Bill Compton

Vampire stories have been with us for hundreds of years, transcending the mediums in which the stories are told.  Originating in European folklore, they’ve made the transition to each new platform, from books to radio, silent film to the big screen, and finally to the television.  Some of the best-known vampires are featured here, from Barnabas Collins, the unexpected highlight of the soap opera Dark Shadows to Nick Knight, who seeks redemption for his sins as a police officer in modern-day Toronto.  Here are five of the top vampires on television to help inspire you this Halloween season.

(Photos Via: Bill Compton, Angel, Barnabas Collins, Kirk Jones, and Nick Knight)