Last Friday night, while out for cocktails, I got into a heated discussion with one friend who just did NOT understand why I was so passionate about The Vampire Diaries and on the way home it occurred to me: maybe I’ve just forgotten to tell her! So I made a list. Because EVERYONE who is not watching this gem of a television show should know what they’re missing!

1. 1. Faster Than a Speeding Bullet – The Vampire Diaries is not your grandmother’s teen drama. Or maybe it is. I have no idea what your grandmother watches. What I mean is, while watching this roller-coaster of a show, I am white knuckling through every twist and turn, going Mach 10 with my hair on fire. And while we do get just as many tender-hearted moments as we need, more happens in one episode of TVD than I’ve seen happen in entire seasons of other television shows. This one moves fast y’all!
2. 2. Emmy Doesn’t Know What She’s Missing – Even if a television show has the most intricately woven plot ever created by humans, it will fail to be epic if the actors portraying the characters have zero talent.  Not a problem here on The Vampire Diaries. The young cast delivers mind blowing performances each and every episode, making every one of the characters so complex that you find yourself rooting even for the ones you love to hate!
3. 3. So Much Pretty – Did I forget to mention that this cast is not only supremely talented but also VERY easy on the eyes? Great story and great talent can only get you so far, especially on The CW. But no matter what your tastes are, this show has something for you! We’ve got abs galore and luscious locks for days. I dare you to find one person in Mystic Falls without a twinkle in their eye!
4. 4. HA HA HA! *sadface* – You want jokes? We got jokes! We’ve got all kinds of jokes! One liners, pop culture references, remarks about hair height. You name it. TVD does a phenomenal job of not taking itself too seriously. Of course my favorite jokes are the ones about eating people, which really shouldn’t be that funny except that they totally are. And when you’ve had enough laughs, this show knows how to break hearts all too well. Over and over again. A million different ways, into a million different pieces. But – if neither light hearts nor broken ones are really your thing . . .
5. 5. They Rip The Hearts Right Out – Sometimes two at a time. One of the best things about TVD is that it is never afraid to go dark and get scary. What fun is a vampire story without a little blood and few foggy nights? And where is the drama if there is no chance of losing someone you love? Make no mistake here. Nightmares are likely and sometimes death is forever.
6. 6. It’s Complicated – The Vampire Diaries has every type of relationship there is. Lovers and friends, siblings and parents and of course exes and bros (duh). Some of the relationships are hundreds of years old, some brand new. All complicated. And each and every one positively delightful! There is never a shortage of leers, smiles, screams, shoves, slaps, kisses or hugs (shirtless or otherwise). Only characters really passionate about each other react the way that they do every day in Mystic Falls.
7. 7. A Tale As Old As Time – Though The Vampire Diaries has once or twice fallen victim to a plot device or some magic of convenience, the overarching mythology is incredibly rich and complex. Unlike other shows in the genre, each piece of the story fits neatly together like an elaborate 3D puzzle where they only let you have one section at a time. If there appears to be a section not quite finished, it isn’t because they forgot to complete it – you just haven’t received the pieces yet.
8. 8. Come Go With Me – While the labyrinthine plotlines and intense drama suck you right in, the easy way in which they flow will take you to a whole other place. TVD is television escapism at its finest, because despite the darkness and danger, they have created a beautiful world filled with beautiful people that some would quite willingly die to be a part of.
9. 9. Read My Lips – If you don’t watch The Vampire Diaries, there is a good chance that you don’t read Vampire Diaries recaps either. Boy, are you missing out. This has quite easily become one of my favorite parts of being a fan of this show. TVD has attracted some of the smartest, most hilarious and most talented writers who love to break down and discuss its every minute detail, leading to an entire extra layer of greatness. Trust me, read as many as you can; there is a wealth of TVD enrichment right at your fingertips.
10. 10. This Is The Best One Yet – We of the TVD Family are fast approaching the midway point of the third season, and I don’t think there’s been a week yet where I haven’t adamantly proclaimed, “This was the best episode ever!” And I still don’t think I’ve been wrong. Every time I believe this show has maxed out its AWESOME card it finds a way to charge more.  And from what I’ve seen and heard of what is still to come, this fun rocket is far from low on fuel.

If I still haven’t convinced you, go and see for yourself. The first two seasons of The Vampire Diaries are now streaming live on Netflix any time you’re ready to watch. And if after the first 5 episodes you aren’t thirsty for more, I will print and eat this list. If you are reading this and already a big fan of TVD, share it with someone you love who hasn’t been clued in yet! The holiday season is coming soon, and I could think of no better gift than to get someone you love hopelessly addicted to this masterpiece they will then obsess over through every waking minute. And then we can welcome them to the club.

The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 9:00 PM EST on The CW