‘The Vampire Diaries’: Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder Reunion Only For Hype?

The Vampire Diaries stars Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder’s reunion is one of the most buzzed topics among the fans of the supernatural series. Ever since Dobrev and Somerhalder announced their departure from the show, the ratings have fallen drastically. Is it possible that the CW’s show is only creating hype of a possible reunion just to increase the show’s ratings?

The ratings of the CW’s supernatural series suffered drastically after Dobrev announced her departure from the show. The fate of TVD fell into the abyss when even Somerhalder announced that he will be leaving after Season 7. However, fans get to hear Dobrev’s voice in the Season 7 finale, and the series enjoyed season-high ratings for that episode. Her mere presence in the show proved how important her character is.

According to Celeb Dirty Laundry, fans of TVD do not care if Dobrev returns as Katherine Pierce or Damon Salvatore’s girlfriend, Elena Gilbert, as long as they get to see their favorite actress. The outlet, however, further claimed that her reunion with Somerhalder is only to boost the ratings. If per-episode ratings increase, then there are chances that the series will get another season featuring the entire cast.

Earlier this year, the CW officially made an announcement that the TV series will return to the network for Season 8. The upcoming season is rumored to be the last, and showrunner Julie Plec teased fans that the Dobrev will surely return to reprise her role of Elena.

In an interview with TV Line, Plec stated that the team is trying very hard to bring her back to the show.

“In my opinion, she was very clear about what she wanted the next step in her life to be, and she’s doing a great job of achieving that. So I’m sticking with my side of the plan, which is to bring her back at the very end.”

Dobrev left The Vampire Diaries in 2015 to focus on other endeavors, but her voice was featured in the Season 7 finale, and the actress’ voice confirmed the possibility of her coming back to the show. According to Hollywood Life, a source close to the team announced that she is indeed coming back.

“When the show ends Nina will be a part of it some way shape or form. She is 10,000 percent coming back. The show did so much for their careers and put them on the map. For Julie Plec and the other writers and creators. They feel like they owe it to them to suck it up and send the show off any way they want to send it off.”

On the other hand, earlier this year, Somerhalder confirmed his departure. During his conversation with TV Guide, the actor stated that Damon is most likely to get killed by the end of Season 7 or during the beginning of Season 8.

“We have decided to do one last season to really do the story justice. It’s almost like we’ve been chasing a high for the last five, six years. So let’s take things one step at a time: Season 7 wrap, vacation, lots of sleep, let the writers get started on Season 8, and then we’ll all see where we go from there.”

If there are fans who desperately wish to see Dobrev-Somerhalder reprising their individual roles, there are few who wish otherwise. According to Design & Trends, many fans of TVD think that there is no need to bring back Dobrev, as the original storyline has already moved ahead without her presence. Furthermore, fans think that if the CW brings back Dobrev, then there are chances that the ratings will again fall.

It is yet to be seen if Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder will share the screen once again, but indeed the news of their possible reunion on The Vampire Diaries has created a lot of buzz.

[Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Coachella]