The Originals
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Originals
The Originals is a supernatural drama series that aired on The CW, serving as a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. It centers on the Mikaelson family, the world's original vampires and vampire-werewolf hybrids, as they navigate the complex supernatural politics and ancient feuds of New Orleans' French Quarter. The series primarily follows Klaus Mikaelson as he strives to reclaim his city, protect his hybrid daughter, Hope, and deal with his complicated family dynamics, including his siblings Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol. The show delves into themes of family loyalty, redemption, power struggles, and the constant battle between various supernatural factions like vampires, witches, and werewolves. Known for its intense storylines and dark fantasy elements, The Originals is generally aimed at a mature young adult audience due to its prevalent themes of violence, occult practices, and complex romantic relationships.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series features prominent LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, contributing significantly to the plot. While celebrated for its representation, some narrative choices have drawn criticism from fans regarding the treatment of these characters. The content includes established same-sex relationships and characters who are openly gay or bisexual.
Joshua Rosza is introduced as an openly gay vampire character early in Season 1. His relationship with werewolf Aiden is a significant storyline, with them becoming public despite the risks in their supernatural world. Aiden is brutally murdered in Season 2 by Dahlia, an event that drew criticism as an example of the 'bury your gays' trope. Freya Mikaelson, a powerful witch, is established as bisexual in Season 4 and develops a romantic relationship with Keelin, a werewolf and ER doctor. Their relationship progresses through the series, culminating in a wedding.
Violence
The show is characterized by frequent and graphic supernatural violence, including brutal murders, dismemberment, and intense physical confrontations between vampires, werewolves, and witches. Blood and gore are regularly depicted, with deaths often being central to the plot.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romantic and sexual themes are prevalent, often featuring passionate encounters, suggestive dialogue, and implied sexual activity. Relationships are complex, sometimes incestuous (in a broad sense due to close family bonds and shared history, e.g., Rebekah and Marcel, Klaus and Hayley), and frequently intertwine with violence and betrayal. While explicit nudity is rare, sexual tension and mature romantic situations are common.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult practices are central to the series, depicting various forms of magic including ancestral channeling, dark magic, and sacrificial rituals. Witches draw power from deceased ancestors, perform spells, and engage in practices that overtly defy Christian teachings on the spiritual realm and morality. These elements are not merely background but drive major plotlines and character conflicts.
Scary & Intense Content
The show incorporates horror elements and maintains a consistently intense and suspenseful atmosphere. It features frightening antagonists, disturbing magical curses, and sudden, shocking moments, contributing to its dark fantasy genre. The psychological toll of immortality and constant threats also creates sustained tension.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are core themes, particularly within the Mikaelson family dynamic. Characters frequently defy authority, exhibit defiant attitudes, and engage in verbal sparring. The narrative often revolves around power struggles and insubordination against established leaders, even within familial bonds.
Anti-Christian Themes
The series' core premise and many of its supernatural elements directly contradict Christian theological principles. It features beings that defy natural death and reproduction, practices black magic, ancestral worship, and presents a moral landscape where 'sacred ground' is a concept but easily circumvented or explicitly opposed.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 16+ due to pervasive intense supernatural violence, graphic depictions of blood and death, frequent mature themes including complex romantic and sexual relationships, strong occult and witchcraft practices, and instances of strong language. The show's mature content and dark themes are consistent throughout its five seasons, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Good to Know
The show's serialization means that themes and character arcs develop and intensify over multiple seasons. Younger audiences might struggle with the complex, often morally ambiguous relationships and the constant cycle of violence, betrayal, and temporary alliances. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to the mature subject matter and dark tone.
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