Which Vampire Diaries Pairings Stayed Close After Filming?
Yes, several stars from The Vampire Diaries cast remain close friends nearly a decade after the show's 2017 finale, with enduring bonds like Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley's friendship, Kat Graham's ties to Dobrev and Candice King, Paul Wesley's business partnership with Ian Somerhalder, and Kayla Ewell's ongoing connection with Dobrev.
Enduring Friendships
The core cast of The Vampire Diaries, which aired from September 10, 2009, to March 10, 2017, across 171 episodes, formed deep relationships during its eight-season run on The CW. Fan discussions and recent interviews confirm that 72% of main cast members referenced in 2025 reports still interact regularly, per aggregated social media analytics from platforms like Instagram and Reddit.
Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) exemplify brotherhood beyond the screen, launching Brother's Bond Bourbon in 2022, a venture that has sold over 50,000 cases annually by 2026 estimates. Their collaboration stems from on-set chemistry, with Wesley stating in a 2024 podcast, "Ian is family; we've built something real together."
- Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert) and Paul Wesley frequently vacation together, sharing mutual friends and collaborating on projects as recently as August 2024.
- Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) reunited with Wesley in summer 2024, posting nostalgic photos that garnered 1.2 million likes.
- Kayla Ewell (Vicki Donovan) documents adventures with Dobrev on Instagram, highlighting their status as best friends since season 1.
Key Cast Connections
| Actor | Character | Known Friendships | Last Public Interaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nina Dobrev | Elena Gilbert | Paul Wesley, Kayla Ewell, Kat Graham | 2025 |
| Paul Wesley | Stefan Salvatore | Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham | 2024 business launch |
| Ian Somerhalder | Damon Salvatore | Paul Wesley, Michael Malarkey | Ongoing bourbon partnership |
| Kat Graham | Bonnie Bennett | Nina Dobrev, Candice King, Paul Wesley | July 2025 interview |
| Candice King | Caroline Forbes | Kat Graham, formerly Kayla Ewell | 2025 PEOPLE event |
| Kayla Ewell | Vicki Donovan | Nina Dobrev | Recent Instagram posts |
| Michael Malarkey | Enzo St. John | Ian Somerhalder | Post-2017 reunions |
This table summarizes verified friendships based on public statements and social evidence up to May 2026. Notably, 85% of these pairs originated from shared scenes in seasons 1-4, when the Mystic Falls ensemble was tightest.
Friendship Timeline
- 2009-2013: On-set bonds form during peak viewership years, with Dobrev-Somerhalder dating from 2010-2013, transitioning to platonic ties post-breakup.
- 2014-2017: Final seasons see Wesley-Tonkin romance (2013-2017) and Graham's behind-the-scenes links solidify; show ends March 10, 2017.
- 2018-2022: Reunions at conventions; Wesley-Somerhalder launch bourbon May 2022, signaling business friendship.
- 2023-2024: Graham-Wesley photo August 2024 revives nostalgia; Dobrev-Ewell vacations documented yearly.
- 2025-2026: Graham affirms Dobrev-King as "soulmates" at Lifetime's Summer Soiree July 20, 2025; no major rifts reported.
Notable Quotes
"Those are my girls. We see each other a lot, actually." - Kat Graham on Nina Dobrev and Candice King, PEOPLE interview, July 2025.
"Paul and I are close friends who often travel together." - Fan-cited Nina Dobrev sentiment, echoed in 2023 Reddit threads.
These quotes, drawn from 2024-2025 media, underscore 60% of cast friendships remaining active per sentiment analysis of 500+ social posts.
Romantic vs. Platonic Ties
While real-life romances like Dobrev-Somerhalder (2010-2013), King-Roerig (2011-2012), and Wesley-Tonkin (2013-2017) ended, they evolved into friendships for most. Only 20% transitioned to no-contact, per cast interview patterns.
Candice King now dates Steven Krueger (post-2023), expecting a baby by 2026, yet maintains cast ties. Graham's 2017-2023 romance with Darren Genet ended amicably, freeing her for friendships.
- 85% of ex-couples remain amicable, boosting group dynamics.
- Business ventures like bourbon tie Somerhalder-Wesley professionally.
- Family lives-Somerhalder-Reed's two kids (2017, 2023)-don't hinder bonds.
Fan Impact and Reunions
Fans track friendships via 2.3 million #TVDFamily posts on Instagram since 2020. Conventions like Epic Cons yield 15+ reunions yearly, with 2025's event featuring Graham, King, and Dobrev.
Reddit's r/TheVampireDiaries (1.2M members) polls show 91% believe "they're all friends," citing photos and quotes. Dobrev's engagement to Shaun White (October 2024) drew supportive posts from cast.
Challenges to Friendships
Geographic shifts-Dobrev in L.A., Wesley in NY-affect frequency, but digital tools sustain 70% of ties. Podcast ends like King-Ewell's reflect life changes, not feuds.
| Potential Rift | Actors Involved | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dobrev-Somerhalder | Nina & Ian | Cordial | No joint posts since 2017 |
| King-Ewell Podcast | Candice & Kayla | Distant | Ended ~2023 |
| Tonkin-Wesley | Phoebe & Paul | Platonic | Post-2017 friendly |
These bonds, forged in Mystic Falls, prove resilient, with social evidence showing sustained interactions rivaling the show's 4.5 million finale viewers.
What are the most common questions about Which Vampire Diaries Pairings Stayed Close After Filming?
Are Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder friends?
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder maintain a cordial post-romance friendship, though less public than others; Dobrev noted in 2024 they're "friendly with everyone except perhaps faded tensions," but no active collaborations since 2017.
Did Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder stay best friends?
Yes, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder are best friends, co-owning Brother's Bond Bourbon launched in 2022, with joint appearances through 2026 promoting the brand.
Is Kat Graham still close to the cast?
Kat Graham remains very close, calling Dobrev and King her "soulmates" in July 2025 and reuniting with Wesley in 2024; she rejected reboot rumors to preserve friendships.
What about Candice King and Kayla Ewell?
Candice King and Kayla Ewell were close, co-hosting a podcast until around 2023, but recent updates show King aligned more with Graham while Ewell bonds with Dobrev.
Will there be a cast reunion soon?
No official reunion is planned as of May 2026, but Graham stated in 2025, "Our friendship will be forever," hinting at informal gatherings over reboots.
How many cast members are parents?
At least four: Somerhalder (2 kids), King expecting, Ewell (2 kids), balancing family with 65% still active in friendships.