For seven captivating years, I found myself immersed in a cult classic centered around a Slayer, her geeky best friend, and a boy with the unique ability to see what others could not. Alongside them were a popular girl, an ex-demon, a werewolf boyfriend, an ethereal sister, a witch, and more. This ensemble also included the Slayer’s mother and the dashing Watcher, portrayed by the charming Anthony Stewart. This was the era before vampires became mainstream; Anne Rice had been the primary voice of vampirism. Yet, the vampires and the Slayer, accompanied by their new-age Scooby gang, were utterly fascinating. The sharp dialogue kept me coming back for more.
In my younger dating days, I had a few deal-breakers. I wouldn’t date anyone who weighed less than me, anyone shorter than six feet, or anyone who couldn’t articulate well in writing. Poor spelling and grammar had derailed many potential relationships. Conversely, a well-written note could easily make me overlook a guy’s height or weight—like my husband, whom I met before he hit the gym. The mastermind behind Buffy, Joss Whedon, is one of my favorite writers. His storytelling was consistently clever, profound, and empowering for young women. All the female characters were depicted as strong and capable. I plan to introduce my youngest to this series when she’s older; there are invaluable life lessons within its narrative.
So, for parents of teens and tweens, here are several reasons why watching Buffy together is a must. (In no particular order.)
1) Whedon Captures the Struggles of Adolescence
Joss Whedon perfectly illustrated the trials of high school life by placing Sunnydale High on the Hellmouth. Each morning, as I dropped my teen off for what seemed like a hellish freshman year, I often wished I could equip him with a stake or some holy water to ward off his metaphorical demons. The show cleverly personifies the anxieties of adolescence through monsters and bizarre scenarios, helping kids understand feelings like isolation and the desire for acceptance. After binge-watching the series with my son, we engaged in meaningful discussions about friendships, trust, love, and the realities of life—topics that are rarely addressed in media about monsters.
2) Consequences Matter
Actions taken early in the series often ripple through later seasons. The show demonstrates that choices, especially regarding relationships and intimacy, carry weighty consequences. It emphasizes that we are not alone in our decisions; our actions affect those around us, sometimes in unforeseen ways.
3) Intelligent Adults Exist
While I found Buffy’s mother to be somewhat vexing, she genuinely cared for her daughter—a sentiment that resonates with many parents. Giles, Buffy’s Watcher, defied the stereotype of the clueless adult. His love for Buffy combined wisdom with warmth, illustrating that adult figures can be both knowledgeable and relatable.
4) Stay Engaged
This isn’t a show you can casually drop in and out of. Paying attention is crucial, as the plot threads are intricately woven. Characters introduced in early episodes often resurface with greater significance later on. I loved rewatching and discovering subtle hints that foreshadowed future developments—another testament to exceptional writing.
5) Labels Don’t Define Us
Despite being titled Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, the series delves into deeper themes of identity and connection, especially through Buffy’s relationships with vampires. It’s a poignant reminder that we must look beyond surface-level labels to understand the complexities of individuals.
6) Strength in Numbers
Buffy learns that, while she is the Chosen One, she doesn’t have to face her battles alone. Her strength grows through collaboration with her friends, demonstrating the importance of community and support. Teens need to see that everyone experiences heartbreak and betrayal at some point—it’s how we navigate these challenges that shapes our character.
7) Love is Powerful
In my favorite season finale, love—not flashy powers or magic—ultimately saves the world. It’s essential to discuss the evolution of love with teens as they transition from parental love to romantic relationships. The show provides a springboard for these conversations, allowing us to explore the nuances of love together.
If committing to the entire series seems daunting, I recommend starting with the episodes “Hush” and “Once More, With Feeling.” “Hush” stands out as an eerie masterpiece, while “Once More, With Feeling” showcases the series’ groundbreaking musical episode that both entertains and advances the plot.
In summary, Buffy the Vampire Slayer serves as a valuable resource for parents and teens alike, offering lessons on relationships, consequences, and the importance of love and friendship.