Though updates on theBuffy The Vampire Slayerreboot TV show have been exciting, the existing fantasy series that were inspired by the iconic supernatural show shouldn’t be overlooked.Grimm, the horror-fairy tale procedural that aired from 2011 to 2017, is an incredible successor toBuffy, following in the footsteps of the series' style and format. It makes sense that there are so many similarities between the projects, asthe producer David Greenwalt worked on both,lending his expertise and experience from theBuffyuniverse to craft the world ofGrimm.
All the seasons ofGrimmevolve and are in conversation with iconic fantasy TV shows likeBuffy. WhileBuffystarred Sarah Michelle Gellar as the series' chosen one, Buffy,Grimmfollows David Giuntoli as Nick Burkhardt, a detectivewho discovers he’s descended from a long line of the eponymous Grimms. This gives him the ability to see and fight the monsters of the show’s universe, similar to Buffy. After finishing a rewatch or first viewing ofBuffy,Grimmmakes the perfect follow-up in terms of both character and story.
5Buffy & Grimm Share The Monster-Of-The-Week Format
Each show takes this procedural formula and expands on it
BuffyandGrimmboast an average of 22 episodes a season, with the first season ofBuffyand the final season ofGrimmon the shorter side. Unlike many modern fantasy TV shows,BuffyandGrimmhave the opportunity to use these longer seasons to expand their stories,as well as to include more episodes that could be considered filler or standalone stories. However, these so-called filler narratives boast exciting monsters and critical character development that serves to uplift the season-long arcs of both series.
Thanks to their structures,BuffyandGrimmspend lots of time allowing the audience to get to know the characters and understand the rules of the fantasy world.
Grimm, likeBuffy, sees Nick battle a new monster most weeks and rely on his team to solve a new mystery in each episode, but this doesn’t mean the overarching plot of a season is overlooked.BuffyandGrimmfind a balance between the traditional procedural format and the long-form storytelling that’s so popular today. Thanks to their structures,BuffyandGrimmspend lots of time allowing the audience to get to know the characters and understand the rules of the fantasy world.
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4Both Grimm & Buffy Are In Conversation With Fairy Tales & Legends
Building interesting lore and exploring fantastical legends are critical for Buffy and Grimm
The concept of the Slayer and the Grimms are similar chosen one narratives and lend similar pressures and powers to Nick and Buffy. While their experiences are different, Buffy and Nick have a lot of similarities and must grapple with the weight of the world on their shoulders throughout the series, as well as keeping their secret. In each episode, Buffy and Nick face off with a new monster or demon. WhileGrimmtouches upon fairy tales more thanBuffydoes,the way the villains and adversaries are otherworldly across the board.
There are many ways for the fantasy genre to manifest onscreen, and it doesn’t have to be through monster hunting, butGrimmandBuffyboth make a case for this style of storytelling. One thing thatBuffyfans will likely appreciate aboutGrimmis the fact thatthe monsters are visually similar and that the show still relies on practical effectsin many cases. BothGrimmandBuffyarelong fantasy TV shows that are worth the commitmentand retain their commitment to adventure and excitement throughout.
3There’s An Overlap Between Actors & Character Arcs
It’s fun to see the crossover between the talent and writing on Grimm and Buffy
DavidGreenwalt isn’t the only person to work on bothGrimmandBuffy, as there is some overlap in actors as well. Alexis Denisof plays both Wesley onBuffyand Prince Viktor onGrimm.It’s not uncommon for actors who work in the fantasy genre to be consistently cast in roleson different shows. Writers and viewers are used to seeing performers like Denisof work within the genre sphere. It’s unsurprising that there’s an overlap betweenGrimm,Buffy, and many similar projects.
I Love Buffy The Vampire Slayer, But These 10 Episodes Didn’t Fit The Rest Of The Series
Though Buffy is a beloved fantasy TV show for a reason, that doesn’t mean there aren’t episodes that stand out, and not always in a good way.
Bailey Chase, another recurring actor onBuffy, appeared onGrimm, cementing the connection between the two shows. However, it’s not just in the casting that we see a connection.The character development inGrimmandBuffyare comparable as well,and not just in Nick and Buffy’s arcs. There are notable archetypes besides the chosen one inBuffyandGrimm, as the characters in each show face issues of balancing their normal lives and destinies and grapple with finding a relationship within a dangerous world.
2The Shows Blend The Supernatural & Horror Genres
Buffy fans will enjoy the atmosphere and tone of Grimm
It’s not surprising thatGrimmfollowsBuffy’s example of interweaving horror with the supernatural, as these genres typically go hand in hand. However,the way thatBuffyandGrimmfind equally successful balances between the darkness and lightof their narratives is what keeps audiences so interested. Tone and pacing are two aspects of a TV show that are difficult to perfect.Buffy’s skill in maintaining its style so consistently is what has cemented the series' legacy and inspired so many fantasy shows that came after it.
Even when the villains seem unbeatable and the stakes are high, the shows return to the importance of the friends and allies who surround Nick and Buffy in their time of need.
Buffy’s influence can be felt throughoutGrimm, and though both series were on network television, this didn’t stop them from infusing plenty of thrilling tension into the fabric of their stories.Buffy and Grimmare bothfantasy TV shows with strong mystery elements, which is a large part of what draws fans to both series. Even when the villains seem unbeatable and the stakes are high, the shows return to the importance of the friends and allies who surround Nick and Buffy in their time of need.
1Grimm & Buffy The Vampire Slayer Share A Witty Style & Sense Of Humor
The snappy dialogue and dynamic writing of Grimm will appeal to Buffy fans
One of the key differences betweenBuffyandGrimmis the fact thatBuffybegins its story in high school and focuses on a younger demographic throughout the early seasons. InGrimm, we meet Nick well into adulthood when he’s established in his career and life, which inherently differentiates the shows' formats. However, this doesn’t mean thatGrimmis any less sharp and funny when it needs to be.The tone isn’t purely serious or comedic,and the show is unafraid to lean into both aspects when the story calls for it.
10 Most Powerful Monsters In Grimm, Ranked
Grimm was one of the most interesting procedurals on television, with enough terrifying monsters to fill six seasons of fantasy mystery.
Within the fantasy genre, having a sense of humor is critical since the otherworldly elements can get a little out there in bothGrimmandBuffy. The basic building blocks ofGrimmandBuffyare very similar, but the shared style and sensibilities of the writing are what makeGrimmthe ideal series to dive into after watchingBuffy. Like Buffy, Nick infuses plenty of dark humor into his character and work as a Grimm, cementing the connection betweenGrimmandBuffy The Vampire Slayer.
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