The WB

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” turned 20 today, sending a whole generation of genre geeks into nostalgia nirvana. And Buffy herself — Sarah Michelle Gellar — is feeling understandably sentimental.

The Chosen One took to her Instagram to write a long thank-you note to the fans who have kept the “Buffy” love strong for two decades.

“20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time,” she wrote alongside a picture of herself on set. “It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network. That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could. While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have.”

Also Read: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' 20th Anniversary: The 20 Best Tributes

The show went on to air seven seasons and spawn a comic book sequel series, and of course, it introduced “Avengers” mega-director Joss Whedon to the universe.

Gellar went on to thank Whedon and some of her co-stars, including David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Alyson Hannigan and Michelle Trachtenberg.

“Thank you to Gail Berman for always believing there was a show in that movie. Thank you to Joss Whedon, for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created,” she said. “Thank you to David, for always being my Angel. Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you. Alyson, as any woman knows, you are nothing without the love and support of great female friends, so thank you for being that. Michelle, you will always hold a key to my heart.”

Also Read: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Star James Marsters Says Show Is 'So Relevant' in Trump Era

Gellar also thanked fans and waxed poetic about the significance of Buffy, a pioneering, strong female action hero, in the cultural landscape.

“As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more,” she said. “She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one.”

20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time. It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network. That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could. While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have. As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more. She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one. Thank you to Gail Berman for always believing there was a show in that movie. Thank you to Joss Whedon, for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created. Thank you to David, for always being my Angel. Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you. Alyson, as any woman knows, you are nothing without the love and support of great female friends, so thank you for being that. Michelle, you will always hold a key to my heart. Thank you to all the incredible actors for seven seasons of amazing performances. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible crew that worked tirelessly (and also really tired) to bring this show to life. And lastly, but most importantly thank you to all of you, the fans. We made this show for you, and your unwavering support has kept this show going long past our seven years. You are everything. And always remember…”if the apocalypse comes, beep me” #buffyslays20

A post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Mar 10, 2017 at 9:20am PST

17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)

Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale"
The entire cast of The CW's teen drama are about to become huge stars, but our safe bet is on Mendes, the new Veronica Lodge, the troubled bad girl whose arrival in town coincides with some big changes for Archie and his friends.
The CW
Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy"
Stepping into Kiefer Sutherland's shoes is no small task, but could reap big rewards for Hawkins, who's been poised for a breakout since last summer's hit "Straight Outta Compton."
Fox
Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery"
We don't know anything about the new "Star Trek" series ... but it's a new "Star Trek" series, and if you're the star of it, you're going to have a big breakout moment.
Getty
Ricky Whittle, "American Gods"
Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
Starz
Rachel Keller, "Legion"
After impressing Noah Hawley on "Fargo," the showrunner is giving Keller an even bigger breakout platform, as the female lead opposite Dan Stevens in FX's X-Men superhero series.
FX
Finn Jones, "Iron Fist"
Marvel's latest superhero will do his best to keep up with the likes of "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage," all of whom have been breakout stars and critical and fan favorites.
Netflix
Adria Arjona, "Emerald City"
"Wizard of Oz" fans, get ready to meet your new Dorothy. From director Tarsem, NBC's new fantasy drama should be visually stunning if nothing else.
NBC
Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts"
CBS has been high on the stand-up comedian and retooled this sitcom for him twice before ordering it to series - time for the world to see Fowler's talents.
CBS
Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight"
This "Game of Thrones" alum no longer has to share the spotlight with a cast of thousands as the lead of CBS All Access' "The Good Wife" spinoff.
CBS
Jacob Lofland, "The Son"
As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
AMC
Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog"
After her impressive turn on "Fargo," it's about time Tolman got her own show - hopefully that talking pooch doesn't hog all the limelight.
ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise"
The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People"
The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why"
The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
Getty
Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who"
The new Doctor's Companion should prepare herself to become a star. Just ask her predecessors Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.
BBC
Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time"
After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
ABC
Jodie Comer, "The White Princess"
The star of the sequel to "The White Queen" could find herself becoming the next Rebecca Ferguson.
Starz