Though updates on the Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot 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 to Buffy, following in the footsteps of the series' style and format. It makes sense that there are so many similarities between the projects, as the producer David Greenwalt worked on both, lending his expertise and experience from the Buffy universe to craft the world of Grimm.
Grimm evolve and are in conversation with iconic fantasy TV shows like Buffy. While Buffy starred Sarah Michelle Gellar as the series' chosen one, Buffy, Grimm follows David Giuntoli as Nick Burkhardt, a detective who 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 of Buffy, Grimm makes the perfect follow-up in of both character and story.
5 Buffy & Grimm Share The Monster-Of-The-Week Format
Each show takes this procedural formula and expands on it
Buffy and Grimm boast an average of 22 episodes a season, with the first season of Buffy and the final season of Grimm on the shorter side. Unlike many modern fantasy TV shows, Buffy and Grimm have 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, Buffy and Grimm spend lots of time allowing the audience to get to know the characters and understand the rules of the fantasy world.
Grimm, like Buffy, 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. Buffy and Grimm find a balance between the traditional procedural format and the long-form storytelling that's so popular today. Thanks to their structures, Buffy and Grimm spend lots of time allowing the audience to get to know the characters and understand the rules of the fantasy world.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Grimm (2011–2017) |
89% |
90% |
4 Both 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. While Grimm touches upon fairy tales more than Buffy does, 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, but Grimm and Buffy both make a case for this style of storytelling. One thing that Buffy fans will likely appreciate about Grimm is the fact that the monsters are visually similar and that the show still relies on practical effects in many cases. Both Grimm and Buffy are long fantasy TV shows that are worth the commitment and retain their commitment to adventure and excitement throughout.
3 There's An Overlap Between Actors & Character Arcs
It's fun to see the crossover between the talent and writing on Grimm and Buffy
David Greenwalt isn't the only person to work on both Grimm and Buffy, as there is some overlap in actors as well. Alexis Denisof plays both Wesley on Buffy and Prince Viktor on Grimm. It's not uncommon for actors who work in the fantasy genre to be consistently cast in roles on 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 between Grimm, 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 on Buffy, appeared on Grimm, cementing the connection between the two shows. However, it's not just in the casting that we see a connection. The character development in Grimm and Buffy are comparable as well, and not just in Nick and Buffy's arcs. There are notable archetypes besides the chosen one in Buffy and Grimm, 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.
2 The Shows Blend The Supernatural & Horror Genres
Buffy fans will enjoy the atmosphere and tone of Grimm
It's not surprising that Grimm follows Buffy's example of interweaving horror with the supernatural, as these genres typically go hand in hand. However, the way that Buffy and Grimm find equally successful balances between the darkness and light of 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 throughout Grimm, 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 Grimm are both fantasy 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.
1 Grimm & 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 between Buffy and Grimm is the fact that Buffy begins its story in high school and focuses on a younger demographic throughout the early seasons. In Grimm, 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 that Grimm is 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 both Grimm and Buffy. The basic building blocks of Grimm and Buffy are very similar, but the shared style and sensibilities of the writing are what make Grimm the ideal series to dive into after watching Buffy. Like Buffy, Nick infuses plenty of dark humor into his character and work as a Grimm, cementing the connection between Grimm and Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) |
85% |
92% |
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