The Sunnydale Diaries - A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast
Watching Buffy with fresh eyes...and 25 years of baggage. The Sunnydale Diaries is a rewatch podcast with a twist: one host has loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer since the 90s, and the other is watching it for the very first time. Each week, Sean (the lifelong fan) and Melanie (the first-time viewer) revisit an episode and start by connecting its theme, or even a single scene, to their own lives, whether that’s family, relationships, eggs (yes, eggs), or the weird emotional baggage we all carry. From there, they break down what holds up, what doesn’t, and why this show still resonates decades later. Part recap, part personal reflection, and part “wait, did that really happen?”, The Sunnydale Diaries is for longtime fans, curious newcomers, and anyone who likes their pop culture discussions grounded in real life.
Episodes
Season Five is here and The Sunnydale Diaries is officially entering one of Sean's favorite eras of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In this episode, we kick off Season 5, Episode 1: “Buffy vs. Dracula,” an episode that somehow manages to be campy, creepy, seductive, and quietly huge all at the same time.
From beach days and new opening credits to castles we’ve apparently never noticed before, this premiere brings us:
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🧛♂️ Dracula ...
In this very special bonus episode of The Sunnydale Diaries, that we recorded back in July, we step out of Sunnydale and into Los Angeles to revisit one of the most emotionally devastating crossovers in the Buffyverse: Angel Season 1, Episode 8 “I Will Remember You.”
Recorded live from our hotel room during Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, this episode finds us reacting in real time to the unforgettable moment when Angel becomes human, gi...
Get ready, Buffy fans, this is a big one! Sean and Melanie reunite in person for an action-packed, cheese-filled, season-spanning recap of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4. From college chaos and Parker-induced rage to Initiative secrets, dream sequences, and tiny fear demons, we break down every episode, every heartbreak, every discussion topic, and every floated rose.
We revisit:
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Buffy’s rocky college transition (and her k...
In this episode of The Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie dive into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s season four finale, 'Restless.' But before they unpack the surreal dream sequences and cryptic cheese-man prophecies, they take a delicious detour into all things cheese - from grilled cheese perfection and the great white vs. yellow American cheese debate to their shared dream of trying raclette.
Join them as they explore how 'Restless'...
It’s Finale Eve in Sunnydale, and Melanie and Sean are throwing a Hulu pillow party for Primeval! In this pre-finale chaos, Buffy and the Scoobies have to put their friendship fractures aside and literally merge forces to take down Adam (and his questionable 2001 CGI). Along the way, Sean and Melanie talk about teamwork, communication breakdowns, and how it feels when the people you rely on most are out of sync. Plus: zombie profes...
Melanie and Sean discuss the two Angel crossover episodes that led up to this episode. They then take on the plot of 'The Yoko Factor', where Riley is passive aggressive, Angel's stirring the pot, and everybody is fighting or drunk!
Join Melanie and Sean in this episode of the Sunnydale Diaries as they dive into 'New Moon Rising' from Season 4, Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brace yourselves for Oz's unexpected reappearance and the love triangle that follows. Melanie recounts her college pet saga and secret relationships, while Sean laments the Scoobies' notorious communication skills. They also announce the epic Season 4 Bio Bonanza contest, discuss ...
In this episode of the Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie delve into 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 4, Episode 18, 'Where the Wild Things Are.' Watch as Buffy and Riley's insatiable passion triggers a paranormal frenzy, making things in the frat house extremely... vine-y. Hear about the creepy ice cream truck, Giles' unexpected rock star moment, and the chaotic attempt to exorcise the lust-fueled poltergeists. Plus, find out ab...
Join Melanie and Sean in the latest episode of the Sunnydale Diaries podcast as they delve into the surreal world of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 4, Episode 17: 'Superstar.' Get ready to laugh along as they discuss Jonathan's sudden rise to inexplicable fame, Buffy's lack of self-confidence, and the many bizarre events in this unforgettable episode. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Buffyverse, this epis...
Melanie and Sean dive into 'Goodbye Iowa' (S4E14) of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and also mention some big news: The Sunnydale Diaries merch is now available on Zazzle (yay, t-shirts)! Sean shares a personal life twist about moving to Florida, while Melanie dishes on her Goodbye Iowa moments. They recap Riley's meltdown and Adam's dramatic debut. Plus, they laugh at the small details like Xander's 'I Love Dirt' shirt and Buffy's fierc...
On Saturday, 7/12, we had an epic day at Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, TN with 19,000 steps and tons of fun! We met some legendary Buffy stars like Clare Kramer, James Marsters, and Juliet Landau (who remembered us!). Plus, we got to connect with awesome fans like Micha the Slayer and author Celia Cleaveland. Join us for a heartfelt birthday celebration for Sean, complete with a Buffy surprise at dinner, and stay tuned for our upcoming...
Join Melanie and Sean in the latest episode of The Sunnydale Diaries as they dive into Season 4, Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - 'The I in Team'. They explore Buffy's new role within the Initiative, Willow's friendship struggles, and some hilariously awkward moments. The duo ponders the deeper implications of government-issued pagers, have a lot to say about THAT scene (you know the one) and react to Professor Walsh's unex...
Buckle up as Melanie and Sean dive into Season 4, Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 'A New Man.' Melanie's predictions were way off (sorry, no Spike-centric episode this time), but we got something even wilder—Giles turns into a demon! IN addition to questioning the never ending pieces of bierthday cake, Melanie and Sean tackle identity crises, imposter syndrome, and a panckage vs. waffles discussion. And hey, if you're near ...
We have reached the halfway point of the series! Melanie and Sean discuss some themes of the Buffy episode 'Doomed': earthquakes and going back to high school.
Reminiscing through the plot of 'Doomed', Sean points out the intricacies of one of this episode's props and Melanie questions the plausibility of Giles shopping at mystical estate sales and questions the lack of dirt and dust in the Sunnydale High remnants.
Don't forget t...
Welcome to this spine-chilling episode of the Sunnydale Diaries! Melanie and Sean dive into the eeriest Buffy episode yet, 'Hush' (S4E10), where everyone's voices mysteriously vanish. While Sean shares his insights from seeing this episode many times before, Melanie experiences 'Hush' for the very first time – and guys, it's spooky! 😱 Listen as they break down the floating Gentlemen, the hilarious overhead projector scene, and som...
Hey guys! Join Melanie and Sean in another episode of The Sunnydale Diaries as they dive deep into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Season 4, Episode 9: ‘Something Blue’. Starting off talking about their own weddings they then dive into Willow's spell going awry and the havoc it causes. Giles can't see, Spike and Buffy are engaged, Xander's a demon magnet and Riley is thoroughly confused. Hit play and don’t forget to share your Buffy tho...
Welcome to a special Thanksgiving episode of The Sunnydale Diaries! Sean and Melanie dive into Buffy Season 4, Episode 8, "Pangs." From cringy cowboy hats to swirling green mist, there's no shortage of chaos and laughs. Join them as they discuss Buffy hosting Thanksgiving, Angel’s stealthy return, and a surprisingly epic bear fight. They also reminisce about their own memorable (and sometimes disastrous) Thanksgivings. Got opinions...
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