“The Vampire Diaries” wrapped up its sixth season with an emotional farewell to Elena Gilbert and the actress who plays her, Nina Dobrev, who opted not to return to the show for Season 7.
Fans and “Vampire Diaries” cast and crew took to social media to mark the bittersweet occasion.
“Tvd tonight. Finale. I have yet to see it. But I’m sure it’ll be a tearjerker,” tweeted Paul Wesley, who plays Stefan Salvatore. “Goodbye Ms. Dobrev- see u on the flipside.”
“So, like, now’s when the real crying starts,” added showrunner Julie Plec during an especially emotional moment of the episode. “Series fans, these goodbyes were made for you, too. #GoodbyeElena #TVD”
The #GoodbyeElena hashtag trended for hours on Thursday before, during and after the season finale that saw Dobrev’s Elena leave Mystic Falls forever, and leave behind Salvatore brothers Stefan and Damon (Ian Somerhalder).
Earlier in the day at The CW upfront presentation in New York, network president Mark Pedowitz revealed the Elena-less Season 7 will focus more centrally on Wesley and Somerhalder’s characters, and even expressed hope that the show could carry on for more seasons.
Below is a sampling of the emotional tweets that sent #GoodbyeElena trending and Dobrev on her way out of Mystic Falls.
Definitely not crying. It's just allergies #vampirediares #GoodbyeElena @cwtvd @ninadobrev
— Ava Koppenhoefer (@ava_m_anne) May 15, 2015
" Dear Diary, after six incredible years. It's time to say goodbye" #GoodbyeElena pic.twitter.com/89Sw91dyqh
— r (@gomezweet) May 15, 2015
Just openly sobbing at this point. #TVD #GoodbyeElena
— Holly (@hollye83) May 15, 2015
I never could have predicted that they'd go this route with Elena's exit, but it's perfect. Heartbreaking, but perfect. #TVD #GoodbyeElena
— Andy Swift (@AndySwift) May 15, 2015
I said goodbye to Derek Shepherd only two weeks ago. I am not ready to say #GoodbyeElena today. They are my fav characters EVER. ? #TVD
— ?????? ???? ????²⁸ ◟̽◞̽ (@flawslou) May 15, 2015
It's sad that @ninadobrev left #TVD but at least the tv show will continue. #GoodbyeElena and congrats to Nina for being an amazing actress.
— Mariana Cheta (@marianacheta) May 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/LNave420/status/599014641046523904
The collar of my shirt is wet from the constant stream of of tears from my eyes… #GoodbyeElena #TVD
— Michelle ? (@michellebourey) May 15, 2015
I literally cried through the whole vampire diaries episode ? #GoodbyeElena
— Sarah? (@kbaellerinis) May 15, 2015
This was the last scene @ninadobrev shot. #GoodbyeElena
— Julie Plec (@julieplec) May 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/losegall/status/599015486131699712
One of the most emotional nights I've had in a long time …. Because of vampire diaries ….. #GoodbyeElena #GoodbyeTyler ?????
— katie (@katieclothier) May 15, 2015
Mystic Falls will never be the same. Thanks for watching the season finale of #TVD! #GoodbyeElena
— The Vampire Diaries (@cwtvd) May 15, 2015
And now, the vampire diaries it's end for me for ever (that's a lie). Love you. Always and for ever @ninadobrev #GoodbyeElena
— Zape Targaryen ? (@Zapeica) May 15, 2015