‘The Vampire Diaries’ season 4: Latest from Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder

With “The Vampire Diaries” season 4 still in production, we’re seeing a little bit of a difference between the filming schedule this year and what we’ve seen in the past. Specifically, that the cast is still hard at work when they were not at this point in years past.

What’s one simple reason for this? Thank The CW. The network ordered an extra episode this season, bringing the total to 23 when season 3 only had 22. This filming period may have also been stretched out thanks to a busy travel schedule, which included filming for the backdoor pilot for “The Originals” earlier this year. The cast have had some breaks, but they have been dispersed throughout the season.

Thanks to the later filming schedule this year, both Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder have been kept thus far from one of their favorite annual hangouts in Coachella, which has become a hotbed for celebrity music fans over the past several years. There may still be an opportunity for them to go moving forward, but it all depends on when season 4 wraps. The show is currently shooting the last couple episodes of the spring, and are even pulling some strange and wacky hours to make sure the work gets done. For example, Dobrev was spending her Saturday night at the show’s set filming some more scenes, and the past few weeks have probably been harder for her than anyone given that she is playing two roles right now in Elena and Katherine.

The good news for all of the “Vampire Diaries” cast looking for some time to rest is that following the conclusion of production, season 5 will not begin until July. This means that there will be time to take a few deep breaths, get out, and really enjoy the outside world.

Want to watch a sneak peek from Thursday’s “Vampire Diaries” episode? If so, be sure to visit the story over here.

Photo: The CW