When TV Vampires Meet the True Death, What Will Replace Them?

One trend that has been around for a while is that of vampires. In the past ten or so years, just a few of the vampire shows that have been on television are:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Forever Knight
Angel
True Blood
The Vampire Diaries
Vampire High

There have been a number of movies with vampire themes, as well.

All good things must come to an end, so when the vampire trend is over, what will come next? The following are a few trends that might pick up or start once the vampire trend fizzles.

Superheroes

This trend could cover a number of bases, including the known superheroes, unknown/newly created superheroes and everyday people doing extraordinary things/regular people becoming superheroes.

Though some shows already tackle this topic, it is one that could take off or fizzle before its fully been explored. The possibilities are endless for types of heroes, their powers, back stories and the general theme of each show.

A few superhero types shows we have seen or are currently seeing (not including cartoons) include "Lois and Clark", "Smallville", "Heroes" and "Stan Lee's Superheroes". Will the public welcome more superhero shows?

Angels and Demons

One show in particular comes to mind in this topic (Supernatural) and its success could easily inspire others to try their own spin on the formula. The Angels and Demons theme could be very religious in nature or very non-religious. It's a topic that could easily raise controversy (which some show creators thrive on) and one that could also be used to teach, uplift and inspire. It could be family-friendly or very cable-tv-friendly.

Some shows in this topic have had remarkable success and drawn much love from fans, such as "Touched by an Angel" and "Highway to Heaven". Could a renewal of this topic prove as successful or even more so?

Aliens

Always an intriguing theme, several shows have dealt with this topic or currently do, such as "V" (original and the remake), the entire Star Trek franchise, the entire Stargate franchise, and a vast number of movies.

There is no limit to what aliens can look like and they can be utilized in a number of ways from blending in with us in modern times to working with us (or against us) in space. Let us not forget all the fun that can be had with 'Area 51' (Groom Lake in Nevada), 'Area 52' (the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada) and 'Roswell' (New Mexico).

Prostitutes and Porn Stars

Many trends seek to have an element that is 'gritty' or 'controversial' to them. With the push for legal prostitution, could this theme soon hit the airwaves? Though the topic may seem more cable-tv-friendly, there are many ways in which prostitutes and porn stars could be main characters in mainstream television shows.

The topic is timely, has controversy to it, but also could present positive and uplifting stories. Would the public eat up shows featuring characters or themes revolving around prostitution and porn?

Mythology

There are a plethora of myths from around the world to build upon, as the series Stargate SG-1 illustrated through much of its run. The stories could involve the time period of the myths, bring the mythological people and creatures into the modern world or simply put a modern spin on the myths.

The release of the remake of "Clash of the Titans" may or may not spawn inspiration for this trend to hit television. "Hercules" and "Xena: Warrior Princess" were hits in their time, though the show "Cupid" failed miserably. Could heroes, villains and fantastical creatures of so long ago survive in modern times?

Your Turn

What do you think will pick up when vampires 'meet the true death'? What do you hope will become the next trend? What do you hope will die with the vampire trend?

Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section.

Sources:

Stan Lee's Superhumans. History Channel. http://www.history.com/shows/stan-lees-superhumans

Vampire TV Shows - Snarkerati Bloodlust. Angela. May 27, 2008. http://snarkerati.com/tv-news/vampire-tv-shows-snarkerati-bloodlust/