Instruct: Given a question, retrieve relevant documents that answer the question.
Query: When did the TV series The Vampire Diaries first air?
The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural drama television series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, based on the popular book series of the same name written by L. J. Smith. The series premiered on The CW on September 10, 2009, and concluded on March 10, 2017, airing 171 episodes over eight seasons.
"History Repeating" is the ninth episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the ninth episode of the series overall. It originally aired on November 12, 2009. The episode was written by Bryan M. Holdman and Brian Young and directed by Marcos Siega.
"Haunted" is the seventh episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the seventh episode of the series overall. It originally aired on October 29, 2009. The episode's story was written by Andrew Kreisberg and the teleplay by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. It was directed by Ernest Dickerson.
"Let the Right One In" is the 17th episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the 17th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on April 8, 2010. The episode's story was written by Brian Young and the teleplay by Julie Plec. It was directed by Dennis Smith.
Reviews of the second episode were generally more positive than the pilot. Travis Fickett of IGN described the episode, and the series as a whole, as "vampire mediocrity with a slight hint of potential". He compared the episode to the television series "Angel", saying it was "weaker on virtually every front". Jen Creer of TV Squad criticized the writing, but said she felt that Sophia Myles was doing a "decent job of developing her character and embracing the material". Carl Cortez of iFMagazine.com said this episode improved "leaps and bounds", and was a "step in the right direction". He gave the episode a 'C' rating, saying the direction was "lifeless" and the acting was "stilted". AOL TV placed the show in its list of TV's Biggest Guilty Pleasures.Syfy has acquired the rights to air the show. In summer 2010 The CW announced that it would air repeats of the show on Thursdays at 9:00 pm following "The Vampire Diaries" encores. The first episode aired on June 3 and attracted 1.41 million viewers and a 0.5 rating in adults 18-49. The repeat of the finale episode aired on August 26, 2010 and then the network removed it from the schedule.
"Bloodlines" is the eleventh episode of the first season of The CW television series "The Vampire Diaries", and the eleventh episode of the series overall. It originally aired on January 21, 2010. The episode's story was written by Sean Reycraft and the teleplay by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. It was directed by David Barrett.
The Secret Circle is a supernatural, young-adult series of books created by L. J. Smith. The narrative follows the character of Cassie Blake as she is initiated into a "Circle" of six other teenage witches and the danger that ensues when they accidentally unleash a dark force upon their town. Matters are further complicated when Cassie finds herself in a love triangle that threatens to tear the Circle apart.
On October 28, 2010 L. J. Smith announced that the series had been optioned for a TV series by The CW. On February 27, 2011, The CW picked up "The Secret Circle" with "Dawson's Creek" creator and "The Vampire Diaries" co-creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson attached. However, Williamson told The CW that "The Vampire Diaries" companion series he had been helming was put on hold as he did not have enough time for it. Williamson worked on an original script penned by Andrew Miller, creator of the Emmy-nominated web series "Imaginary Bitches", with writer credit shared by both men.
On February 16, 2011, "The Secret Circle" booked Liz Friedlander to direct the pilot. Friedlander also directed episodes for "The Vampire Diaries", "Pretty Little Liars", "90210" and "One Tree Hill".
The following is a table for the seasonal rankings based on average total estimated viewers per episode of The Vampire Diaries. "Rank" refers to how The Vampire Diaries rated compared to the other television series which aired during prime time hours.
"Blood Brothers" is the 20th episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the 20th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on April 29, 2010. The episode was written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec and directed by Liz Friedlander.
"A Few Good Men" is the 15th episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the 15th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on March 25, 2010. The episode was written by Brian Young and directed by Joshua Butler.
"I Know What You Did Last Summer" is the premiere episode of the fifth season of the American series "The Vampire Diaries", and the series' 90th episode overall. "I Know What You Did Last Summer" was originally aired on October 3, 2013, on The CW. The episode was written by Caroline Dries and directed by Lance Anderson.
Many TV critics felt the series improved with each episode. Sarah Hughes of The Independent says The Vampire Diaries turns into "a well-crafted, interestingly developed series" despite a poor opening episode.[23] The New York Post also praised the portrayal of Elena, finding the character to be a strong-minded woman who did not allow her feelings for her boyfriend to control her.[42] Karla Peterson of The San Diego Union-Tribune said that "the supernatural drama is a first-class production, featuring an insanely gorgeous cast, sharp scripts, and a brooding vibe that is hard for even the most levelheaded adult to resist."[43] Mike Hale of The New York Times gave the series an honorable mention on his list of the top TV shows of 2009.[44]
In August 2011, Holt was confirmed to be in the TV series "The Vampire Diaries" as Rebekah. On 13 January 2013, The CW announced that Holt had joined the cast for the backdoor pilot of "The Vampire Diaries" spin-off "The Originals", where she reprised her role as Rebekah Mikaelson. She exited the show as a series regular in the sixteenth episode of the first season, which aired in the U.S. on 11 March 2014. Holt returned to her role in the season one finale on 13 May 2014, and continued to periodically guest star on the series until its finale on 1 August 2018.
"The Birthday" is the first episode of the third season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the 45th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on September 15, 2011. The episode was written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec and directed by John Behring.
"Do You Remember the First Time?" is the 7th episode of the sixth season of the American series "The Vampire Diaries" and the series' 118th episode overall. "Do You Remember the First Time?" was originally aired on November 13, 2014, on The CW. The episode was written by Rebecca Sonnenshine and directed by Darren Genet.
Three trilogies followed: "The Secret Circle" (1992), "The Forbidden Game" (1994) and "Dark Visions" (1995). The first installment of "Night World" series was published in 1996, followed by eight more over the next two years. 
In 1998, Smith began a decade-long hiatus from writing, returning in 2008 with a new website and a series of new short stories. "The Vampire Diaries" series was reissued in 2007, followed by reprintings of "The Secret Circle" trilogy and "Night World" series in 2008–2009. "The Night of the Solstice" and "Heart of Valor" were also reissued in 2008. Three new "Vampire Diaries" installments were published in 2009 and 2010. The series was later adapted into a TV series ("The Vampire Diaries") in 2009, as well as "The Secret Circle", which became a TV series of the same name in 2011.
"Fool Me Once" is the 14th episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the 14th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on February 11, 2010. The episode was written by Brett Conrad and directed by Marcos Siega.
"The Vampire Diaries" is an American fantasy-drama television series which was first broadcast on The CW from 2009 to 2017, airing 171 episodes over 8 seasons. Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec adapted the TV series from L.J. Smith's novel series of the same name. Some of the characters appeared in the spin-off series, "The Originals".
"Lost Girls" is the sixth episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the sixth episode of the series overall. It originally aired on October 15, 2009. The episode was written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec and directed by Marcos Siega.
"Children of the Damned" is the thirteenth episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the thirteenth episode of the series overall. It originally aired on February 4, 2010. The episode was written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec and directed by Marcos Siega.
"The Originals," a spin-off from "The Vampire Diaries," centers around three of the Mikaelson siblings: Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), and Rebekah (Claire Holt). The Mikaelson family is called "the Originals" as they are the first vampires to ever exist. Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson is a descendant of a witch and a werewolf, and his quest to unleash his hybrid nature was detailed in "The Vampire Diaries". The backdoor pilot, which aired on April 25, 2013, also revealed that the werewolf Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) is pregnant with Klaus's child. The series begins with the Original siblings returning to the city of New Orleans for the first time since 1919, where a pregnant Hayley has also settled. Having originally built the city, they had been forced to abandon it when fleeing from their vengeful father. In their absence, Klaus's protégé, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), took charge of the city. Klaus resolves that they must take down Marcel and get back the city that once belonged to them. While doing that they must also protect their city from a war brewing between vampires, werewolves, and witches. Over time, new and old friendships are formed, love is in the air, death surrounds them, and the Originals learn more about their own family past. The first season describes how Klaus's mystical child is going to be born and speaks of the threats that the Originals together must keep her safe from. The second season deals with the return of Klaus and his siblings' parents, and the arrival of an aunt who threatens the baby's life. The third season shows the Mikaelsons facing both a prophecy that speaks of their downfall, and the first-sired vampires who have wanted revenge for a millennium. The fourth season jumps ahead five years, with the Mikaelsons returning to New Orleans and having to face a reawakened ancient menace set on destroying anything in its path. The fifth and final season of the series takes place seven years after the fourth season, with Hope now being a teenager at a school for supernatural children, the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted.On January 11, 2013, it was announced that a backdoor pilot focused on the Originals, starring Joseph Morgan as Klaus and titled "The Originals" would air sometime in April for a potential series pick-up for the 2013–2014 season. On April 26, 2013, "The Originals" was confirmed for a full series. This second spin-off attempt will be overseen by Julie Plec, with no involvement by Kevin Williamson. "The Originals" was officially picked up by The CW on April 26, 2013, for the 2013–14 season. Season one of "The Originals" was set to premiere on Tuesday, October 15. However, on July 29, 2013, The CW announced that the series premiere would instead air on October 3, 2013, following the fifth-season premiere of "The Vampire Diaries" in order to attract fans of the series. On October 10, 2013, the CW ordered three additional scripts for the series. On November 11, 2013, the CW decided to order a full season for "The Originals".
On January 11, 2013, it was announced that a back-door pilot of "The Vampire Diaries" entitled "The Originals" focusing on the Original family of vampires was in the works. The pilot aired in April 2013 as part of "The Vampire Diaries" fourth season. It was soon after picked up for series by The CW, which will air its first season in the 2013–14 season. Joseph Morgan reprises his role as Klaus. It also stars "The Vampire Diaries" actors Daniel Gillies, Claire Holt and Phoebe Tonkin as well as new cast members. This second spin-off attempt is carried out by Julie Plec, with no involvement by Kevin Williamson.
"Pilot" is the pilot episode of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries", as well as the first episode of the series. It originally aired on Thursday, September 10, 2009. The teleplay was written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec and it directed by Marcos Siega.
The Originals is an American television series that began airing on The CW on October 3, 2013. Created as a spin-off of "The Vampire Diaries," the series follows vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson as he and his family become embroiled in the supernatural politics of New Orleans. 
"Isobel" is the 21st episode of the first season of The CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and the 21st episode of the series overall. It originally aired on May 6, 2010. The episode was written by Caroline Dries and Brian Young and directed by J. Miller Tobin.