Is ‘The Vampire Diaries’ season 7 new tonight? What we’ve learned

Given that there is a new episode of “The Originals” airing on The CW Friday night — specifically, it is the show’s season finale — it makes sense that you would want and expect a new episode of “The Vampire Diaries.” After all, these two shows have been paired together the majority of the season!

Unfortunately, we’re coming in right now in the role of “bearer of bad news” with an unfortunate announcement: There’s no new episode. Last week was the finale for Paul Wesley – Ian Somerhalder series, and with that you’re left to wonder until October presumably what happened with Damon and Enzo after they were sent on a tear. Meanwhile, you’re also left to wonder what could be the next move for Stefan and Caroline based on the way in which they wrapped up the seventh season.

As for whether or not the final season is coming this fall, CW head Mark Pedowitz made it clear at upfronts that no firm decision has been made just yet. With that being said, we do know that Kat Graham is planning to leave the show at the end of season 8, and there could be other departures, as well, based on the contract status of many of the cast members.

While this long wait may be a bummer, just look at this as a silver lining: If you’re a fan of “The Originals,” you’re going to have to wait until midseason (probably 2017) to see the show back on the air with its fourth season. There will probably be some further announcements over the course of the hiatus, and we’ll bring you some of that scoop as we start to hear about it.

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