How to watch 'The Vampire Diaries' from anywhere in the world

Missing Elena, Damon and Stefan? Our 'how to watch The Vampire Diaries' will get you all caught up with the vampy crew

"The Vampire Diaries" Season 2 (2010-2011) Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder
(Image credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)

If you've been missing one of the steamiest love triangles on TV, don't fret: here's how to watch The Vampire Diaries online so you can get your Elena, Damon and Stefan. 

When we caught wind of everything that was leaving Netflix US in September 2022, one title, in particular, had us in mourning: all eight seasons of our favorite vampy CW series would be departing the streaming platform because the show's licensing window expired. (Sadly for British fans, it also left Netflix UK in December 2022.)

How could we go on without those swoon-worthy Salvatore brothers (Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley)? What about those nights when we simply need to rewatch a.k.a sob to that moment when Damon (Somerhalder) finally confessed his love to Elena (Nina Dobrev) and then erased her memory?

Well, luckily the TV gods are on our side because The Vampire Diaries still is available to stream. Here's how to watch the steamy supernatural series online. 

How to watch 'The Vampire Diaries' online:

How to watch 'The Vampire Diaries' in the US

Fans didn't have to wait too long for The Vampire Diaries to pop up on a streaming platform. After it was removed from Netflix on September 3, 2022, all eight seasons and 171 episodes of the show have since popped up on both HBO Max and Peacock. 

This means that those living in the US can now watch the entire The Vampire Diaries box set if they have an HBO Max account. An ad-supported monthly subscription currently costs $9.99 monthly (or get billed $99.99 per year for 16% annual savings) and a commercial-free plan is priced at $15.99 per month (or $149.99 per year to save 20% annually). 

You're also in luck if you have a Peacock membership. Get a Premium plan, a.k.a. "80,000+ hours of great entertainment," for $4.99 per month or upgrade to an ad-free experience with a Premium Plus plan for $9.99 monthly. 

How to watch 'The Vampire Diaries' from anywhere

If you're not in the US right now, you don't have to miss out on one moment of vampy fun. You can also watch The Vampire Diaries online from anywhere with the magic use of a VPN. 

When you're outside the country, streaming platforms like HBO Max and Peacock often block you from using your subscription service. But a simple solution is to use a VPN service, which changes your IP address on your computer, or smart device, allowing you to continue to keep up with your favorite shows when you're away from home.

The VPN service we prefer is ExpressVPN, rated as the best in the world by our colleagues at TechRadar. It's simple to use, it's super secure, there's a no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee and, if you sign up for an annual plan, you'll get an extra three months absolutely free...

Here's how to get started with a VPN:

  1. First off, you need to make sure you have an HBO Max or Peacock account so you can log in once your VPN is set up.
  2. Then, download ExpressVPN, using the easy-to-follow instructions (you can get 49% off, three months free and there's a 100% risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee).
  3. Once you've installed your VPN, open the app and select your server location as anywhere in the United States
  4. With your ExpressVPN installed and your location set to the United States, head to HBO Max or Peacock, log in and follow the instructions to stream all eight seasons of The Vampire Diaries.
Christina Izzo

Christina Izzo is the Deputy Editor of My Imperfect Life. 


More generally, she is a writer-editor covering food and drink, travel, lifestyle and culture in New York City. She was previously the Features Editor at Rachael Ray In Season and Reveal, as well as the Food & Drink Editor and chief restaurant critic at Time Out New York


When she’s not doing all that, she can probably be found eating cheese somewhere.