When "The Vampire Diaries" hit The CW in 2009, the network had no idea how this YA dark fantasy series would be received. Vampire narratives on television weren't exactly a novelty at the time, as mega-popular shows like "True Blood" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" were already exploring intriguing facets of the genre. Then there was the "Twilight" of it all, amassing mainstream attention (and scrutiny) with its focus on teen supernatural romance and the challenges of girlhood.

So when "The Vampire Diaries" opened with a young Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) struggling with grief while being entangled with two vampire brothers, the show's premise ran the risk of retreading stale genre tropes. However, eight seasons and a spin-off (2013's "The Originals") later, "The Vampire Diaries" emerged as the face of teen-centered vampire drama that wasn't afraid to venture into dark corners. Despite its flaws, the series promised a bold, exciting world...