Yet the making of Buffy had some moments that rivaled some of its onscreen plots in terms of drama and intensity. Here are 18 surprising behind-the-scenes Buffy facts that might have you reconsidering the show in a whole new way.
1.
Sarah Michelle Gellar was actually terrified of cemeteries.
3.
The season five finale, “The Gift,” was supposed to be the show’s final episode.
5.
Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds was offered Xander, but also declined.
6.
Sarah Michelle Gellar originally auditioned for Cordelia Chase.
7.
In the beginning, the show was on a serious budget and was largely filmed in a warehouse and in real schools.
8.
The cast hated filming the library scenes.
9.
Gellar and David Boreanaz sometimes ate gross things before love scenes.
10.
Eliza Dushku’s grandmother called to complain about the show.
11.
Sarah Michelle Gellar worked hard to preserve Buffy’s squeaky-clean image offscreen.
13.
Gellar struggled while filming Season 6.
14.
James Marsters originally auditioned with a Southern accent.
15.
Marsters was devastated by what Spike did to Buffy in the episode “Crush.”
16.
Joss Whedon has been the subject of harassment accusations.
17.
Some stars found out about Gellar’s exit and the show’s ending from a magazine.
18.
And finally, Dolly Parton was technically an executive producer.