Today, Buffy The Vampire Slayer celebrates 20 years of slaying! Originally debuting on the WB Network on March 10, 1997, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as the lead, Buffy Summers. But that wasn’t the first time we saw our favorite heroine! Buffy originally appeared on the big screen in July 1992 in the movie version of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, played by Kristy Swanson. Though the TV show and movie are certainly different, I’m still a huge of fan of both!
Thanks to Gail Berman, (who owned the rights to the movie), who had the bright idea to turn the movie into a TV series, and teamed up with Joss Whedon, the creator, writer and director of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, fans like me were able to watch Buffy slay vampires and kick butt on the small screen from 1997-2003.
The show was not only badass, it had turned Buffy into a symbol for young women across the nation. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to defend herself against the evil in the world. Buffy, along with the rest of the crew (Cordelia, Tara, Willow, Angel and Spike) resonated with young people because they fought inner teenage angst during the day at school (as per usual!) then fought the forces of evil (basically real life teenage problems right?).
What I loved most about the show was of course the supernatural aspects, but also loved all the real life teenage issues, like love, sports, and bullying that the show tackled. The casting director also did an amazing job selecting actors—I mean, David Boreanaz as Angel was everything. I loved the chemistry that he and Sarah shared on the screen, it made their forbidden relationship that much more intriguing. I got all the feels, when Angel left the show and Buffy ended up with Spike (sigh). But, I think I was low-key kind of into that hot and dark pairing between Buffy and Spike (I still love you though, Angel!).
I didn’t realize it back then, but I never thought about how groundbreaking it was to have strong women and LGBT characters on the small screen. I’m very impressed by how the producers and writers were able to normalize those characters. Re-watching the series today as an adult I find myself picking up on so many new things I missed when I watched as a young person.
I’m celebrating 20 years of Buffy slaying by allowing myself to binge watch the show on Netflix this weekend and swoon over my favorite moments and relationships on the show! If you’re wondering what they are, it’s basically any moments with Buffy and Angel, and Tara and Willow!
I also might be stalking the Internet trying to locate that Buffy inspired leather trench in my size! If you have any tips on where I can locate one, please do comment or ping me on Twitter. 🙂
How will you be celebrating 20 years of Buffy The Vampire Slayer?
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