‘Vampire Diaries’ To Conclude After Eight Seasons

After eight seasons on The CW, the cast and executive producers of “The Vampire Diaries” announced during their panel at Saturday’s Comic-Con that the hit- show would soon come to an end.

“We have decided to do one last season to really do the story justice,” said star Ian Somerhalder earlier this year, while discussing Season 8.

“It’s so rare for a show to get to last this long, and what a privilege that Mark Pedowitz and Peter Roth have allowed us to choose the time to end the journey on our own creative terms,” said executive producer Julie Plec. “It’s been eight of the best years of my life. I will miss it terribly, but I’m so proud to be here to see it to its proper end.”

Co-creator Kevin Williamson announced at the panel that he would be returning as a writer for the final season.

“I feel so blessed to have been a part of ‘The Vampire Diaries’. It has been a magical, thrilling, life-changing experience,” said Williamson. “Working with Julie and our amazing cast and crew has been one of the highlights of my career and life. At its core, the show has always been about family and that’s what we have become behind the scenes as well — one big family. And while it’s sad to see it come to an end, I’m thrilled to be back and part of the final chapter.”

Star Nina Dobrev left the series as a full time character in Season 6, but had a cameo in Season 7. There is currently no word if Dobrev will return to her Elena Gilbert role in Season 8.

The final eighth 16-episode season of “The Vampire Diaries” will premiere Friday October 21st on The CW.