What does the end look like for The Vampire Diaries? Recently, showrunner Julie Plec spoke with Variety about the final season of the The CW series.

Earlier today, the network released a new poster for the eighth and final season of the vampire drama, which stars Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Kat Graham, Candice King, Zach Roerig, Matt Davis, and Michael Malarkey.

In a recent episode of “Remote Controlled,” Variety’s new podcast, Plec said season eight was the right time to end the series:

I just always had to look at what value [could] I continue to add to this show, and if I were to stop adding value, do I believe that it could carry on and be good and be something that that I could be proud of from afar? If we can’t complete these characters’ journeys full-stop, we’re doing a disservice to the legacy of the show.”

Plec added that the show’s longevity is largely due to fans:

I think the model of The CW network is really built on the fan platform more than anything else. The success or longevity of a series has less to do with the number it’s pulling and more to do with the social footprint…There is a lot about the fan support, on a strictly business level that’s really powerful for that network.”

And what about Nina Dobrev? In the interview, Plec said she “would be “heartbroken” if Elena didn’t make an appearance in “Vampire Diaries” final moments

The final season of The Vampire Diaries debuts tonight, October 21st, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

What do you think? Are you a fan of The Vampire Diaries? Are you excited for the last season?