Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Unaired Pilot 1996

[@zwartekat135]

Even in a weird, seemingly rushed pilot Sarah makes Buffy's personality shine

[@clubx1000]

Agreed

[@rebekoko]

Absolutely

[@margaretclemmett1003]

I'm 62 and I'm still obsessed. Watch it over and over again. Know it off by heart and quote it all the time.

[@comradebork]

68

[@ssansu]

Buffy is my comfort show. I watch it when I'm feeling down.

[@julieking5151]

I can never get enough of Buffy either, it is like hanging out with friends. I always learn something more too! Okay, for the multitude of times I have seen episode one, this is the first time I connected the dead guy in the locker with the opening scene 😂 it just didn’t seem important I guess 🤔

[@jocophoto]

I’m 60. Watched when it first came out. I still love the show too. ❤

[@brendanjessie6466]

I was only a little boy when Buffy first came out i remember watching the first ever episode with my family when it first aired and loved it and still love it to this day love Angel the spin of tv series too

[@coldandabsurd]

Buffy saying “watch me (walk away from my responsibilities)” and flipping over the spiral staircase is such a mood lmao

[@JhadeSagrav]

yeahhh that flip was... unique! ^___^

[@howardbeatman2820]

Joss Whedon's original idea for the library was to be dark and cavernous as it is here. When the show went to series, his director of photography convinced him to change his concept into a wide, well-lighted room so that it could be easily filmed in.

[@Marzellus1991]

It gives her more personality and humor I liked it

[@lolan9180]

Should’ve kept that scene

[@Scoobythepepperqueen-mk8fv]

I liked that

[@shadowflower93]

This is so fun. it's like seeing the rehersal of the play before the actual performance.

[@austinpearce5442]

So true.

[@evelynsoto6077]

+shadowflower93 this wasnt interesting its seems so over reacted

[@ChrisSandford182]

Lol true

[@christinerobinson9372]

I enjoyed it. I can see where it needed improvement, but it still was good, it had all the basic elements. I would have continued watching the program after seeing this pilot, and for me, it ended too soon.

[@BuffysBiggestFan]

No one can ever beat Alyson Hanigahn as Willow!! She is a huge part of why this show is absolutely amazing!

[@nicoleluiseluciano]

Right? It does not feel right without her 😭

[@jessieb7290]

Never thought I’d agree with that. But the different willow gives off weird bad acting vibes.

[@Chilling_Chilling]

Alyson Hanigahn is also NOT a 🐋 of the bipedal variety, thankfully Alyson is/was gorgeous 🤩

[@lessismore8533]

Willow was one of my top favorite..

[@dubiago8440]

I'd say I have to disagree. Regan actually portrayed the nerd vibe better, I think. Sure, it looks weird when looking at it in hindsight, kind of the way Eric Stoltz in Back to the Future looks weird, but I think she would have been fine. Hannigan was good, yes, but I think they didn't give Regan near enough of a chance. Hell, they could have killed her off later on if it hadn't worked out. Seems more like they probably had to go with the sexy redhead because the suits told him to.

[@bridgetsattiffanys]

this shows how amazing Sarah Michelle gellars acting really is because the dynamics weren’t quite right & the shows definitely missing something but she still manages to be incredibly witty & badass

[@swish3432]

She’s so fabulous I can’t even stand it!

[@MsCunningLinguistic]

Darla's first turn to the camera as a vampire is such an iconic moment. WELCOME TO SUBVERSION TOWN!!

[@andrewd.7019]

@ilkldme Jawbreaker!

[@christinerobinson9372]

I never realized that was Darla, love it.

[@StuartH922]

I am impressed that Julie Benz managed to game that short opening into a recuring character.

[@tracylynn2920]

2:13 🎉

[@ShahaniBragaValdezAquino-wl2bg]

​@@StuartH922she was considered to play Buffy so it's expected she would be back

[@sosoalsharif]

this tv show ruined my life. I don't remember a moment of my teenage years without being obsessed about them.

[@christopherjw1967]

H. Alsharif i have the box set on dvd. So still watching it now.

[@lucasparis1875]

H. Alsharif ‘’ruined’’ ? No. You should say it was amazing to have them on your teenage years ;)

[@brrrrrrrrino]

@@christopherjw1967 I'm so jealous. My cousin has the entire box set. I used to watch a DVD Everytime I'd go over. Those were the days. Lol

[@gr1ffy]

im 15 and VERY thankful my mum got me into this show...im obsessed now XD

[@hell0cherry]

@@gr1ffy I'm 11 and my dad introduced me a few months ago! I've watched it at least 2 times already!

[@joeastbury8032]

I really enjoy the fact that the pilot has Harmony and Jonathon in it and mentions Merrick as well, it feels like there are so many connections running through it.

[@michellehillman2889]

Also mentions the dingoes

[@mary-janereallynotsarah684]

Is that Julie Benz as the blonde in the beginning??? Looks like a young her. Ohh I guess it was Darla lol. I don't remember how this goes exactly.

[@thebrenizers]

Harmony was the longest-running character in the Buffyverse, from the unaired pilot to the last episode of Angel.

[@bexsy34]

And Darla

[@pettycrimes6328]

I liked this. I understand why it got picked up. Of course, Alyson Hannigan was a better pick for Willow, but I won't rag on the original girl. I feel bad for her because she was chosen, then replaced and the show went on to be hugely popular without her. That's a tough pill to swallow. Of course I expect a lot of Buffy fans to dislike it because it's different from the pilot that aired, and fans are unaccepting of differences, but I enjoyed it. Glad they added Angel to the cast though.

[@ElleW415]

+Rspsand07 Who was that?

[@ElleW415]

Rspsand07 Wow, really? I couldn't possibly imagine her as Buffy.

[@leenelson7263]

Sarah originally auditioned for the role of cordy but she was offered the role of buffy after her audition they did that with a lot of the characters like darla she auditioned for buffy too apparently her friends were saying at least you have been cast in a series it may help you get new work since the channel was pretty new they didn't think it would go far

[@austinpearce5442]

+Lee Nelson Mercedes McNab also auditioned for the role of Buffy

[@leenelson7263]

Austin Pearce I thought I heard something about that I also think the person who played Amy originally auditioned for Buffy too

[@donald4312]

I like the Buffy/Giles library scene here more than in the first episode. Buffy's desperation for a normal life is expressed much more emphatically. Great performance by Sarah.

[@therealpbristow]

And a nice reaction from Giles, giving a subtle hint of his character's background as he realises that yes, he *does* know what she means... =:o}

[@largol33t1]

She still rates as one of the best TV show actors around. It still amazes me how she slowly but steadily matured from a gawky, awkward California teen to a strong leader who understood what was needed to save the world. Still one of my favorite female TV characters other than Veronica Mars.

[@plumdutchess]

Agree 100%.

[@KissTheLibrarian]

I really like how Buffy bumped into Giles in this scene, it's funny and cute. It's a pity that the creators removed this moment in the TV version

[@TarotOverOracle]

@@largol33t1 What's so special about Veronica Mars though?

[@ronaldlabok1175]

I love that Dingoes at My Baby were introduced here. So many good nuggets that eventually grew into the show that we all love. I love Alyson Hannigan, and no one could ever replace her, but in fairness to that other girl, they didn't give her many fun lines to work with like they did in the aired pilot, such as "The library. You know where the books live." or "I'd better sit down." "You are sitting." "Oh yay for me."

[@magckmn01]

The fake Willow in this version, maybe didn’t have good reviews in practice

[@Ya-Ya-Ya-I-Am-Lorde]

I think what's taking me out is that she looks too old to be in high school.

[@mary-janereallynotsarah684]

She wouldn't say those lines like the real Willow. She's a good actress but not for this. She's actually a kiwi actress. She was great in Heavenly Creatures.

[@janycedeniseglasper]

@@mary-janereallynotsarah684 Melanie Lynskey is the actress in “Heavenly Creatures.” Riff Regan (the pilot Willow) has since retired from acting.

[@janycedeniseglasper]

@@Ya-Ya-Ya-I-Am-LordeRiff is actually a year younger than Alyson. I think the wardrobe department did not know how to dress Riff’s figure, let alone style her hair. 😬😬

[@darkavenger1020]

This is uncomfortable. It's almost exactly same... But completely different.

[@gladiatoranimator3088]

I agree

[@magckmn01]

Are you uncomfortable because it’s different, or because your chair is super lumpy?

[@justa.american8303]

Do you hear yourself?

[@markc7440]

When something is familiar but not quite right, like you have slipped into a nearby parallel dimension.

[@ricosmith7716]

The diff to me is Riff is a little dry on her acting. Sure times were diff, but im comparing her to Alysons Willow

[@kaylajones677]

I had no idea there was an unaired pilot! It's 3am but who cares, it's buffy

[@christinayates2496]

Kazza Jozzy EVERY show has an unaired pilot.. what do you think they present to networks to make them interested in picking up a series? 🤦‍♀️

[@asahearts1]

221am 3 years later

[@yersojaded]

3:09! 🙌

[@samiranight]

Like Me I watched at 3 am. :)

[@woranat169]

10 pm.

[@rayharley597]

Worth remembering that this was purely intended for showing to execs, and was never meant to be aired. When they got the blue light for what became season one the basic story was carried forward with some elements, including (sadly for me personally) the changing of the actor playing Willow. Some of the elements still ending up appearing later in the show. kerk

[@edenelias2at]

Curious- why sad for you personally? 😄

[@billabelson1858]

Because big girls rule.

[@johncspine2787]

No..the actor playing Willow was quite flat onscreen, Alyson always shines and was an obviously better choice. I’m sure that other actor/actress was a great person, but..showbiz is a rough business..like symphony auditions, you can have the best day of your life, but if somebody better shows up, it’s “thank you” from behind the screen and you leave the stage never to return.

[@jtube8806]

The extended dialogue between Buffy and Giles is great, especially the part where she says, "I just want to be like everybody else." Fast forward to the final episode: Faith says to Buffy, "You're not the one and only chosen anymore. You just gotta live like a person."

[@mary-janereallynotsarah684]

Faith was such a complicated mess of a character. I love her I just mean... her arc. Ended up tragic and then a little hopeful...

[@ourpeachscones]

That is such a beautiful parallel. I just finished my third rewatch of the series and absolutely loved the final scene when Buffy smiles. The weight of the world is no longer solely on her shoulders and I couldn’t be happier for her character.

[@hEyBaNaGiRl]

Aw I like Stephen Tobolowsky as Principal Flutie...

[@beachgirl4583]

Good question. He's a much better Flutie than the one that got eaten.

[@kevinsiedenburg4955]

Keep in mind that if they stuck with Tobolusky (however you spell that), we likely never would have gotten Shimmerman. And I thought he was great, even if they didn’t really do his character proud.

[@Deanobucko917]

he plays Mr. Slate in the Flintstones movie and an unlikable principal in a Roseanne episode

[@blackphoenix77]

@@beachgirl4583 I love Armin Shimmerman, but I hated him as Principal Flutie in the series. Not in a "love to hate" way, but in the "I hated him with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns" way.

[@beachgirl4583]

blackphoenix77, Armin Shimmerman was Snyder. The replacement Flutie got eaten by the hyena kids. I loved Shimmerman’s Snyder. He had no redeeming qualities (except his pathetic desire to belong, shown in Band Candy). Edit: That moment of satisfaction when the mayor eats him in Graduation Day. 😈

[@musicalnotextr]

You can tell this was just supposed to be a short proof of concept presentation strictly for the network when Buffy asks, "Can I see the body?" and Principal Flutie just lets her.

[@jacksonnorth5360]

I was reading this as it happened. 😂😂😂

[@lavendermagic84]

"The new kid? She seems kinda weird to me. I mean, what kind of name is Buffy?" "Hey, Aphrodisia!" :) "Hey..." LOL gotta appreciate the Buffy humour ;)

[@ljbx8]

+lavendermagic84 I think it was intentional, it was kinda' funny, though. XD

[@lavendermagic84]

+MsThesuitelife oh I know it was intentional. It's the sense of humour in the Buffy-verse that I love. :)

[@Zazsuran]

I laugh at that part EVERY time LOL!!!!

[@MarcosIsABaritone]

Girl...

[@Maya_k]

that part was so funny to me lol

[@annas9016]

The different library makes me uncomfortable

[@dimeisamorales4291]

Anna S yeah right !!!

[@Diana-mu7pc]

That spiral staircase.

[@lorrainewilliams7896]

I was thinking the library at the magic shop was sort of a scaled down copy of the school library, having seen this video as a reminder.

[@gabicorv_6452]

If it's strange that the library is different

[@MrSuperman3334]

I agree hate this pilot

[@ShahaniBragaValdezAquino-wl2bg]

"what kind of name is Buffy?" "Hey aphrodisia!" 😂😂😂😂 The humor

[@rubbingisracing6951]

I went to school with a buffy and she was hot af also lol

[@athomicbl2227]

Even here Charisma's acting is so consistent with what she does later throughout the series, but then Cordelia was always one of my favorites. It is a shame how Joss discarded her toward the end of Angel.

[@moonglow630]

Adam Billups he did that cause she got pregnant. For all his writing pro female characters, he didn’t necessarily treat female actresses very well. It all came out during the MeToo stuff.

[@shannon9164]

moonglow630 what was he supposed to do? If she was pregnant and still on the show they had to integrate that somehow

[@boffo63]

Her pregnancy didn't fit the storyline. He did what he could.

[@aquament]

There's no good solution here. Obviously removing an actress for being pregnant was wrong, as you can't tell someone when to start a family, but also charisma didn't notify them, and they had to rewrite the script heavily for the season because Cordy was supposed to be more an active big bad, fight scenes included. The problem would probably best have been solved had she been written back into the script for season 5, post baby. As a recurring or main character, but it might have been hard to write fluidly.

[@knowledgesimjess]

Most of the time when an actress is pregnant they just film it differently and the viewer doesn't even now.

[@Blahblahdeeable]

The problem with Beta Willow is the chemistry - there is ZERO between her and anyone else and she looks so much older than the others which is saying something considering Charisma was 27 playing 16.

[@kevinobyrne5]

It doesn't help that they dressed her like a middle aged woman, rather than a nerdy teenager like with Alyson Hannigan

[@benjamintriplett3]

Which is really sad. Riff Regan was only 20 or 21 during the filming of the pilot but she looks 35ish. Alyson was just a better fit!

[@Klw2010]

That's what I was thinking. She looks way older. And with all these big personalities, hers didn't stand out enough.

[@MrSoopah]

My god this is bad…

[@Saiman9000]

Sarah was 20 when the series started. Allyson was older, but I never looked it up.

[@elliest55]

I feel so bad for original Willow - to get so close to a career-defining job and miss it... And she wasn't bad either. Also: I'm watching this straight after having watched Buffy S07 (just finished the finale), so Xander looks like a baby here - they all do, but Xander, oh my goodness! Buffy and Giles are fully developed in this one, I can hardly see any differences from the main series - they've already found the dynamics between them and doing great. Also: some bits of dialogue in this are really good even though they're missing from the normal pilot.

[@BPcheck0_0]

Yeah, this willow was good thought her acting and her facial expressions were a bit to awkward for my point of view

[@carolr7823]

The Willow in this pilot episode to me didn't have screen presence. She wasn't terrible but to me she just sort of faded into the background.

[@biffstrong1079]

@@carolr7823 She was playing shy and understated but yes she played it a little too hard.

[@ssppeeaarr]

lol. this was before the age of woke n fattys got hype. where plump characters are allowed to shine...

[@natsohigh5552]

​@@carolr7823 she really seems like a 1 episode kind of actress. She definitely doesn't come across as a co-lead.

[@MacJaxonManOfAction]

There's so much hate for the Willow in this, I'd like to defend her. She's acting no worse than anyone else in the pilot. She seems genuine Rosenberg, nice and geeky. She's OG. Original Geek. Not like it was before all geeks had to be hot in some way. When I was a geek at school, geeks were geeks, not hot people in glasses. Now I love Alyson, and can't imagine Buffy without her, that goes without saying, but go this girl. Fuck the mainstream sanitisation of geekdom.

[@kitgames08]

I agree, but I do think that Alyson played her better. I want to defend her, but she just seems like she's forcing it....if that makes any sense. She's supposed to seem awkward, but she seems a little too awkward. Like she's forcing herself to act out the scenes. Alyson seemed more confident in herself as an actress and she naturally played well into the scenes as Willow. So while I do agree she looks the part of a geek-I especially can't say anything bad about her looks because we share a similar figure- I just think acting wise Alison seemed really better. I haven't read all of the comments, but I think that's what a lot of people were meaning when they said they were glad Alyson got the part instead....maybe. As for the rest who meant her figure rather than her acting you were spot on. :) ~Not attacking you it seemed like you were saying that Alyson was better I just disagreed that she was as good as the others acting wise. Personal opinion no disrespect promise :)~

[@ladycplum]

Alyson can pull off any emotion and make it seem real. Riff might be a good actress, but she just wasn't right for the role. Even Anthony Stewart Head said something like that.

[@andrewgofficial]

I don't see why you have to "defend her". The idea of pilot is to show networks what potential a show could possibly have. Acting isn't suppose to be superb. Charisma & Sarah did an OK job here. Their potential was shown and they deserved their respective roles. With subtle tweaks on their performances, which they did have/fix, sky was the limit with their roles. Remember Joss Whedon financed this pilot for a half-hour to get a taste of what was to come. So everything is a little rushed. However, Riff Regan was pretty bad, not a good fit, and you tell she was out of place. She only acted for 4 more years in 1-2 small TV movies/specials and hasn't been a paid actress in the last 15 years. There is no reason to defend her. Alyson Hannigan was a good if not great decision by the network as well as a full hour /42 min. of TRT.

[@ladycplum]

Think about it this way too....huge chain of events....no Alyson, then no meeting Alexis Denisof, no marriage, and two adorable little girls wouldn't exist right now! :)

[@thealyssachannel9329]

true go will

[@masterplusmargarita]

Man, I'm glad the series got the 45 minute episodes. 25 makes this feel really rushed, and would've made some of the better stories in the series downright impossible. I'm also glad it got made at all, this Pilot is definitely very dicey. Also, it amazes me that Dingoes ate my Baby was a band name all the way back here. I wonder if having a Scooby be a member of the band was an idea from the start too.

[@slayerette86m]

This isn't a pilot that would have aired. It's a test pilot for the studio.

[@dido4008]

And the official 2 parts pilot !!!

[@fe5018]

@@slayerette86m exactly. It's purely a test of concept to pitch the series. It's ridiculous to hold it to the standards of a proper episode.

[@nataliedang1004]

3 years late but, i was thinking the same things

[@howardbeatman2820]

@@slayerette86m I believe that the technical term is "sizzle reel".

[@fm3227]

"Seems kind of weird to me; what kind of name is *Buffy?* " "Hey Aphrodesia." "Hey." LMFAOOO

[@billwenham]

That's always been my favorite part of the first episode. 🤣

[@livcakes]

I LOVE THAT EVEN JONATHAN IS IN THE PILOT

[@elliest55]

AND Harmony, who - fun fact - is also in the last episode of Angel, covering the whole run of the Buffyverse.

[@melthoidserendipity1332]

Well it was Jonathon's show...everyone else including Buffy was just an extra :)

[@toamatoro570]

Why wouldn't he be? He's Jonathan!

[@andrewt6802]

If you guys keep talking about Jonathan behind his back, I’m afraid I’m going to have to report to Jonathan himself.

[@howardbeatman2820]

@@elliest55 I had noticed that myself - a nice tribute to a character who functioned as comic relief almost all the time.

[@tsukigalleta]

10:57 "We almost never have dead kids stuffed in a locker" LOL

[@catwalkster]

Hahaha

[@Samuel-ku1qb]

Keywords are the ones you gotta look out for

[@patrickblake123]

Better stuffed in a locker than a fridge in my opinion

[@Fierra2000]

There’s some things I love about this that I wish was in the remake. The principal’s humor, Buffy and Xander imitating the drama club, Cordelia’s sarcastic reply “I’m sure he crawled in a locker and died of old age”, Buffy flipping off the banister in the library, Buffy mentioning her old water dying to Giles, Buffy and Johnathan’s first awkward encounter, the fight scene where Buffy says “that was my favorite spine”, and the ending where Buffy tosses a stake at a vampire poster. Oh and stop hating on the actress playing Willow here. It’s literally a rough draft pilot. Everyone here did their best. If she was given more of a chance then she would’ve aced the character just like everyone else aced theirs. Relax.

[@HateMeHard]

Drama club. Totally agree.

[@plumdutchess]

@randywhite3947 Yeah, no hate. She's just not Hannigan's Willow.

[@disneytoysr4fun975]

@@plumdutchess fatphobia

[@InsomniaNervosaTTV]

@@disneytoysr4fun975 As someone who is also fat, I doubt it's a fatphobia thing. Hannigan's Willow is just what the majority of us know. I adore the 7 seasons, but as someone who loves buffy and is very curious, it would've been interesting to see how the show might've been with the original actors/actresses. That all being said, there were probably multiple factors behind the cast changes; It was a much different time.

[@gabrieladee9898]

IE agree the original had potential 👌

[@TheLocutus70]

I liked Buffy. I Liked that they didn't just limit it to vampires, she fought demons, and witches and invisible girls and gods (Glory) and cyborgs (Adam). And lets not forget about Jonathan, Warren and Andrew. And Slayers gone evil (Faith).

[@TheLocutus70]

Yes and the First.

[@tomwithey711]

+TheLocutus70 Who was, ironically, also the Last.

[@matthewrenze5922]

@Rob M Tucker's brother?

[@jeffereyholran4922]

She saved the world ... a lot.

[@rogerlynch5279]

Also a treat the Musical episode that was done. In a way one of the best ideas of the developers.

[@saltypop13]

It's so weird to think that SMG originally auditioned to be Cordelia. I could not imagine that in any way, it'd be crazy.

[@JoshuaKaluba]

+Harry JW. Nah I could see it, remember SMG's performance in "when she was bad"?

[@Sistik123]

+JoshuaKaluba or cruel intentions.

[@leenelson7263]

+Louise it seemed to be a recurring theme that the supporting characters in the show auditioned for buffy Elizabeth Allen (Amy) Julie Benz (darla) charisma (cordy) Julia (Anne/Lilly) and Mercedes (harmony) all auditioned to play buffy but lost out on the role

[@SaraJohnstone91]

Harry JW. I can. She played Katherine very well in Cruel Intentions. She plays mean girl characters well.

[@Kasino80]

and the ditzy blonde character in "I Know What You Did Last Summer"

[@jeffereyholran4922]

It's subtle, but the best thing in this that I wished had made it into the first episode was the flip off of the spiral staircase. "You can not escape your destiny." "Wanna bet?"

[@michaelluis3669]

I just can't believe it has been almost 20 years since it first aired. My god I am feeling old.

[@clairefreeman6273]

Michael Luis I know, right? Can't believe all that time has passed! Seinfeld was even still on then! Boy, it sure got darker in the world when Buffy and Seinfeld left the airwaves... I bet we'd have a lot fewer violent acts and hate crimes if those shows were still on... ;-)

[@rebstclaire]

Buffy first aired in 1997 (in the US), still almost 20 years ago, but yeah, crazy. I remember always wanting to watch it when I was still in middle school and my mom wouldn't let me, lols.

[@laurenralph5968]

+Becca St. Claire that suxs ur mom wouldn't let u watch Buffy. My parents were letting me watch rated R when I was 6 years old

[@tomwithey711]

+lauren ralph Have you stopped killing yet?

[@laurenralph5968]

+Tom Withey what's that suppose 2 mean

[@catwalkster]

I'm 43 and I just found out I STILL like this show :D

[@filipematias5127]

Same here Milady! 💜🌹🎩

[@fireyflower6643]

Me too

[@vincentcushnahan5292]

Thank you for this ❤

[@catwalkster]

A notification brought me back here. ( I was summoned haha ) Guess what .. I'm 46 now and I STILL love this show 😸 greetings from the Netherlands everyone! 🇳🇱🇳🇱

[@StephMarie8379]

OMG...me too. I'm actually watching it right now. I cant believe I was in high school when this came on..well a senior.

[@shahanibraga7498]

I'm 34 years old, and BTVS will always make me feel some type of way. It's so nostalgic 😭 my childhood...

[@daregorton8359]

I forgot how great Xander was, his line delivery is always on point.

[@RoseNoir90]

9:00 - " You got your freshmen, Cool Asians Varsity jocks Unfriendly black hotties Girls who eat their feelings Girls who don't eat anything Desperate wannabes Burnouts the greatest people you will ever meet and the worst: Beware of plastics, Buffy!"

[@ItsaKindOfMagic86]

"the greatest people you will ever meet" lol that always sounded so narcissistic in that film

[@drunkinlevis]

We got the best version of the pilot, but I did like the chemistry between Buffy and Xander in the courtyard, when they're talking about the cliques.

[@fiona-zn3ln]

they shouldn't have recasted that spiral staircase in the library bc damn

[@artboy181]

That Willow definitely isn't as noticeable and intriguing as Alyson. I'm very glad they re- cast. I love the corniness of Buffy though. It's not over done it's very fresh even today. That's what I like about the series is it still feels relevant and timeless

[@theuseraccountname]

This definitely has a different kind of vibe. It's like a different type of show altogether.

[@youtert]

"It's like a different type of show"

[@keenanwilkie7607]

It's like a different type of show.

[@GreenWhimsy]

I actually like the original Willow character, but she doesn't work as a Scooby. Allyson Hannigan obviously fit the role better and had much better charisma with Nicholas Brendan and Sarah Michelle Geller. The original Willow character might have made a nice friend of the group, though!

[@fe5018]

Yeah like Amy or something. She just didn't gel the same way our Willow does.

[@AudreyC379]

Agreed!

[@cp2342]

GreenWhimsy I agree original willow tried her best but the willow we know suits williow and is ten times better but the original actress could have been used for a different role perhaps like you said a friend of the group

[@user-fe1le2yl3x]

I can’t imagine this actress playing Dark or Vampire Willow ...

[@therealpbristow]

@@cp2342 That could have been quite awkward for her, though, having to act alongside someone who got the role you'd actually *played* and then been rejected for. I could understand her not wanting to do that even if she was offered a role on the show, especially if she had other oiptions.

[@ReadHarderNow]

The Willow in this pilot wasn't terrible but I feel there is a certain element of humor and quirkiness in Willows character that Rosenberg got and this actress did not. That's not to say she was a bad actress- she just didn't really click into the humor that is evident in all of Joss Whedon's work.

[@ross-carlson]

"that Rosenberg got" - Rosenberg was the CHARACTER name, you mean that Hannigan got.

[@luckycat6665]

this willow was more like a mom

[@SeleneUnderworld3]

It's nice, Buffy acts here more like Buffy in the movie.

[@youtubecommenter37]

Probably one of the reasons they reshot it

[@angeross358]

@@youtubecommenter37 haha

[@delete---7593]

.🤔😑.

[@Nymphonomicon]

@@youtubecommenter37 "one of the reasons Joss, salty, egotistical bitch that he is, treats it like the black plague rolled in a used diaper"" Fixed it for you.

[@therealpbristow]

@@youtubecommenter37 It was never meant to be broadcast as a real episode. It was a low-budget "presentation" to attract interest in the potential series, rather than a full pilot ep (which they couldn't afford to do). And it worked! =:o}

[@ClaireJanezic]

I love Giles's smile when he gives Buffy the Vampyr book.

[@bellasandria]

I couldn't imagine Alyson Hannigan not playing Willow. Seeing someone else play her was weird. I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer so much though. It's true art.

[@potatowellcox8870]

Buffy and Xander have the chemistry in this pilot that he was supposed to have with willow

[@IarwainBen-adar]

Buffy/Sarah and Xander/Nicholas always had insane chemistry. I’m still bitter they haven’t ended up together

[@ThisJustin96]

As a new Buffy fan i cant ever see Willow being played by someone other than Alyson she really plays her perfectly

[@leenelson7263]

We are lucky the actress had schedule conflicts because I think that's why she didn't play willow in the series as a long time buffy fan I don't think anyone could play willow that's why I don't want them to remake it like they were going to

[@austinpearce5442]

+Lee Nelson they actually felt she didn't work out as willow.

[@leenelson7263]

Austin Pearce did they? must have just thought I heard that then i am glad though

[@brandonmineo5605]

Thank god they did, she would have been the weak link in the chain. Her acting just was to meh, it would have worked for a cheesy 90's low budget horror movie but for Buffy no.

[@justcj1781]

I'm glad they recasted Willow. Alyson was awesome. But damm it would suck to be the girl who did get recasted.

[@steves2754]

Thank god they recast Willow. In the Buffy special features the casting woman says that Allyson had a way of saying everything joyfully, even sad lines. I thought that was cool.

[@McBenjiii]

Yeah, thought the same. This actress didn't really sound right, like the acting is a bit off. Alyson Hannigan was without a doubt the right choice.

[@karenhall8596]

Yeah, and one of the writers on the show had also said that Alyson could pull off the complicated lines (remember the time she was talking to Buffy about doodling? LOL) with ease and with a completely straight face--so they were always working to come up with funny and complicated lines for her to do, because people loved it so much and came to expect that from Willow. Willow ROCKED!!

[@Belforhir]

Darla recast was good too

[@barbschmidt4831]

no, it Julie Benz was the same person playing Darla in the unaired pilot as well as the show

[@mariestratton6945]

Thomas Erlandsen Julie Benz (darla) was in the aired one to she wasn't recast

[@nataliedang1004]

this pilot actually fits more of the horror genre joss was talking about, you can really see the influence of horror movies in this unaired pilot, especially with the music and different set. i prefer the original but it is REALLY interesting and cool to see the different vibe

[@mydogeatspuke]

The original as in.. the movie? Because this is the original for the series, it came first.

[@noodlekaboodle4243]

I somewhat agree, this unaired pilot definitely has more of the original Buffy movie kind of feel to it. It's a little more intense, less jokes but still lots of cheesiness. I'm happy with the outcome we got because I think it went in a better direction. If the whole show had been like this, I don't think it would've done as well. I know this is a rough draft but it's missing SO MUCH of the key elements that the real pilot had.

[@cuebrod]

Sarah Michelle gellar really carried this show with her acting and thank goodness she did not play Cordelia and charisma didn't play Buffy. I think the actress who pretrade Willow in this version had her own unique particular style does not mean that she is a bad actress this just wasn't for her.

[@BillyMillard]

I really liked the principal in this. Bambi? Betty… Betty. Wilma?

[@ambervandiver4626]

Billy Millard I

[@blackphoenix77]

Certainly better than the evil little troll we got in the show.

[@lisainthestudio]

Poor guy. He was also cast as the original Al type sidekick in home improvement. He helped sell a lot of pilots but never got parts from them.

[@MissPotato444]

He was in Freaky Friday

[@jeffreypierson2064]

@@lisainthestudio Stephen Tobolowsky is a character actor who stays busy. If you look at his IMDB page, he has been working steadily for decades.

[@rise_of_the_footsoldier]

Imagine how different this show could have been 😅 I'm glad we got what we did though , Buffy and Angel are the two best shows ever!

[@beberoo]

Oh wow! First of all, being a long time Buffy fan, watching this is a delight for me. Now the song we hear playing at the Bronze, that's by STP as i recall. For those who don't know, here's an interesting tidbit: Scott Weyland (vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots) developed a crush on SMG coz he watched BTVS while he was in rehab. After his stint in rehab & w/ a new album out, they release the music video for "Sour Girl" w/c starred SMG 😊

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

Cool 😎

[@luckyskin09]

jonathan in the line to get into the bronze, who knew he'd become the bad guy in season six hehe

[@jtube8806]

Yeah, and he's so tiny! Ha-ha.

[@colestorm4615]

Warren is more the "bad guy" of six; Jonathan and Andrew are far from evil.

[@colestorm4615]

I must add to this too, that the fact that the nerds were included as the "antagonists" of season six was because of Joss' goal to have "Life is the big bad" of that season..... None of them were "evil", but they all embodied aspects of the worst of humanity (Warren being much creepier than the other two of course, which helped a lot). I think it was brilliant making Willow evil by the end, 'cause not only was her story headed that way, but it also confirmed the "mission statement" of the season....

[@colliedogs6919]

Didn't you guys see little baby Jonathan too? He looks so young....

[@jirineumann9423]

It is weird that his next episode after unaired pilot is Inca mummy girl. Like why he wasn't in 1x01 or at least in season 1?

[@MichelleScarberry]

This Willow looks more like a teacher than a teen.

[@ArcanisUltra]

What’s funny is Charisma Carpenter was 27 when the show started.

[@rubbingisracing6951]

She was only 23 in 1997 willow buffy was 19 I think

[@Chadcat180]

Obesity makes u age faster

[@BrennaUrbangirl]

You know one of the changes between this and the aired pilot (and season 1) that I find interesting is Dingoes Ate My Baby. There is a poster behind Buffy and Xander for them. Yet in the televised series we didn't even hear about them till season 2 when Seth Green joined the cast as Oz. And some of the stuff Xander said to Buffy about them are repeated by Oz in the series.

[@christinayates2496]

Brenna Lynn actually in the aired pilot the poster is still there we just don’t see them til season 2

[@jirineumann9423]

I think more interesting thing is that when Buffy is in line, the guy that asked her: are you the new girl? Is Jonathan, but he didn't show up in aired pilot or until season 2...

[@spacecadet01]

It made me chuckle how long it took for the vamp to turn to dust....i much preferred the poof of dust that came with the series!

[@Cheerfullychipper]

I actually like this principle flutie better haha

[@cindysage9110]

He's allright, but I love pricipal Flutie as we got to know him 😃

[@andrewt6802]

As meta a show as Buffy was, I’m surprised they never used any footage from or reenactment of this unaired pilot as some sort of parallel universe that the characters discover.

[@nickigreenwood]

That would’ve been epic!

[@guilainefeutchine886]

Meta ??

[@Arkatox]

This was actually rather entertaining. I wish they'd reused a couple of bits in the actual show.

[@jeffereyholran4922]

I actually think this actress would have been a fairly decent Willow but ultimately the elements of Alyson Hannigan's personality that she was able to contribute to the character made her one of the most beloved characters on the show. It's hard to imagine some of this show's great moments without her.

[@CountryBuff08]

She reminds me a little of the woman who played in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

[@nikkibotts6239]

So glad I found this episode. I watch the whole Buffy series from beginning to end. It was so good. Angel was good too, but Buffy really stood on its own.

[@dabillmann]

But would we really hate this girl as Willow if we had not had seven years of Alysion Hannigan as Willow? Who know? That being said, I am glad they went the way they did.

[@OfTheiAm]

We would not like willow as much. It's about TONE. Watch un aired full house episode, The dad was recast, says the same lines and suddenly the show takes on a different tone. TONE matters.

[@Floydthefuckbag]

I do not think Willow would be so many people's favorite without Alyson's endearing performance. But I think this actress did fine.

[@BOWYO]

"I have a problem with math" "which part?" "the math" lol too real

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Back here, again watching the unaired pilot episode, before I actually began to rewatch the series which I do every year, just like Charmed. In time for autumn and the October Halloween season. TimelessSeries for sure! 🍂🧡🍂

[@ghtyyuytuuu7167]

everyone's talking about Willow being a real estate agent from Minnesota and I'm just here like HOLY SHIT DID SHE JUST MELT DARLA TO DEATH IN EP 1????

[@KCZ7]

I know right! I was noooooooo, my beloved Darla!!!

[@christineheminger7762]

I was surprised she didn’t put the cross on the hand that grabbed Xander, since she knew what to do by then. But I guess it was just from shock that those things are real and that happened. This was interesting with a few bits I wish they’d kept, but I like the other pilot better

[@SaturnHollow]

No one can replace Hanniagan. But... imagine this version of Willow transforming from what she was in this episode to Dark Willow. I kinda wanna see that now.

[@shevystarktargaryen338]

I don’t

[@ellatough7451]

I do too! it would be interesting.

[@twietter]

I think she would be forced to lose weight later on in the series Because willow transformed by season 4 1999 willow was hardly a geek She was more edgy with a hint of geeky So this willow actress would have to lose weight and on top of that the story would be reflected on her so I don’t think it would work

[@ninipookie]

But she's clearly a terrible act

[@katarinanicole1694]

Oh my god this was perfect. Adorable. Definitely did right recasting Willow but I so wish they would have kept the library scene here. The extra dialogue and her little flip was *chef’s kiss*. Happy that they did what they did in the first episode by being INSIDE the Bronze and set up with Willow going with the Vampire. Really liked the Johnathan interaction in this too. Also the ending with the stake should have been kept. Ugh. This was just fantastic to witness.

[@KCZ7]

"I don't like to hit girls . . . that I'm afraid of." ahhhhh, I love it. Classic Xander~

[@gidztar]

This pilot is hilarious, but I'm so glad it didn't make it to the actual series!

[@mickeymaltbie7013]

i know

[@SaraJohnstone91]

gjpyzer How is it hilarious???? It's not that funny

[@danniep2737]

Sara Johnstone its funny because the acting in this one is way worse than the original

[@harleycao13]

The "Dingoes Ate My Baby" name drop! The clique naming scene! The scene where buffy finds out about the dead boy in the locker! Principal Flutie trying to reassure Buffy that dead students are not a common occurrence! Ugh! I love it! Buffy just asking the principal to look at the body and her reaction to seeing the vampire teeth marks! Oh my god! The banister flip! Darla's vampire makeup looked even better than in the pilot we actually got! Showing the audience that Xander is listening to all of this! The way Buffy points out the problems that come with being the Slayer!

[@datickywickygurl]

LMAO when the vamp said "I'll call you!"

[@callumburns9378]

Crazy seeing darla in season 1 as such a bad character then later develop it in Angel as one of the most interesting.

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

1996 and "Meat is Murder" how innovative. Love it! Watching all Seasons with my brother at the moment :) It's so weird though seeing different actors and actresses in the roles we love. Glad they made all the changes. Buffy will always have a special place in my heart

[@meirihareven5092]

Darla, a 400 year-old vampire and the sire of Angel gets killed by a 16 year-old girl with a cross. I'm very glad they decided to make her a significant character. But then they killed her. although she was resurrected! And then Drusilla killed her. but she was still a vampire! No, just some dust because she staked herself to save that stupid teenage stereotype. and then her husband found her in a bathtub full of blood...wait no that's Dexter. If Julie Benz plays a dead character one more time she might actually die!

[@KCZ7]

I chuckled at the Dexter tie-in. I love her so much.

[@HARRIETT_H]

Best vampire ever!

[@antoniabacurin7842]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@sassyg9133]

😁😁😁

[@anthonywopaness2927]

Lets hope not because she also died of a Brain Tumor on Supernatural season 1 episode 12 called (you ready for this) Faith.

[@Jaythestingray]

Well you gotta love Stephen Tobolowsky as the principal. Other than that I'm glad this was "unaired"

[@notefish328]

7:11, I think, highlights the key difference between Alyson Hannigan's and (looks up name) Riff Regan's respective portrayals of Willow. Willow compliments Buffy's outfit and Buffy says she is "totally jamming" on Willow's dress. Willow replies, "Oh, no. It's dorky. I'm aware that it's dorky," in a clearly self-deprecating tone. Reading this line in a script, most actors would probably deliver it in the same way. Poor Willow. Pity her. I remember reading somewhere that Alyson Hannigan, when given a similarly depressing line, turned it on its head and gave it a gleam of optimism. There would have been a bounce to her delivery of the above line, like she knows people make fun of her clothing, but it doesn't bother her, which is quite a Joss characterization. More direction might have led Regan to a similar delivery, but Hannigan's natural instinct as an actor was bound to earn her more favor.

[@michaelchitwood389]

Hannigan was chosen because of conections. I am picturing the entire series with origional Willow...and...it could be done , but Hannigan was the better choice...and it was prooven by the latter end-time Buffy. That girl could not possibky face Glory...lesbian or not. I like the original pilot better than what we saw then...after the silly movie...but it must be agreed that this is one of the best shows of a decade. Forget it not, PLEASE...Lest ART die.

[@Kasino80]

Giles is so awesome. Went as him for halloween two years ago. He's just so cool, in a very approachable relaxed sorta way.

[@pseudonumb]

Funniest line; "That was my favorite spine!" I almost died. Seeing this was like looking into an alternate reality! So cool. It's nice to witness the beginning to one of my favorite shows of all time. I'm kinda bummed they recast Principal Flutie. The actor in this pilot was spot on! Though his character was short-lived in the series, I feel the actor they recast him with played it kind of forced. I am, however, glad they recast Willow. The chemistry just wasn't there, and she didn't seem to fit the role, personality-wise. I see her more playing someone in a Luna Lovegood capacity; drifty, head in the clouds, and calm. Maybe even a stoner chick. I understand why they recast her, but she'd do well in other roles.

[@joshuasteward6097]

This is the principal from Goldbergs.

[@CarbonTech19]

​@@joshuasteward6097 Stephen Tobolowsky. A really great character actor who's been in everything-from the soaked foot insurance salesman in Groundhog Day, to the disgraced music teacher in Glee, to Lana's rich husband in Archer, a corrupt FBI agent who gets his in Justified and 100's more roles. I've been seeing him pop up in stuff I liked for the last 40 years and he always does a great job.

[@oxoxkiss]

"What kind of name is buffy" "Oh hi aphrodisiac" 😂😂😂

[@8day1989]

Now that is the library in which you may be able to find some rare books on demons!

[@Gypsy2211]

I just finished buffy on netflix and i feel like crying!!! I feel so connected to the characters! And i forgot how cute xander was lol

[@andrewhammers6657]

you can finish it with the graphic novels and angle series tho I didn't like that one

[@Gypsy2211]

Andrew Hammers yeah ive seen angel and i heard the comics werent that good :/

[@UTU49]

If I were you, I would just restart Buffy and Angel from the beginning. Or watch Firefly, or Dollhouse, or Agents of SHIELD. Or Charmed or Battlestar Galactica or Star Trek.

[@annemariebenoit4263]

I liked Angel until the whole Connor thing. Come on! Can we please not be THAT ridiculous? I mean, it's the Buffy universe so some ridiculous is good, but that's just getting stupid.

[@anissa9303]

Anne Marie Benoit I completely agree it was so stupid they just stuck some characters in the show and IK an awful way to bring in a goddess?????? Just made me hate Angel

[@jcmiller5927]

I wish they included Buffy's speach to Giles about life as a slayer in the show. It would have given us more insight into her character in the first episode.

[@proudwomanmoore3181]

I was already in my 30s when the show came out. I absolutely loved it! After it went off the air, I bought the entire series. Now I can watch it whenever I want!!😀

[@6Jillybeans]

I was in my mid twenties and had friends who were late teens and early twenties. I got them all watching it when they came round to mine! In fact one of my friends really looked like SMG. (I'm not the only one who thought so) Oh and yeah, I bought both the shows on DVD too x

[@markives9257]

You can watch it online as well.

[@weedmastersr]

I swear to God, Sarah Michelle Gellar is the most adorable creature I've ever seen. When she's telling Gilles, "aren't ya gonna say 'uuuuuuu' " I just go "awww". She's so adorable I could bite her.

[@gavindennis9988]

Bro you self reported

[@weedmastersr]

@@gavindennis9988 self reported for what?

[@gavindennis9988]

@@weedmastersr just making a joke about you saying she's so adorable you could bite her.. I mean.. c'mon man, you have to realize how weird that sounds

[@nexusBOS]

I kind of wish they'd kept this library. So many awesome fight scenes are playing in my head right now. And multi-level hellmouth beast slayage.

[@happycowfromcali]

cool I was actually part of the cast on here. I haven't seen this in eons. The HS is Torrance High in the SouthBay of Los Angeles.

[@britdoodler]

No idea how i havent seen this before. Its amazing..thank you

[@kyriaStrange]

"We almost never have dead bodies stuffed in lockers" lmfao

[@mattotterpop]

Jeez, that font at the beginning tho...so nineties! I gotta say, I realy like this dorkier version of Principal Flutie!

[@Jim222001]

Funny how the principal was replaced too. He has been in a lot of stuff. This version was a push over. That even let Buffy go look at the dead body lol.

[@Phalxxx]

People are talking about Willow (obviously). But I have to wonder what it was like for that actress - to know you were in the pilot then they replaced you, then the part became HUGE, her image immortalized in comics as well... (and then the actress who took your part got a huge part on How I Met Your Mother). That would kinda stink.

[@panchitaobrian1660]

I can't get how she got the part to start with. Is she Joss's another daoughter or what?

[@michaellatta7699]

You could ask the same thing to Amanda Walsh. The original "Penny" on the Big Bang Theory. Being in the original pilot then replaced, only see it to last 12 seasons.

[@Heysamgrahamcartoons]

HA! Willow is different

[@Heysamgrahamcartoons]

+Hey Sam Graham Cartoons NOT in a good way....

[@Kentrc11]

She killed Darla. Angel had to do that in the series. That's gotta count for something.

[@Nymphonomicon]

I would have liked to have seen Riff somewhere in the show after she got replaced... she's not half bad and could have made for a decent victim or villain.

[@muffin._.milk.]

21:39 the "excuse me" is so precious, willows real actor was iconic, but this line really feels very willowy

[@NAANsoft]

"Can I see the body?" - LOL !

[@aardvark280]

The tall, cavernous design of the library was Whedon's idea to add a gothic feel for boring expository dialogue. When the show went to series, the Director of Photography demanded that the design be changed to an open, well-lit set in which cameras could easily and quickly be reset. I did like the catwalk in this original design, especially since it allowed Buffy to make that deliberate, casual fall to the floor. Note that SMG does many of her own stunts in this version. And also note that hardly any dialogue was changed for the true pilot (with the Angel scenes bulking it out to 45 minutes).

[@MichelleHumston]

Thank you for posting. I’ve always wanted to see it. The studio was right to recast Willow.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

"My grades are the suck!" I love it!

[@imkluu]

"Oh, ow, that was my favorite spine..." Ha ha.

[@sexyasslemonade]

This is actually good. There are a lot of lines that I wish were kept, like when Xander & Buffy are talking about the drama kids. I enjoyed this! And I think I would have been okay with the actor they chose for Flutie. Some very cheesy lines but I actually like it!