Along with a group of human close friends and allies, Buffy was ed by many of the demon persuasion. Some of them were fierce antagonists, while some became closer than most. Angel was such a huge part of the slayer's life, as a lover, co-fighter, and close confidant. He was such a magnetic presence on-screen that he inevitably got his own spin-off. Angel was more grown-up and serious, delving into the demonic underbelly of Los Angeles, and tackling modern, organized forces of evil.

12 Season 4

Angel

The penultimate season of Angel is one of the most divisive among fans. It took a darker turn and followed quite a few convoluted plot points. There were some exciting moments, including the return of Angelus, the return of Faith, and a cameo from Willow. But, the biggest and most controversial storyline is that of Cordelia and Connor's romance. While she's changed massively from the bubbly personality viewers knew and loved from Buffy, having her memory wiped and starting something up with Angel's son was perhaps a step too far.

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The crossover aspect between the two interwoven series was one of the most exciting, with so many Sunnydale favorites showing up on multiple occasions. And, Faith's redemption arc was a welcome addition to the series connections. She had been hugely popular since her introduction, and has had one of the most interesting character evolutions of the many guest stars. But, if the best thing about a show's season is a guest star, it goes to show that it was not one of its best.

11 Season 7

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

This season certainly has its fans, and it's a testament to the show's quality that there is an unlimited way of choosing one's favorite seasons. But, what's also true is that some of the latter seasons brought with them more serious topics which took away some of the joy and innocence of the previous years. Buffy herself had gone through so much, she felt more jaded and cynical, which, though realistic in her circumstances, felt slightly off. That is not to see she could still not kick some serious demon behind.

While the final episode had many "punch the air" moments, the lead-up felt a little bit more uneven. While the big bad was terrifying, and made its looming presence known throughout, there was also a feeling of loss. Some of the magic from the past seasons was missing, mostly in the form of the dearly departed cast . Then there was the romance between Willow and Kennedy which was not particularly popular either. But, the finale gave many characters their hero moments, and the very last shot felt refreshingly optimistic.

10 Season 3

Angel

There is a lot to like in the third year of Angel, with the characters shifting into newer versions of themselves, which adds to the tension and drama of the show. Darla gets her very own redemption arc, which is great to watch, seeing as Julie Benz was such a big part of the fandom's lore. Wesley, on the other hand, undergoes a bit of a villain arc, by betraying Angel, even though he thinks it's for altruistic reasons. But, it's a different side of the former watcher that helps add to his many layers as a character.

Fred's seamless integration into the group is also one of the highlights as she starts her journey to being one of the most beloved characters in the franchise, and her relationship with Gunn is great to watch. Unfortunately, the introduction of Connor has its pros and cons. Adding this mystical mystery into the fold has the potential for some great conflict, but having him age up so rapidly borders on soap territory. The season finale, however, is a gripping ride that brings a decent amount of pay-off.

9 Season 1

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

For the sheer nostalgia and exemplary world-building, season 1 of this iconic show deserves a round of applause. The first episode itself provides a twist with a member of the gang meeting his sad end, and there are a lot of horror-esque tropes that are tied in very well. The Master is one of the most memorable villains, if only for the deeply upsetting facial features he displays. Viewers get to learn a whole new Whedon language, and each character introduced has so many exciting facets to explore.

Season 1 also does a great job of weaving in the high stakes of the occult with the perils of high school, which have more in common than one might think. It's one of the two seasons in the whole run of the show that ends with Buffy dying, which, of course, sets up some exciting new characters in the future. Monster of the week episodes like "Witch" and "Pack", allow the audience to ease into this new world, and experience just how many mystical forces are really out there.

8 Season 6

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

This season starts off on a very dark note, seeing as Buffy had sacrificed herself in the prior season finale. But, with Willow being the powerful witch that she is, and the Scooby Gang determined to get their friend back, the slayer returns, if slightly different from before. There is so much to explore, with grief, resurrections, and finding a new place for oneself in a different world. Spike's character reaches depths he hadn't done before, giving James Marsters a lot to work with, and work through.

It's also important to that it was season 6 that gave the world "Once More With Feeling". This iconic musical episode certainly has its critics, but there is also overwhelming love for it as well. The songs sound like hits, and some of the cast surprised their fans with their untapped talent. The double bill of "Smashed" and "Wrecked" are also standouts for any self-respecting "Spuffy" fan, and Sarah Michelle Gellar did some of her best acting in this season.

7 Season 5

Angel

The final season of Angel ended on a cliffhanger, which, on the one hand, allows viewers to choose their own ending, but on the other, feels like the story is unfinished. And, the setup for various storylines was actually very gripping throughout season 5. Having the team take over Wolfram & Hart feels like a long time coming, and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities and danger. It also shifts the dynamics, making the show feel fresher in many ways.

Spike's arrival is also one of the best parts of the show, bringing so much scope for comedy. His clashes with Angel are hilarious, but, seeing as he's already had his hero journey back in Sunnydale, he brings a lot of bravery and strength with him too. Fred's arc brings with it a lot of heartache, which pulls on the heartstrings a little too much. Overall, it's a thrilling conclusion to a series that had so much potential, and lived up to most of it very well.

6 Season 4

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The beginning of this season brought a lot of change. Some of the gang went off to L.A. for the Angel spin-off, and the remainder of the Scoobies began a new chapter of their lives at college. The first episode has the feel of a pilot for a brand-new show, and in many ways, it is. Buffy struggles to find a place in this new normal, and feels lost and weak. Sunday was also a great new villain that should really have had much more screen time, especially since The Initiative ended up being the disappointing, big bad.

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Riley is one of Buffy's more divisive on-screen love interests, but the season also saw the introduction of even more Spike and explored even more of the chemistry between him and the slayer. But, one of the undisputed highlights of this season has got to be "Hush". This near-perfect episode has some of the most terrifying villains in Buffy history, and also serves as a great introduction to Tara. The teamwork in the big final battle was also a great way of letting each hero shine, and getting to see more of Anya is never a bad thing.

5 Season 2

Angel

Angel was always one of the more intriguing characters on Buffy, so allowing audiences to delve deeper into his past, and what makes him tick in his present, was satisfying to watch. Darla has a huge part in the show's sophomore year, and she and Angel get to address a lot of the baggage between them. This lets viewers see even more of his darker side, and lets David Boreanaz showcase his range in the process. Seeing as he chooses to alienate himself from the team for a lot of the season, they have their own journey to go on.

There is also even more of an evolution to the other characters who get their own moments in the spotlight. Viewers get to know them on a deeper level, and the show embraces even more mystical twists than before. Cordelia's personality goes even more from the bubbly, yet slightly shallow "mean girl" she had been known for, letting Charisma Carpenter truly shine as an actor. Gunn becomes more involved with the team dynamics, and Wesley shows his leadership skills very well.

4 Season 5

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Glory has got to be one of the best, most powerful antagonists Sunnydale has ever seen, and she does it all with style, and uncontrollable anger issues. The season kicks off with a visit from the actual Dracula, and then a visit from Dawn. Michelle Trachtenberg's introduction was unexpected and, ultimately, divisive, but giving Buffy an extra person to protect, someone much more fragile and volatile, really showed her as the hero that she was. And, the show needed that additional injection of moodiness and sass that only a teen can bring.

The season also offered up some of the best standalone episodes in the show's history. "The Body" and "The Gift" are so good on so many levels, and have been recognized by fans and critics as some of the best writing and acting that Buffy has ever produced. Exploring the various stages and layers of grief after Joyce's ing is a masterclass at dealing with death on screen. The fact that it did not win multiple Emmys is astounding. This season also sees something that fans never thought possible, which is, Buffy's gravestone.

3 Season 1

Angel

As Angel made the move from Sunnydale to Los Angeles, the show leaned into the opportunity for crossovers, perhaps to ease audiences into the transition. It also ensured many of the viewers would stay on for both shows. With familiar characters as well as some interesting new ones, the show sets up this new world very well. The beginning has a bit of a film noir feel to it, leaning into the detective aspects and dangerous nights in the big city. Viewers also get to learn more about Wolfram & Hart, which will grow in importance as the show goes on.

Doyle was a strong new character introduced, and seeing him meet a tragic end so early on in the run was a very bittersweet feeling. But it also showed that the stakes are high, and viewers should never let their guard down. This season also gave fans of the Buffy and Angel love story one of the most beautiful and satisfying episodes. "I Will You" lets the two explore their love in a way they were never able to before, and Angel's sacrifice solidified him as the brooding and tragic hero that he was always destined to be.