The Vampire Diaries, an American supernatural drama, was officially renewed for a third season by the CW on April 26, 2011.

[24] Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, Leslie Morgenstein and Bob Levy are executive producers for the series.

[26] The series stars Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce, Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore, Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore, Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert, Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett, Candice Accola as Caroline Forbes, Zach Roerig as Matt Donovan, Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood, Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman and Joseph Morgan as Klaus.

[28] Australian actress, Claire Holt has been cast as Rebekah the sister of Klaus and Elijah, a beautiful vampire who had the pleasure of Stefan's company back in the early days when he was feasting on human blood.

[36] On November 16, 2011, it was announced that Robert Ri'chard was cast as Jamie a new love interest for resident witch Bonnie.

[40] On March 31, 2012, Sara Canning was confirmed to return as Jenna Sommers in a flashback in the last episode of the season, "The Departed".

[41] On April 9, 2012, Jason MacDonald and Erin Beute were confirmed as Elena's parents, will appear in a flashback in the last episode of the season.

Season three begins in the aftermath of Jenna's death and the ceremony which leads to the creation of Klaus being the first hybrid.

The site's critics consensus reads, "A bloody delight, The Vampire Diaries continues its winning run with its trademark twists, shocking deaths, and consistent character development.