The premiere of The Vampire Diaries drew 4.9 million live viewers—respectable, but not a smash. However, the DVR and repeat viewings were massive. Word of mouth spread about the shocking ending and the chemistry of the cast. Within eight episodes, the show was a cultural juggernaut.
Upon its release, the pilot episode smashed records for The CW. It drew in , making it the network's most-watched series premiere at the time. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Ep 1
A breakdown of the used in this episode