The Vampire Diaries: Season 3
The third season of The Vampire Diaries continues the overarching saga across twenty-two episodes. The dramatic science fiction and fantasy series follows the narrative arc established in the ongoing story of two vampire brothers who are obsessed with the same woman, exploring their complex relationships and supernatural conflicts. As the drama unfolds, the characters navigate the dangerous and intricate world of Mys
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series focuses on two vampire brothers obsessed with the same woman.
- The narrative is set within an overarching saga encompassing drama, science fiction, and fantasy elements.
- The television program carries a TV-14 rating.
- The story continues directly into a twenty-two episode season following previous events.
Season overview
The third season of The Vampire Diaries continues the overarching saga across twenty-two episodes. The dramatic science fiction and fantasy series follows the narrative arc established in the ongoing story of two vampire brothers who are obsessed with the same woman, exploring their complex relationships and supernatural conflicts. As the drama unfolds, the characters navigate the dangerous and intricate world of Mystic Falls, facing new threats, personal revelations, and the enduring consequences of their immortal lives. The season builds upon the established mythology of the television program, presenting viewers with continuing developments in the lives of vampires, humans, and other supernatural beings. Through its twenty-two episodes, the series maintains its focus on romance, mystery, and supernatural action, all tied to the central premise of the two brothers and their shared obsession. The narrative draws on the established background of the characters as they confront challenges that test their loyalties and force them to make difficult choices regarding their survival and relationships.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
The Birthday
Sep 15, 2011
On the morning of Elena’s 18th birthday, Caroline is busy planning a party, but Elena is focused on searching for any clues that might help her discover where Stefan is. Damon is a
The Hybrid
Sep 22, 2011
Klaus puts a plan in motion that will give him even more power, but even with the unwilling participation of werewolf Ray Sutton, things don’t go exactly as Klaus had planned. Damo
The End of the Affair
Sep 29, 2011
Klaus and Stefan arrive in Chicago, where Stefan is reunited with a vampire who hasn't really moved on from her interest in him decades earlier. In a flashback to Chicago in the 19
Disturbing Behavior
Oct 6, 2011
Still in Chicago, Klaus uses Gloria, a witch he knew long ago, to help him track down missing information that will explain why his plan isn’t working. Gloria’s spells reveal intri
The Reckoning
Oct 13, 2011
Despite all that has happened, Caroline is determined to see that Elena, Bonnie, Matt and Tyler all enjoy a traditional Senior Prank Night before the school year begins at Mystic F
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Oct 20, 2011
On the first day of their senior year, Elena, Caroline, Bonnie and Matt are still reeling from recent events, while Tyler seems to be enjoying everything a little too much. Damon i
Ghost World
Oct 27, 2011
As Mystic Falls prepares to celebrate the traditional Illumination Night, the town is invaded by spirits of the dead. After a particularly violent encounter with an angry spirit, D
Ordinary People
Nov 3, 2011
With help from Elena and Bonnie, Alaric tries to decipher the meaning behind his recent discovery Elena and Rebekah engage in a mean-girl power struggle, until Rebekah finally reve
Homecoming
Nov 10, 2011
On the night of the Homecoming dance, Rebekah opens up to Elena about why the evening is so important to her, leaving Elena with conflicting emotions. Caroline and Matt are both sh
The New Deal
Jan 5, 2012
Stefan has hidden the coffins containing the bodies of Klaus’ family, and Klaus quickly turns to violence to convince Damon and Elena that no one will be safe until he finds Stefan
Our Town
Jan 12, 2012
Although Caroline is in no mood to celebrate her 18th birthday, Elena, Bonnie and Matt surprise her with a small party in an unusual location. Damon and Stefan disagree on the best
The Ties That Bind
Jan 19, 2012
Bonnie believes her recurring dreams about Klaus’ coffins will tell her how he can be killed. The dreams also lead Bonnie to a reunion with her mother, Abby, whom Bonnie hasn’t see
Bringing Out the Dead
Feb 2, 2012
Sheriff Forbes delivers some disturbing news to Alaric and Elena about the weapon used in a recent murder. In the Salvatore brothers’ escalating quest to kill Klaus, Stefan turns t
Dangerous Liaisons
Feb 9, 2012
Elena is surprised to receive an invitation to a formal ball, and when Damon and Stefan hear the party is being hosted at Klaus’s newly renovated mansion, they both insist on atten
All My Children
Feb 16, 2012
After starting her day with a startling discovery of Damon’s latest indiscretion, Elena is frustrated to find that none of her friends agree with her on how they should react to th
1912
Mar 15, 2012
The present-day murders in Mystic Falls remind Damon of a similar crime spree a century earlier. In flashbacks to 1912, Damon recalls a beautiful vampire, Sage, who showed him a wh
Break On Through
Mar 22, 2012
A century after their first encounter, Damon and Sage meet again at the ceremony to kick-off the restoration of Wickery Bridge. Damon is surprised to learn the reason Sage has retu
The Murder of One
Mar 29, 2012
Damon and Stefan focus a new project that will bring them closer to destroying Klaus, and they quickly bring Elena, Caroline and Matt in on the plan. After Klaus threatens someone
Heart of Darkness
Apr 19, 2012
Elena and Damon set off together to make sure Jeremy is safe in Denver, and to see if his special abilities can help reveal the information they need about ancient vampire bloodlin
Do Not Go Gentle
Apr 26, 2012
Alaric finds an unexpected ally to guide him on his dangerous new path, while Damon and Meredith try to figure out what their next move should be. At the school’s 1920s Decade Danc
Before Sunset
May 3, 2012
Klaus acts on his intentions to leave town with Elena, but finds resistance from a surprising new enemy. Bonnie calls on Abby to help her with a difficult spell. As events spiral o
The Departed
May 10, 2012
Determined to protect his sister, Jeremy makes a decision that will change everything. In the harsh reality of the present situation, Elena longs for simpler times when her parents