How to watch 'The Vampire Diaries' online now that it's no longer on Netflix

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 that vampy CW classic, The Vampire Diaries, would be departing the streaming platform because the show's licensing window expired. (Note: It is still available on Netflix UK, for you lucky Brits, and TVD spinoffs including The Originals and Legacies are still available on Netflix US.) 

But where would we get our Mystic Falls fix? 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 sides, because The Vampire Diaries still is available to stream, albeit just not on Netflix US. 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, 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. A monthly subscription costs $14.99, allowing you to watch more than 10,000 hours of films, documentaries and TV shows from any connected device. And you get even better value for your money if you sign up for six months (opens in new tab)—at $69.99, it's a 20% saving on the regular monthly subscription cost.

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 (there's currently a sale for $1.99 per month, so act fast!), 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, don't worry. You can also watch The Vampire Diaries online 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 (opens in new tab), 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...

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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) 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.