The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural-fantasy horror television series, which premiered on The CW on September 10, 2009. It was originally filmed in Vancouver, but after filming the Season 1 Pilot episode, filming was relocated to Covington, Georgia and Monroe, Georgia, to take advantage of Georgia's more competitive tax incentives. The show is based on the book series of the same name by L. J. Smith.
The series currently airs in The CW's previous Smallville slot. The series is paired with Supernatural as part of a horror-themed night. On October 21, 2009, it was announced that The CW had given the series a full, 22-episode first season. Meanwhile, The Vampire Diaries is currently The CW's best performing show.
Forbes.com includes the series in a so-called "vampire craze" in entertainment, beginning with HBO's True Blood and the film Twilight, continuing with the film Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, and the upcoming films New Moon and Daybreakers.