a tenuous alliance in hope of containing the damage Connor unleashed; Caroline finds Hayley at the Lockwood mansion; professor Shane tries to help Bonnie get past her guilt. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 15, 2012 We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes When terrifying hallucinations leave Elena confused and shaken, she makes a dangerous mistake. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 29, 2012 My Brother's Keeper Caroline tries to support Elena and Stefan during a difficult time; Hayley and Tyler tackle a secret project; Jeremy is alarmed by vivid nightmares. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 6, 2012 We'll Always Have Bourbon Street When Stefan comes to Damon with a suspicion about Elena, the brothers start an investigation; Elena shares shocking news; Hayley wants Tyler to confront one of Klaus' hybrids. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 13, 2012 O Come, All Ye Faithful Stefan and Caroline butt heads with Tyler over his plans for Klaus and the hybrids; Klaus makes a discovery; Jeremy needs help conquering dangerous inner demons; professor Shane makes a stunning revelation. Details Episode 10 Aired Jan 17, 2013 After School Special Rebekah appears at Mystic Falls High unexpectedly and elicits a shocking piece of information from Elena; Professor Shane reveals too much to the wrong person; Caroline tries to comfort Tyler. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 24, 2013 Catch Me If You Can Klaus tries to control Jeremy by putting Matt in danger; Rebekah looks for a new ally; Bonnie has questions for Shane; Elena negotiates for Jeremy's safety. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 31, 2013 A View to a Kill Klaus turns to Stefan for help; Bonnie receives an unexpected visit and has a frightening run-in; Elena reveals her plan to Stefan. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 7, 2013 Into the Wild Shane leads an expedition to an island where he believes the secret of the cure is hidden; Elena and Rebekah's rivalry continues; when Tyler confronts Klaus, Caroline is dragged into the violence that follows. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 14, 2013 Down the Rabbit Hole Damon runs into one of the five hunters on the island; Stefan makes a confession to Elena; the stakes change for everyone after new information about the cure is revealed. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 21, 2013 Stand by Me Caroline worries about Elena's state of mind; Damon is surprised at Rebekah's reaction to somber news; everyone is horrified when the rest of Shane's plan is revealed. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 14, 2013 Bring It On Everyone is concerned about Elena's new outlook; Rebekah receives unwanted advice from Damon as they continue to search for the cure; Klaus uses Hayley to get the information he wants and makes an interesting discovery. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 21, 2013 Because the Night Realizing that Elena needs time away, Damon takes her to New York; Rebekah is impressed with Elena's secret agenda; Bonnie tries to maintain her grasp on reality. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 28, 2013 American Gothic As Elena and Rebekah pursue Katherine, Elena runs into Elijah; Damon is unsure how to react when Stefan reveals his plan for the future; Caroline reluctantly helps Klaus. Details Episode 19 Aired Apr 18, 2013 Pictures of You Rebekah receives a life-changing challenge; Elena disrupts Caroline's plans for the senior prom; Bonnie makes a frightening discovery. Details Episode 20 Aired Apr 25, 2013 The Originals A mysterious tip brings Klaus back to the town in New Orleans that he and his family built; Elijah learns that a powerful witch has taken Hayley; Stefan and Damon pursue their plan for Elena; Katherine makes a revelation to Rebekah. Details Episode 21 Aired May 2, 2013 She's Come Undone In hope of turning Elena's humanity back on, Damon and Stefan provoke her in a new, brutal way; Rebekah receives unsolicited advice from Matt; Katherine is suspicious of an offer from Bonnie. Details Episode 22 Aired May 9, 2013 The Walking Dead Caroline tries to distract Elena from her new obsession; Sheriff Forbes tells Stefan and Damon that someone has been attacking patients at the hospital; during a violent wind storm, ghosts appear. Details Episode 23 Aired May 16, 2013 Graduation A ghostly encounter puts Damon's life in danger; Rebekah and Matt battle a ghost intent on finding the cure; Stefan uncovers a horrifying clue about the mystery surrounding Silas. Details

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The Vampire Diaries — Season 4

The Vampire Diaries The Vampire Diaries The Vampire Diaries View more photos

Season Info

Director
Chris Grismer, Rob Hardy, Lance Anderson, Jesse Warn, Garreth Stover, Pascal Verschooris
Executive Producer
Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, Leslie Morganstein, Bob Levy
Screenwriter
Rebecca Sonnenshine, Caroline Dries, Jose Molina, Michael Narducci, Brian Young, Charlie Charbonneau, Michael J. Cinquemani, Julie Plec, Brett Matthews, Elisabeth R. Finch
Network
The CW
Rating
TV-14 (L|V)
Genre
Drama, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 11, 2012
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