History Series / Buffythevampireslayer

'''For more information about the franchise that encompasses ''Buffy'', ''Angel'' and other spinoffs, check out the Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}.'''

For more information about the franchise that encompasses ''Buffy'', ''Angel'' and other spinoffs, check out the Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}.

For more information about the franchise that encompasses ''Buffy'', ''Angel'' and other spinoffs, check the Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}.

For more information about the franchise, check the Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}.

The show pioneered the HalfArcSeason, with a singular villain behind that year's events that helped make each season have a self-contained StoryArc, and signposted a few major plot developments months (and even ''years'') in advance. Perhaps most surprisingly, the central cast grew like kudzu, with even [[AscendedExtra walk-on roles]] getting a dose of character development much later on... Just in time for [[SacrificialLamb Joss to kill them off]], alas.

In 2007 ''Buffy'' started up again -- [[ComicBook/BuffyTheVampireSlayer in comic form]]. Produced by Joss Whedon, it encompasses four "Seasons" of TV time, ultimately coming to an end in 2018 due to Dark Horse comics losing the license which in turn finally ended the original continuity of the series. Creator/BoomStudios picks it up later and initiated a full ContinuityReboot to begin in 2019. In 2011, the mainline series branched off into ''ComicBook/AngelAndFaith'', which is London-based (in a nod to ''Comicbook/{{Excalibur}}'').

There were also a few stand alone comics based on Buffy's high school days, being much LighterAndSofter then the source material, it only got three books and was forced to end due to the aforementioned losing of the licensee by Dark Horse. Bizarrely, the series likewise got an all ages story set in it's own continuity, ''Buffy: New School Nightmare'', in which she once more arrives in a new town and has to contend with vampires, joined along the way by a witch and a werewolf Sarafina and Alvaro and a new, female watcher named Ms. Sparks guiding her. In this version, Buffy is much younger (12) and the vampires are all silly ones from various eras (in fact there isn't any kid vampire at all). While it does mention death and what not (with even ''Santa Claus'' being a vampire) it never gets as dark as it's mainstream counterpart and is even more Lighter and Softer then the Stand Alone "High School Years" series. A sequel to this continuity is said to be in the works.

Has an [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/crowner.php/BestEpisode/Buffy episode crowner]] here.

Nobody can deny or ignore the influence of ''Buffy'' on the TV shows that followed it, both within and outside the genre. (Creator/RussellTDavies had at least one eye on this show when he revived ''Series/DoctorWho'' - and ''{{Series/Angel}}'' when he created its more adult spin-off, ''{{Series/Torchwood}}''.) This series has become one of the most JustForFun/TropeOverdosed and {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d shows in existence -- thousands of references to ''Buffy'' exist across this entire wiki -- partially because Wiki/TVTropes began with a specific focus on ''Buffy'' (based on a 2004 thread on the fan site Website/BuffistasOrg) before branching out to all of TV and eventually all of everything. This show is considered Trope Overdosed and part of the Truly Awesome. With over 9,000 wicks and a runtime of 6,056 minutes, this page (well, this ''entry'' and its metapages) now has over one wick per minute.

The producers of the original film (the Kuzui couple listed in the credits) [[GodDoesNotOwnThisWorld retained the rights]] to ''Buffy'' throughout the show's run despite having no creative involvement past the film. Plans have been proposed to revive/remake the film without Joss Whedon's input. No one involved with the series had [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOiyLDsHHfw anything pleasant]] [[http://www.blastr.com/2011/01/6_buffy_veterans_on_a_whe.php to say]] [[http://www.endofshow.com/2010/11/23/buffy-cast-react-to-joss-whedon-less-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-movie-remake/ about it.]]

For more information about the franchise, check the ''Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}''.

In 1992, the film ''Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' written by Creator/JossWhedon played with a bog standard trope: the fragile (and doomed) blonde DamselInDistress cheerleader attacked by monsters in a dark alley. In a {{postmodern|ism}} twist, the blonde cheerleader is the "Slayer," a powerful warrior that the ''monsters'' are afraid of meeting in dark alleys. Since Whedon, a mere writer, [[ExecutiveMeddling lacked creative control]] over his work, he viewed the actual film as a disappointment[[note]]His intent was for the film to have some self-referential comedy but still be a largely serious take on the genre; the producers made it more campy and slapstick[[/note]]. He did love the original concept and the film did end up a CultClassic, so when he was given the opportunity to revisit it as a television series a few years later, he wasted no time saying "yes."

[[caption-width-right:281:She's the thing that monsters have nightmares about.]]

Nobody can deny or ignore the influence of ''Buffy'' on the TV shows that followed it, both within and outside the genre. (Creator/RussellTDavies had at least one eye on this show when he revived ''Series/DoctorWho'' - and ''{{Series/Angel}}'' when he created its more adult spin-off, ''{{Series/Torchwood}}''.) This series has become one of the most TropeOverdosed and {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d shows in existence -- thousands of references to ''Buffy'' exist across this entire wiki -- partially because Wiki/TVTropes began with a specific focus on ''Buffy'' (based on a 2004 thread on the fan site Website/BuffistasOrg) before branching out to all of TV and eventually all of everything. This show is considered TropeOverdosed and part of the Truly Awesome. With over 9,000 wicks and a runtime of 6,056 minutes, this page (well, this ''entry'' and its metapages) now has over one wick per minute.

In 1992, the film ''Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' written by Creator/JossWhedon played with a bog standard trope: the fragile (and doomed) blonde DamselInDistress cheerleader attacked by monsters in a dark alley. In a {{postmodern}} twist, the blonde cheerleader is the "Slayer," a powerful warrior that the ''monsters'' are afraid of meeting in dark alleys. Since Whedon, a mere writer, [[ExecutiveMeddling lacked creative control]] over his work, he viewed the actual film as a disappointment[[note]]His intent was for the film to have some self-referential comedy but still be a largely serious take on the genre; the producers made it more campy and slapstick[[/note]]. He did love the original concept and the film did end up a CultClassic, so when he was given the opportunity to revisit it as a television series a few years later, he wasted no time saying "yes."

In 2007 ''Buffy'' started up again -- [[ComicBook/BuffyTheVampireSlayer in comic form]]. Produced by Joss Whedon, it encompasses four "Seasons" of TV time so far, ultimately coming to an end in 2018 due to Dark Horse comics losing the license which in turn finally ended the original continuity of the series. Creator/BoomStudios picks it up later and initiated a full ContinuityReboot to begin in 2019. In 2011, the mainline series branched off into ''ComicBook/AngelAndFaith'', which is London-based (in a nod to ''Comicbook/{{Excalibur}}'').

Nobody can deny or ignore the influence of ''Buffy'' on the TV shows that followed it, both within and outside the genre. (Creator/RussellTDavies had at least one eye on this show when he revived ''Series/DoctorWho'' - and ''{{Series/Angel}}'' when he created its more adult spin-off, ''{{Series/Torchwood}}''.) This series has become one of the most TropeOverdosed and {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d shows in existence -- thousands of references to ''Buffy'' exist across this entire wiki -- partially because Wiki/TVTropes began with a specific focus on ''Buffy'' (based on a 2004 thread on the fan site Website/BuffistasOrg) before branching out to all of TV and eventually all of everything. However, we no longer consider this show as merely Trope Overdosed -- we now officially classify it as [[JustForFun/TropeKilowicked kilowick]] and one of The Truly Awesome. With over 7,000 wicks and a runtime of 6,056 minutes, this page (well, this ''entry'' and its metapages) now has over one wick per minute.

Nobody can deny or ignore the influence of ''Buffy'' on the TV shows that followed it, both within and outside the genre. (Creator/RussellTDavies had at least one eye on this show when he revived ''Series/DoctorWho''.) This series has become one of the most TropeOverdosed and {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d shows in existence -- thousands of references to ''Buffy'' exist across this entire wiki -- partially because Wiki/TVTropes began with a specific focus on ''Buffy'' (based on a 2004 thread on the fan site Website/BuffistasOrg) before branching out to all of TV and eventually all of everything. However, we no longer consider this show as merely Trope Overdosed -- we now officially classify it as [[JustForFun/TropeKilowicked kilowick]] and one of The Truly Awesome. With over 7,000 wicks and a runtime of 6,056 minutes, this page (well, this ''entry'' and its metapages) now has over one wick per minute.

In 1992, the film ''Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' written by Creator/JossWhedon played with a bog standard trope: the fragile (and doomed) blonde DamselInDistress cheerleader attacked by monsters in a dark alley. In a {{postmodern}} twist the blonde cheerleader is the "Slayer," a powerful warrior that the ''monsters'' are afraid of meeting in dark alleys. Since Whedon, a mere writer, [[ExecutiveMeddling lacked creative control]] over his work, he viewed the actual film as a disappointment [[note]]His intent was to have some self-referential comedy but was still a largely serious take on the genre, the producers made it more campy and slapstick[[/note]]. He did love the original concept and the film did end up a CultClassic, a few years later he was given the opportunity to re-visit it as a television series and wasted no time saying "yes."

Nobody can deny or ignore the influence of ''Buffy'' on the TV shows that followed it, both within and outside the genre. (Creator/RussellTDavies had at least one eye on this show when he revived ''Series/DoctorWho''.) This series has become one of the most TropeOverdosed and {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d shows in existence -- thousands of references to ''Buffy'' exist across this entire wiki -- partially because Wiki/TVTropes began with a specific focus on ''Buffy'' (based on a 2004 thread on the fan site Website/BuffistasOrg) before branching out to all of TV and eventually all of everything. However, we no longer consider this show as merely Trope Overdosed -- we now officially classify it as Administrivia/kilo{{Wick}} and one of The Truly Awesome. With over 7,000 wicks and a runtime of 6,056 minutes, this page (well, this ''entry'' and its metapages) now has over one wick per minute.

The show pioneered the HalfArcSeason, with a singular villain behind that year's events, and signposted a few major plot developments months (and even ''years'') in advance. Perhaps most surprisingly, the central cast grew like kudzu, with even [[AscendedExtra walk-on roles]] getting a dose of character development much later on... Just in time for Joss to kill them off, alas.

In 1992, Creator/JossWhedon wrote a [[Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer somewhat decent if largely forgotten film]] about a bog standard trope: the fragile (and doomed) blonde DamselInDistress cheerleader attacked by monsters in a dark alley. In a {{postmodern}} twist the blonde cheerleader is the "Slayer," a powerful warrior that the ''monsters'' are afraid of meeting in dark alleys. Since Whedon, a mere writer, [[ExecutiveMeddling lacked creative control]] over his work, he viewed the actual film as a disappointment (though still entertaining). He didn't want the character and overall concept to go to waste, though, so when he was given the opportunity to re-visit it as a television series, he wasted no time in saying "yes."

Nobody can deny or ignore the influence of ''Buffy'' on the TV shows that followed it, both within and outside the genre. (Creator/RussellTDavies had at least one eye on this show when he revived ''Series/DoctorWho''.) This series has become one of the most TropeOverdosed and {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d shows in existence -- thousands of references to ''Buffy'' exist across this entire wiki -- partially because Wiki/TVTropes began with a specific focus on ''Buffy'' (based on a 2004 thread on the fan site Website/BuffistasOrg) before branching out to all of TV and eventually all of everything. However, we no longer consider this show as merely Trope Overdosed -- we now officially classify it as kilo{{Wick}} and one of The Truly Awesome. With over 7,000 wicks and a runtime of 6,056 minutes, this page (well, this ''entry'' and its metapages) now has over one wick per minute.

In 1992, Creator/JossWhedon wrote a [[Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer somewhat decent if largely forgotten film]] about a bog standard trope: the fragile (and doomed) blonde DamselInDistress cheerleader attacked by monsters in a dark alley. In a {{postmodern}} twist the blonde cheerleader is the "Slayer," a powerful warrior that the ''monsters'' are afraid of meeting in dark alleys. Since Whedon, a mere writer, [[ExecutiveMeddling lacked creative control]] over his work, he viewed the actual film as a disappointment (though still entertaining). Not wanting the character and overall concept to go to waste, and given the opportunity to re-visit it as a television series, he wasted no time in saying "yes."

->''[[AC:Into every generation a Slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a [[TheChosenOne Chosen One]]. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer.]]''

In 2007 ''Buffy'' started up again -- [[ComicBook/BuffyTheVampireSlayer in comic form]]. Produced by Joss Whedon, it encompasses four "Seasons" of TV time so far, ultimately coming to an end in 2018 due to Dark Horse comics losing the license which in turn finally ended the original continuity of the series. Creator/BoomStudio picks it up later and initiated a full ContinuityReboot to begin in 2019. In 2011, the mainline series branched off into ''ComicBook/AngelAndFaith'', which is London-based (in a nod to ''Comicbook/{{Excalibur}}'').

In 1992, Creator/JossWhedon wrote a [[Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer somewhat decent if largely forgotten film]] about a bog standard trope: the fragile (and doomed) blonde cheerleader attacked by monsters in a dark alley. In a {{postmodern}} twist the blonde cheerleader is the "Slayer," a powerful warrior that the ''monsters'' are afraid of meeting in dark alleys. Since Whedon, a mere writer, [[ExecutiveMeddling lacked creative control]] over his work, he viewed the actual film as a disappointment (though still entertaining). Not wanting the character and overall concept to go to waste, and given the opportunity to re-visit it as a television series, he wasted no time in saying "yes."

In 1997, the fledgling [[Creator/TheWB WB]] network raised ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' from the dead with an abbreviated first season. The pilot treats the motion picture as originally ''[[BroadStrokes scripted]]'' (not the film that resulted) as canon: Buffy learns that she is the most recent in a line of warrior women chosen by fate to fight evil, and in a pitched battle sets [[KillItWithFire the school gym on fire to kill the vampires inside]]. She can't fully explain this to the authorities, making her a social pariah. Hoping to elude her Slayer responsibilities, she and her mother move to Sunnydale, a sleepy town in Southern California. In spite of that, she learns Sunnydale is sitting on top of a Hellmouth, a [[MagneticPlotDevice well of evil that attracts all types of demons]]. She is assigned a "Watcher" from an AncientConspiracy dedicated to finding and training Slayers. Forming a tight-knit group of friends, Buffy battles hellspawn while juggling her double life as a carefree schoolgirl. That last part is easier than it sounds, as Sunnydale's adults are too wrapped up in lawn care ([[StepfordSuburbia and denial]]) to acknowledge the evil brewing right under their feet. Since demons on ''Buffy'' are walking metaphors for existing evils -- reptilian authority figures, suddenly-soulless boyfriends, and so on -- the B-horror trappings take on an entirely new meaning, usually with a sly [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical feminist wink]] inserted.

The show didn't catch fire in its first season, but did garner enough critical acclaim to attract viewers by year two. However, ''Buffy'' (and ''{{Series/Angel}}'') were ''not'' inexpensive shows to produce, and neither were expected to grow beyond their cult demographic. Although WB attempted to shove ''Buffy'' off the air in 2001, it was picked up by {{Creator/UPN}} in time for Season 6 and 7. The jump was heralded by Buffy's [[RiseFromYourGrave literal death and resurrection]], along with a ratings-grabbing [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mRsITLBUvg ad campaign.]]

There was also a few stand alone comics based on Buffy's high school days, being much LighterAndSofter then the source material, it only got three books and was forced to end due to the aforementioned losing of the licensee by Dark Horse. Bizarrely, the series likewise got an all ages story set in it's own continuity, ''Buffy: New School Nightmare'', in which she once more arrives in a new town and has to contend with vampires, joined along the way by a witch and a werewolf Sarafina and Alvaro and a new, female watcher named Ms. Sparks guiding her. In this version, Buffy is much younger (12) and the vampires are all silly ones from various eras (in fact there isn't any kid vampire at all). While it does mention death and what not (with even ''Santa Claus'' being a vampire) it never gets as dark as it's mainstream counterpart and is even more Lighter and Softer then the Stand Alone "High School Years" series. A sequel to this continuity is said to be in the works.