‘The Vampire Diaries’ to end after 8 seasons

MANILA, Philippines – After 7 years, The Vampire Diaries announced that its 8th season will be its final one at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 23. 

The cast, led by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, attended Comic-Con with the producers. They confirmed the news during their panel. (WATCH: Carol Banawa’s ‘Bakit ‘Di Totohanin’ featured in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ scene)

Their announcement was accompanied by a video tribute.

#TheVampireDiaries at #WBSDCC! @cwtvd #TVD #SDCC pic.twitter.com/IhewYiYnrM

— Warner Bros. TV (@warnerbrostv) July 23, 2016

In the video, executive producer Kevin Williamson shared how the show came to life when he was going through his darkest moments. 

“This show originated out of a very dark time in my life,” he said. “Someone had died and I was in grief. My best friend Julie was like, ‘You need to work again. You need to write again.’ And this book, The Vampire Diaries…“

Paul, who played Stefan, said: “Doing 22 episodes a year for 7 years, I really think it shaped me to who I am today. And I hope I can retain that sense of gratitude and humility. That’s the thing I’m really trying to walk away with.”

Ian, who played Damon, meanwhile said: “We’re extremely lucky to have the most incredible fans, and they express it in decibel level.”

First aired in September 2009, The Vampire Diaries initially revolved around Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) who met and fell in love with Stefan (Paul Wesley). Stefan’s brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder) returned to seek revenge on him but later begins to fall for Elena who resembled his past love, Katherine Pierce.

In 2015 after 6 seasons, Nina Dobrev announced she was leaving the show.  

The final season of The Vampire Diaries airs on October 21. – Rappler.com