From first episode to last: A look at The Vampire Diaries cast transformations over the years

The vampires really didn’t age a day

3 months ago

Considering that the majority of The Vampire Diaries characters technically can’t change their appearance (the whole vampire thing), there are a lot of transformations throughout the show. As it filmed and ran for over eight years, the changes from the cast’s first ever episode to their last are honestly shocking. To be honest, just by looking at these side-by-side comparisons, you can really see every single thing that the characters went through. It flashes right before your eyes…

So, here’s a complete rundown of the transformations of The Vampire Diaries cast from first episode to last.

Elena

via Netflix

To this day, everyone is still absolutely obsessed with season one Nina Dobrev. She was giving everything and more. That’s why her wig in season eight, particularly the last episode, was just plain horrifying. Considering Elena had been in a coma for two seasons before she woke up in the finale, her wig throughout the episode was a bit of a shock to those used to her gorgeous natural hair. Katherine’s wig was even worse…

Damon

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Damon has the most iconic first scene ever. Everyone instantly fell in love with the mysterious Salvatore brother who suddenly appeared in the first episode, but we were all a bit disappointed with his character in the final episode. After a very tricky and dramatic eight seasons for Damon, his reunion with Elena gave us probably the most unexciting scene of the whole series. I’m sure Ian tried his best, but he really couldn’t hide the disappointment on Damon’s face – a huge transformation from his first appearances in season one!

Stefan

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via Netflix

Season one Stefan had such a different vibe compared to the rest of his time on the show, and no one can seem to pinpoint why this is. He was cool, mysterious, and completely obsessed with Elena (in a respectful way, of course). Fast forward to his last moments in season eight, which show the entirety of his character development throughout the whole show. Stefan was, from beginning to end, the best and most selfless character – probably a good reason why he doesn’t much look different in eight years. It’s giving matured.

Caroline

via Netflix

Caroline really found herself throughout the seasons, a development I think most people would say is the best of all TVD. She was gorgeous in season one, but her character was very insecure and jealous. By season eight, she was sophisticated and happier with her life, something definitely reflected in her appearance. From her wedding to grieving Stefan, Caroline was honestly glowing in the finale episode (even when crying).

Bonnie

via Netflix

Bonnie did not age a day. Seriously. Maybe she’s a real witch? No, but in all seriousness, Kat Graham genuinely just seems immune to ageing. Bonnie’s first appearances in episode one are so cute and innocent, setting her up to have a huge story line. She went through a lot, especially in the finale, but she came out the end looking the same (maybe even better), so you can’t complain.

Matt

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Matt has a huge transformation from season one to eight, going from a high school football player to the sheriff of the Mystic Falls Police Department. He definitely looks very young and wholesome in episode one, making his first appearance to stare at Elena across the hall. By the finale, it’s obvious that Matt has aged in maturity and appearance, taking on real adult responsibilities to save the town. His slicked-down “adult” hairstyle was a good reminder that away from all the drama of the supernatural, there were real humans with serious jobs in Mystic Falls.

Tyler

via Netflix

Poor Tyler really did have a good character arc, but it didn’t end too well. He was very aggressive and a bit rude in the first episode, so much so that I forgot how young he actually looks. Tyler’s short return in episode three of season eight shows a drastic change in appearance, mirroring his character development from season one.

Jeremy

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Jeremy entered season one as Elena’s little brother, and they really did capitalise on the “little”. He got in quite a bit of trouble in season one, giving him plenty space for his character to change. Plenty of characters throughout the series commented on how Jeremy had grown up; one of the plot points of season two is Bonnie and him suddenly dating. By season six he had fully grown up and left the show, so his cameo in the last minutes of the finale episode is quite shocking. Does anyone remember him looking like that?

Alaric

via Netflix

Alaric first appeared in episode nine of season one, and he honestly looks younger every time I rewatch. How he was alive in the finale episode I don’t know, but considering all of the times that he actually died, he looks pretty good for it. Fun fact – Alaric has the highest death count of all characters in the entire series.

Lexi

via Netflix

Lexi’s first appearance was shockingly followed by her death in season one (literally the same episode), but she returned throughout the show in flashbacks. However, her final and maybe most memorable appearance was in the finale episode when she reunites with Stefan. Considering that Lexi wasn’t in the show that much, her scene in season eight is so meaningful that she has to make this transformation list.

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