When Does ‘Vampire Diaries’ End? Series Finale Air Date Revealed

“The Vampire Diaries” has officially set a date for the funeral. Season 8 was announced to be the drama’s swan song over the summer, but the CW only revealed the exact end date Wednesday. The drama, which is in its eighth season, will air its final episode in March.

Season 8, episode 16 will serve as the series finale. Showrunner Julie Plec hasn’t given away much about the show’s final hour, but the airdate is confirmed. “The Vampire Diaries” series finale will air Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m. EST.

Fans will have to say goodbye to “TVD” before that — but only temporarily. In December, the show will go on winter hiatus. The Salvatores will return in the midseason premiere on Feb. 10, and The CW will air a new episode each Friday through March 10.

That seems earlier than the vampire drama’s previous season finales because this season was shortened. “TVD” only has 16 episodes this year rather than the usual 22. That means Stefan (Paul Wesley) has even less time to save Damon (Ian Somerhalder). The bad boy brother has turned his humanity off to survive his new life as a slave. He works for the sirens and Cade (Wolé Parks) now, and he brings them wrongdoers to send to Hell.

Damon has officially gone off the deep end, something that Elena (Nina Dobrev) won’t be happy about when she wakes up. The character was cursed to be asleep for as long as Bonnie (Kat Graham) is alive, but the idea was always to bring the character back for the series finale. Plec has been open about this plan, but The CW still hasn’t revealed if Dobrev will return. The actress was confirmed to be talking to the network about the possibility in August, but no follow-up was announced.

In any case, other alums are coming back to “The Vampire Diaries” Season 8. Tyler (Michael Trevino) recently made a brief return, and Matt (Zach Roerig) seems to be back in the fold after a short absence.

More beloved vampires will return to the CW after “The Vampire Diaries” series finale airs. The following week, March 17, will host the Season 4 premiere of “The Originals.” Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and his family will be back from their extended break, and they’ll bring plenty of drama with them.