PICK OF THE DAY: The Originals – Wednesday 01 January at 7pm | M-Net Series Showcase

Simmering with supernatural elements and inspired by familiar characters from The Vampire Diaries, this sexy new series centers on the Original vampire family and the dangerous vampire/werewolf hybrid, Niklaus “”Klaus”” Mikaelson, who returns to the magical melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, a town he helped build centuries ago.

Determined to help Klaus is his brother Elijah, who leaves their sister Rebekah behind in Mystic Falls, Virginia, where they have been residing, and follows Klaus to New Orleans. There, Elijah learns that the beautiful and rebellious werewolf Hayley – Klaus’ onetime flame – has fallen into the hands of a powerful witch named Sophie Deveraux.

When Sophie reveals some life-changing news, Elijah realises that the Original family may have been given a second chance at humanity and redemption. Klaus, however, is more intrigued by his recent unexpected reunion with his former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic but diabolical vampire who now has total control over the supernatural inhabitants of New Orleans. Klaus vows to reclaim what once was his: the power, the city and his family.

The series also stars Leah Pipes as Camille, a human bartender who seems to have piqued the interest of both Klaus and Marcel, and Danielle Campbell as Davina, a witch with indeterminate yet intense power.

Don’t miss the premiere of The Originals on 1 January at 7pm on M-Net Series Showcase and also catch The Vampire Diaries from 7 January at 7pm on M-Net Series Showcase.