Should I Watch Buffy The Vampire Slayer Or Angel First?

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe has captivated audiences for decades with its compelling storytelling, dynamic characters, and supernatural intrigue. With the original Buffy series spanning seven seasons and its spinoff Angel running for five, fans new to the franchise often find themselves asking the same question: Which series should I watch first? While the answer may seem straightforward at first glance, the timeline of the two shows creates a unique viewing experience that can be approached in multiple ways.

At its core, Buffy laid the foundation for the world and characters that Angel later expanded upon. However, since Angel began airing alongside Buffy Season 4, the best way to experience the entire story as intended is by following an alternating episode order. This method ensures that crossover episodes and interwoven storylines make the most sense. Here’s a breakdown of why Buffy should be watched first and how to proceed once Angel enters the picture.

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Start With Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The best way to enter the Buffyverse is by watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer from the beginning. The show, created by Joss Whedon, originally aired in 1997 and ran for seven seasons, introducing viewers to the titular heroine, Buffy Summers. As the Slayer, Buffy is chosen to battle supernatural forces, including vampires, demons, and other dark creatures. Alongside her friends, the Scooby Gang, she navigates high school, relationships, and life-or-death battles against the forces of darkness.

Watching Buffy first is crucial because it establishes the lore, character dynamics, and overarching themes that will carry over into Angel. Most importantly, it allows viewers to witness Angel’s development before his departure from Sunnydale at the end of Buffy Season 3. The brooding vampire with a soul played a significant role in the first three seasons of Buffy, making his spinoff more rewarding for those who have followed his journey up to that point.

For an optimal viewing experience, fans should watch Buffy Seasons 1-3 in their entirety before diving into Angel. This will provide full context for Angel’s character arc, as well as significant moments that shape the mythology of the Buffyverse.

Buffy Season 4 and Angel Season 1: Watching in Broadcast Order

Once you reach Buffy Season 4, the story branches off into two separate but interconnected series. Angel premiered in 1999, airing on The WB alongside Buffy Season 4. While both shows function as standalone narratives, they feature numerous crossover episodes that enhance the viewing experience when watched in tandem.

From this point on, the best way to experience both shows is by alternating between episodes in their original broadcast order. This means watching an episode of Buffy, then an episode of Angel, and so on. This method maintains the natural progression of events and allows for seamless transitions between crossover moments. Some key crossovers include:

• Buffy Season 4, Episode 8 (Pangs) and Angel Season 1, Episode 8 (I Will Remember You), where Angel secretly watches over Buffy before they share a bittersweet moment in Los Angeles.
• Buffy Season 4, Episode 20 (The Yoko Factor) and Angel Season 1, Episode 20 (Sanctuary), which depict an interconnected narrative involving Faith the Vampire Slayer.

Following this pattern continues through Buffy Season 7 and Angel Season 4, as characters and plotlines occasionally intersect. This approach ensures that you experience the full impact of these moments rather than being spoiled by events that were meant to unfold concurrently.

Should You Watch Angel After Buffy?

Since Buffy the Vampire Slayer concludes with its seventh season, many fans wonder whether they should continue with Angel afterward or watch both finales simultaneously. While Buffy reaches its epic conclusion in Season 7, Angel extends beyond that with its own independent narrative in Season 5.

If you’ve been alternating between Buffy and Angel episodes, you’ll finish both Buffy Season 7 and Angel Season 4 at roughly the same time. At this point, you have a choice: dive straight into Angel Season 5 or take a break before continuing. Since Angel Season 5 is self-contained and largely deals with the aftermath of Buffy, it works well as a final chapter to the Buffyverse.

Ultimately, the choice is up to the viewer, but watching Angel after Buffy offers a rewarding epilogue, especially since some key Buffy characters make appearances in Angel’s final season.

For the best experience, follow this order:

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Seasons 1-3 (watch all episodes before starting Angel)
2. Alternate between Buffy Season 4 and Angel Season 1
3. Continue alternating for Buffy Seasons 5-7 and Angel Seasons 2-4
4. After Buffy Season 7 ends, watch Angel Season 5 as a final send-off

By following this approach, you’ll get the most complete, immersive, and rewarding experience from both series. Watching Buffy first lays the foundation, and alternating from Season 4 onward maintains continuity while preserving the dramatic weight of key crossover moments.

So, should you watch Buffy or Angel first? The answer is clear: Start with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then integrate Angel as you progress. Doing so will ensure you experience the Buffyverse in the most satisfying way possible, just as it was originally aired.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Release Date

1997 – 2003

Network

The WB

Showrunner

Joss Whedon

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  Sarah Michelle Gellar

  Buffy Summers

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  Nicholas Brendon

  Alexander Harris

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  Alyson Hannigan

  Willow Rosenberg

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  Anthony Stewart Head

  Rupert Giles

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