The new series, Eternally Yours, aims to blend supernatural elements with classic sitcom tropes, focusing on a married vampire couple navigating the challenges of eternal life—including their daughter's relationship with a human. The premise sounds like a fresh take on the genre, drawing comparisons to the beloved FX series What We Do in the Shadows, and could potentially replicate the broad appeal of Ghosts, which has proven to be a significant hit for the network.
Nearly two decades ago, CBS first dipped its toes into vampire lore with Moonlight, a procedural drama that premiered in 2007. The series starred Alex O'Loughlin as Mick St. John, a private investigator who also happened to be a centuries-old vampire. He finds himself drawn to reporter Beth Turner (Sophia Myles), whom he had saved decades prior when she was a child. Their professional partnership quickly evolves as Beth uncovers Mick's true nature, leading to a complex, forbidden romance.
Moonlight distinguished itself with a unique take on vampire mythology. In this universe, sunlight doesn't instantly incinerate vampires but rather slowly saps their strength, while traditional deterrents like garlic and holy water are ineffective. The series also introduced the intriguing concept that consuming vampire blood could induce a euphoric high in humans. This allowed the writing staff to craft inventive threats and storylines, moving beyond conventional vampire vulnerabilities.
Beyond its procedural elements, the show delved into deep dramatic territory, particularly concerning Mick's personal history. His ex-wife, Coraline (Shannyn Sossamon), was the one who turned him, adding a layer of personal conflict. The burgeoning romance between Mick and Beth, complicated by her human boyfriend Josh (Jordan Belfi), provided a compelling emotional core that resonated with a dedicated, albeit niche, fanbase.
Despite its innovative approach, Moonlight faced an uphill battle. Original showrunner David Greenwalt, known for his work on Angel, departed early due to health issues. While it garnered a loyal following, initial reviews were mixed. The series' momentum was ultimately derailed by the 2007–2008 Writers' Guild strike, which proved to be the final nail in its coffin, leading to its cancellation after just one season. The show concluded with a poignant moment as Mick and Beth shared their first kiss, leaving fans yearning for more.
Ironically, Moonlight's cancellation preceded the massive vampire craze ignited by Twilight shortly thereafter. In 2010, the series found a brief second life when it aired in reruns on The CW, paired effectively with The Vampire Diaries due to their shared blend of supernatural romance and drama. For star Alex O'Loughlin, the role of Mick St. John proved indelible, with him later reflecting on Moonlight as a "career error" due to the passionate, singular fan perception it created. "The fans that I got from that show are very committed. They will never ever see me as anything other than Mick St. John," O'Loughlin stated in an interview.
With Eternally Yours on the horizon, it's clear that CBS is once again embracing the potential of the supernatural genre, and specifically, the enduring appeal of vampires. Whether this new sitcom will achieve the widespread success of Ghosts or echo the cult status and untimely end of Moonlight remains to be seen, but the network is undoubtedly showing confidence in the undead business.
Moonlight is currently available to stream for free on Tubi.