How Should I Watch Buffy & Angel? (Scheduling Poll)

I wanted to point out that I like the way Shan, AKA ASR, does her play lists and tags. Obviously there are the Buffy playllist and the Angel playlist. But she also has a "Buffyverse" playlist. That's both the shows in the guide order so one can watch both shows directly through the way the are viewed/reacted to if you go by the guide.

Loves Bitca

its intresting

Magpie's Nest Productions

Well, I'll meet you guys in the middle and say I prefer Buffy, but I TOTALLY understand why someone would like Angel more than Buffy.

Prue

SlayAlive guide. The people who are telling you to watch 1 episode of each back to back because you won't lose any narrative flow are wrong. Like, factually wrong, I can think of specific examples in my head right now where a bunch of things wouldn't make sense/would be out of order.

Prue

I would say that it went like this: kinda good, ok, then terrible, then really horrible.

Kirby

The bottom line, Alley, is that the SlayAlive guide is just that, a guide. It doesn't mean you can't deviate from it if your circumstances dictate. You are in charge. You will be able to judge when you are in the middle of a tight arc and when you are not. Then, you can decide if you want to pop out an episode of the other series to satisfy your patrons. The guide clearly shows the crossover episodes that you'll want to keep together.

GenU

It's not going to be, but I'm not sure who would leave over Angel when you know IF that did happen, you'd get 7 or whatever of Buffy in a row. Angel for the record is much stronger in some seasons than its Buffy counterpart.

Fly on the Wall

Slayalive is probably the best way to watch because soemtimes it's better to watch two Buffy or Angels back to back. As for Angel, I'm sure there are people out there that haven't seen it, but my suggestion is don't censor yourself. Just put spoilers in the titles and everyone watching should know you're reacting to Angel so if they don't want to be spoiled, they can watch the show with you for the first time during your reactions.

Fly on the Wall

I watch Buffy and Angel on Hulu

TheMew

Yeah I agree I think most have seen it and if not then you can say spoilers if you and they want but I think at this point people should watch it along with you if they haven't seen it. Also I just baffles me sometimes after all this time that poeple haven't seen Angel but have seen Buffy a bunch. I guess some people just have different preferences or maybe just never gave it a chance but I mean come on if you are watching a reactor and they are going to watch both but you don't want spoilers what's the problem. what you haven't watched it after all this time but are maybe planning on watching it sometime in the future instead of just watching along with her. i mean come on why should she have to go out of her way to accommodate a few people who haven't bothered watching it yet and aren't watching with her instead of being able to talk about both shows with all the people who have seen both.

TheMew

The only problem with watching full seasons or the whole show and going back is there are spoilers on Buffy of things that happened or follow stuff from Angel and it works best to see them at the same time they are happening in each show so you get all the information and aren't spoiled. I'm sure there are a lot of these people who have on watched Buffy and haven't watched Angel and when stuff popped up they were confused on what was happening or why are character was there because they missed it on Angel. Plus you aren't having to watch a whole season or shows and then jump all the way back and watch and see stuff pop up and go oh thats what was happening. Once you've seen it once through this is ok because you already know what happened but not the first time.

TheMew

And just FYI, as a Buffy fan who has never seen Angel, I've always figured that if I get spoiled on Angel because I was watching Buffy reactions, then that's on me! Almost all reactors watch both, and they will frequently have things to say about Angel during their Buffy videos. I'm pretty good at plugging my ears in a hurry! In fact, the biggest Angel spoiler I've heard happened while watching a completely unrelated YouTube video a few weeks ago. I wish I had a video of my face in that moment. I was in shock, just like, "Wait... did he just say... no... but that means... FUCK!" 21 years I managed to not get spoiled on Angel, then the biggest spoiler of all (I'm assuming) hits me mere weeks before I start watching it with you! I got a little off track... my point is supposed to be that after 21 years, we can't complain about spoilers. Not sure that complaining about spoilers was the way to go about making that point! :D

Janel Davis

Hi Alley! For all my Buffy devotion, I have never seen Angel 😄 I've actually been looking forward to watching it for the first time with you! 😁

Janel Davis

That makes sense. Buffy is by far my most favorite character in the entire Whedonverse. I don't care about Angel and I began actively hating him when he had his own series.

Kirby

That's debatable, but, spoilers....

Kirby

You can like either show better than the other, but they together are the entire story of the BUFFYVERSE. It’s like watching only the first LOTR movie if you only watch Buffy.

Allan Cornett

So the best character arc, IMHO , of the entire BUFFYVERSE did not engage you?

Allan Cornett

To the Buffy fans who don’t watch Angel you are missing some of the greatest character arcs in the BUFFYVERSE. Also many episodes of Buffy make no sense if you haven’t seen Angel. I feel sad for y’all . The first season of Angel is much more polished than the first season of Buffy because of more money and the universe was already established in Buffy.

Allan Cornett

Yeah in buffy I found him broody, kinda miserable, always so serious, and I think him and Buffys relationship was just weird to me. Whereas in Angel he has a lot more character development and growth, isn't quite as broody, and has more characters that he interacts with, in Buffy, it was mostly just him and Buffy. It's funny that in Both Angel and Buffy neither are my favourite characters 😂

Heather Macdonald

I agree with you! Not a fan.

Kirby

I'm with both Allan and Giovanni!

Kirby

Same.

Kirby

Interesting, I hated him more in his own series. LOL

Kirby

Late to the party, because I've been busy at work, but it looks like the slayalive guide has the most votes by far. I voted for watching by original airdate order, just because that's how I watched Angel (the series). With the exception of a handful of episodes, I've only seen Angel episodes once. I'm not a huge fan of Angel, the series or the character. But I did enjoy watching Buffy and Angel together back during the original airings. After Buffy ended, I hate watched season 5 of Angel.

Kirby

I never watched them according to air date, so I wouldn't know. But watching Buffy first was quite confusing when a certain character shows up in season seven with little explanation.

Rae

Well I'm with Ana. I definitely connected more with the characters in Angel than I did in Buffy. Personally I think both shows are very hit and miss but for me Angel as a show was way more interesting than Buffy after this season.

Dannielle

I'm with roger. For me it didn't get good up until a certain point, and then it got bad for a while before briefly becoming extremely good after another point

Anastasia Bartocha

I've never personally understood people who like Angel better than Buffy. For me Angel was *very* hit and miss. Portions were great, portions were horrible, most is just meh. Buffy on the other hand is my favorite work of fiction ever. Not knocking your opinion, but I personally don't understand it.

Roger Lackman

I actually prefer Angel to Buffy so I'm very excited for your Angel reactions. I cant wait for you to start the journey of watching it. I voted for the guide. The way i watched it was back and forth until the middle of season 5 of buffy and I binged all of Angel because I was in love with the show and I took my time at the rest of the Buffy seasons. So I cant say from personal experience about the guide but everyone else says it's a good way for the flow of the stories

Ana

Okay, I get it. Sorry, my bad.

darby72

I don't think there are any "terrible" episodes in the first season (especially when compared to other TV shows). Even the weaker ones are enjoyable.

Jeff Walker

No, I was agreeing with you about crossovers being spoiled.

Bodertz

Also, I'm sure others have probably said this already, but... fair warning, the first season of Angel takes a while to find its footing. The quality varies wildly in the first season, with really fantastic episodes alongside really terrible ones, and doesn't really start to even out until the end of the season. Hang in there, it's worth it!

Bonnie Claire

There aren't THAT many crossovers - especially in later seasons when the two shows were airing on different networks - and most of those are still covered by a back-and-forth, 1-to-1 watch order. BUT there are definitely places where one show or the other is in the middle of a two part episode, a longer plot arc, or has a cliffhanger, and alternating can be really jarring in terms of tone and focus. For that reason, I highly recommend the guide. It's worth remembering that just because the two shows were forced to air alternating due to the nature of television, doesn't mean that the creators necessarily wrote each show with that in mind. Each set of writers was writing assuming internal continuity, which I think the watch guide preserves in a way that the other two don't. I wish I'd known about the guides when I was watching Buffyverse for the first time. I alternated seasons - one season of Buffy with one season of Angel - and I definitely would not recommend that lol. Especially in the first two of seasons of Angel, the shows just make more sense taken together.

Bonnie Claire

There is nothing confusing about watching them in the original order.

Steveo

There's a four episode stretch a couple times

Steveo

I agree with you, there's no reason not to just follow how they aired originally. I'm also not a huge Angel fan, while there are some great episodes I also dread this time for reactors. As always with most reactors I stagger months of subscribing because of this. If it wasn't for a few important crossovers I'd suggest skipping Angel entirely until Buffy was finished. But that's me.

Steveo

Completely agree

Nicholas J Hoover

I'd like that too. Not sure what the big attachment to crossovers gains. I can't really say more as it'd be spoilery.

Nicholas J Hoover

Being one of the old foggies who watched these as they aired, I would suggest the guide. There were definitely weeks I watched Buffy and then Angel and would have loved to jump straight to the next Angel or vice versa to see a resolution of a plot line. There isn't massive cross-over that I recall, but when it does happen, its nice to keep the flow rather than jarring back and forth.

Becci

FB, I haaaaate the damn guide. I watched it live, lost none of the story, and I feel like it’s such a dilution to the rhythm of watching. It makes me dread the inclusion of Angel, not because I don’t like it (I do, just not as much as Buffy), but because it always results in weeks, sometimes multiple, with no Buffy. No “story flow” (again... it’s fine) makes that worth it. The only exception I’d make to this is where there’s parallel story in one or two crossover eps. If you HAD to. But again... you really don’t. It’s also important to note that given the network change, the only times this could logically occur is in S4 and 5, so I just.... blergh. I know I’m in the minority here, but I feel like if ya OG fans could figure out what was going on, so can you. AND, it’s more organic to the original experience that way.

Renee Pope-Munro

Honestly I don’t want to vote, do what you want to do I’ll be happy either way because I love both shows

Nichole Hutchison

I believe Season 7 of Buffy and Season 4 of Angel were out of sync.

Daniel

Wait I'm not the only one who likes Buffy but is 'meh' over Angel? I like a few episodes in season 1 but otherwise it leaves me pretty cold.

cheekyhobbit

I think the guide is overhyped as the crossovers between the 2 shows aren't really that many. Quite the contrary so having long stretches without Buffy for just a couple of crossovers doesn't make sense to me. Also I must admit I'm biased on this as I was secretly hoping you would only do Buffy reaction. I am not a fan of Angel so I won't be watching those episodes and this means it will be weeks with no reactions.

rossoblu

When I first watched Buffy & Angel in 2011, I used option #2 assuming that was probably the original view order. I've heard of the Slayalive Guide before but never really looked into it. But looking at it now, I can see the advantages. There are definitely places where it's better to watch two-parters/cliff-hangers back to back than breaking them up by methodically switching back and forth between the two shows. So I voted for the guide.

The Value of Life

Id say you should do the guide or original airdate.

Vincent Valentin

I voted for the guide, I don't think it's absolutely necessary but there are some character moments that definitely benefit from using the guide. Also I'm in the minority, I actually prefer Angel as a show to Buffy.

Dannielle

For people who are only here for buffy, theres going to be times when there are 3 to 4 episodes of angel in row, i know that wouldnt bother most, but personally i dont watch angel so would love for 1 episode of each exept for when theres 2 parters or crossovers.

Philippa Watson

Most reactors use the SlayAlive guide, so I recommend that as well. I'm very excited for you to get into Angel. Both of the Buffyverse shows are two of my favorite shows on television.

Steve Quast

Darby, you bring up a really good point.

Nebraska

Its on Amazon Prime and I believe Hulu.

Nebraska

I have never seen Angel, don't know where I can do that. I really want to see your reactions about it, but want to see it for myself first.

Tim Aarden

Love Angel! I've been wondering how you'd approach this but didn't want to potentially spoil 😂

TaraFromTerra

Why doesn't the airdate work?

Calvin Allen

As I understand it... the SlayAlive Guide is really designed for people who are *binging* Buffy and Angel. Its main advantage is that you don't have to break up the narrative flow by constantly alternating between the two shows. However, because you are only doing two episodes a week, anyway... I feel like you'd be better off just watching one of Buffy and one of Angel every week. The crossover episodes will all still line up if you do this.

Nicholas Bogroff Ganssle

I would have no problem with using the air date order as the viewing order now except that I believe that the actual air date order was not always the same as the intended air date order. I seem to recall that sometimes real life events disrupted episodes coming out as originally planned. And I believe that coordination of air dates between the two series was occasionally complicated, and impaired, by the two series eventually ending up on separate networks from each other (and, as you can well imagine, separate networks aren't really big on cooperating with each other, even though coordination was what the series writers and producers wanted).

Mark Zima

I've seen both Buffy and Angel more than once, so no spoilers for me. I glanced at the guide, and it looked like some back and forth, and an occasional 2 or 3 episode run, but I didn't see any longer than that. I voted for the slayalive guide, but will be happy to watch along with you in whatever order you decide. As always, I love your reactions and looking forward to many many more.

Donald Mellen

The good news is, for the most part the shows stories are independent of each other. There are a couple crossovers, and following the guide will effect the context of both shows. Either way, you'll thoroughly enjoy both shows. Every buffyverse fan has their favourite to this day, I'm definately more of an Angel fan. But this goes to show how much love and care went into making Angel it's own show, and getting it to stand on it's own feet. They both have a very different feel, and you'll get fanboys from both sides that'll judge you on which show you enjoy more. Just ignore them, don't let either side guilt trip you for not appreciating the universe the way you appreciate it. Also you're watching it in a way they didn't, they experienced it over 8 years

Chris Hanley

Spoilers? Did I spoil something? If so I genuinely didn't mean to, but I don't think I did.

darby72

Yeah. Everyone here cares about spoilers a whole lot except now apparently. Darn.

Bodertz

What I have found when watching reactors who use the guide is that they are ALWAYS spoiled on crossovers, since it suddenly reverts from doing a bunch of episodes in a row of one series to being back and forth. Also, everyone focuses on the advantage of getting to watch a bunch of eps of one show all together, but this is not so good when one or the other is going through a bad spell (it does happen even on these great shows) and you suddenly find yourself having to watch a number of not great episodes of one show before being able to get back to the other. Personally, I have watched it the original way back when it first aired, and then several times when watching reactors using the guide, and I have to say I much prefer the original air date method. That being said, do what makes you and the majority happy, I will probably wait to watch the episodes until I can watch them in the right order, which means I might get way behind on your reactions to one show until the next chronological episode of the other is released, but I am okay with that. I do, in my heart of hearts, however, think you would have enjoyed the original way they aired better. Oh well.

darby72

I'll throw my two cents in and say that both original air date and slayalive guide are both good options. The guide is excellent and there are definitely some times where watching the episodes in the guide's order might give you a greater appreciation for those episodes. I definitely think the guide is the way to go, and most reactors have seemed to do well with it. BUT, the way the guide clumps sometimes 3-4 episodes of one show before returning to the other means you are gonna get people who complain every week and spam OMG WHEN ARE YOU GETTING BACK TO BUFFY. You're also going to get people accusing you of dragging both shows out to capitalize on money from patrons. (People suck) It happens to literally every reactor for Buffyverse, so hopefully it doesn't get you. As one more aside, S4 and onward is generally when fans start to go crazy with spoilers, so be careful reading comments.

Second_Strike

Just some warnings on what to expect from some members of your audience when you do the SlayAlive order (it is still the one I prefer and causes the least problems imo): —You'll get a lot of annoying "when are you gonna get back to Buffy???" comments even when you make it clear what the watch order is.  —Even though, again, you have made it clear which order you're watching it in, when 2 parters or crossovers or even just a really good episode of one show is coming up, you'll get some pointless "make sure you watch X next!!!" comments. And just generally, people get really demanding about this stuff and no matter what approach you take, a vocal minority is going criticize it throughout the rest of both series. Don't let them pressure you or make you feel bad for having a schedule or having to take breaks. 

KT

Hmm, actually, I think you should post a "spoiler warning" in your Angel/Buffy descriptions when you get to that point, but not worry about saying anything out loud. While there people who would actually be watching Buffy reactions who would be upset by the spoilers would be rare, going ahead and posting the warning, or making it part of your blanket descriptions after such things start would make it even more of a sure thing.

David Neal

I tapped out after season 3 of Angel so I won't care if you let spoilers slip.

Kenny Teeology

I would go with the Slayalive guide 100%, it just makes the most sense narratively speaking (and simply alternating Buffy/Angel actually doesn't in places, bizarrely!).

ElectricMonk

Whatever the majority decides is probably best. Personally I was never a big fan of Angel outside of the crossover episodes. My only issue with the guide is having stretches where it's multiple Angel episodes in a row. But I think we'll live.

Negative

I'm with you Allan!

Superfan Giovanni

Maybe actually look at the guide before you judge it as gatekeeping?

K Murray

I think the guide is the best way to go. It makes sure you hit the episodes in the best order while minimizing the amount of bouncing back & forth and lets you stick with the shows for a few episoses at a time as to allow you to properly digest the shows/episodes. Most reactors use it and I really think it maximizes the experience.

Charmed Autistic

I watched most of Angel when it first aired, but I'm not as big a fan as I am of Buffy. Since like you said there is the occasional crossover it is still important to watch or you might be a bit confused on some episodes. I am torn between the original order and this guide which I had never heard of before you mentioned it, so I just googled it. The guide makes sense from a quick glanceover so I would go with that.

kemperor .

i'm not a fan of ats myself, so in my heart of hearts i'd love if reactors just skipped it. BUT i know that's not a majority opinion, and since you love angel, i can bet you'll like it a lot. so speaking as a person who will miss buffy on the weeks that are only angel if you follow the slayalive guide, i still think that guide is probably for the best. after all, it also mean there will be some weeks that are only buffy!

limon

Here's another one who haven't watched Angel (only parts of s 1). I haven't read the guide everyone is talking about but if it's like 7 Angel episodes in a row I'm just saying you might lose a few patreons...

CrookedCat

Definitely watch them together. I think watching Buffy through and then coming back to Angel would be a mistake.

Brandon Scott

I think if you watched Buffy all the way through before watching Angel it would spoil some things for you. It will be way more exciting to see you watch it all at once. In terms of a guide, other people are better experts than me

Neil Prospect

I haven't seem all of Angel either (I have the DVDs, but got sidetracked). I'm looking forward to watching them with you Alley! I voted for Staying alive. :)

Sika6061

I might be the only one who would prefer to watch them separately, lol. Like I love both shows, but I watched them uninterrupted one after the other (like Buffy 1-7 first and then Angel 1-5) and it didn't take away from the experience or anything... But I think the slayalive or a 1-to-1 ratio would be best.

AllieDoh

Actually I have to disagree. I’ve watched Buffy many times and I’ve only ever gotten through season 2 of Angel so I’d prefer (and I’m sure many other people who haven’t seen angel) at least a spoiler warning.

Chance

The Slayalive guide for sure. And yay, can't wait!

Raven Dark

Definitely follow the guide. I watched Buffy first and was so confused by certain things because they happened on Angel but weren’t fully explained on Buffy. So after that first watching I only ever watch them according to the Slayalive guide and it’s a much smoother viewing experience.

Rae

…So what I'm reading here is that I'll get an excuse to rewatch Angel as well? An unexpected bonus! Looking forward to it! I've seen both; I originally binged Buffy first, I think, then did Angel. It was a kind of confusing way of doing it; do not recommend.

Mikael Bergström

I was gonna say just do one-and-one, but after looking at the slayalive guide, I would go with that. It helps maintain more momentum by not switching every ep, which I feel like you need in the first season of Angel. Eeee! Can't wait for you to watch!

Madam Satsuma

I am kind of stoked to go through the Slayalive experience with you.. I personally had a weird viewing experience -chronologically.. I watched all of Angel before I watched any of Buffy.. I didn't even know they were connected until two of my friends finished watching theBuffy DVD's and basically repeated the entire plot thereafter.. SO...... I knew about Buffy going in (like the fact that Angel came back in season 3 ...) It'll be fun to experience it for once "as it should"

Ashtara Levin

The SlayAlive Guide attempts to preserve mini-arcs and crossover episodes to provide a good viewing experience for the viewer. It is not the only such guide but it is one of the better ones. You have to ask yourself, would you like to watch one Buffy followed by one Angel even if the Buffy show has a mini-arc that the next Angel episode would interrupt if you went 1/1? Is that important to you? The guide is rarely more than 4 episodes in a row (have a look at it). It is usually 2 or 3. One thing, though. You may want to consider watching Angel 1x01 before Buffy 4x01 because of one (minor) crossover scene. Ultimately, though, it's not that big a deal. And, yeah, cover your eyes during the opening credits of Angel 1x01 so as to avoid a spoiler.

GenU

"I would at least try it for Buffy season 4 / Angel season 1... " Agreed. Any reactor should feel free to re-evaluate their order after every season... in case they felt that something else would work better for them or their viewers.

UTU49

Whatever way you chose to watch I am sure you'll slay the reactions. I'm not sure why but I just felt like leaving a pun.

Eric Bushee

This should be really fun for you. I hope you'll share your perspective along the way.

UTU49

I used the slayalive and then modified it a bit to make bigger runs of each to keep the flow and I just made sure certain episodes were in order. However you'd keep people waiting a long time so that might not be as good for a reactor

R J Walker (FumblesMcStupid)

follow the guide, watch both, avoid spoilers

Mike Sharp

Dude what are you doing with this comment?

Shandler

Use the Slayalive guide. It seems fine. The airdate doesn't work well, and while episode swapping is *fine*, it does disrupt storylines occasionally, so it's probably best to use the guide.

Daniel

i've only seen buffy, not angel. i never heard of the stay alive guide.

Justafox305

Watching the shows using a fan made guide to make them feel more interconnected to then not discuss the spoilers between the episodes seems to defeat the purpose. Having to splinter off separate spoilery Angel details during Buffy reactions seems less fun. I'm hoping the majority vote is correct and the guide proves to be a good way to first experience the show. These Buffy reactions are my favorite thing in all of media presently, I hope the guide only enhances Alley's experience.

Superfan Giovanni

The original airdate doesn't work because there is an issue on season 7 of Buffy/Season 4 of Angel where the episodes didn't line up properly by schedule. the episode by episode is better slightly but the same seasons cause less issues. Honestly a guide is your best bet.

TheEvilSmurf42

Great to see how popular the Slayalive Guide is with the fandom. I think it’s particularly good for reactions.

Shashank

I watched it live so I tend to prefer back and forth. But admittedly some of the two parters make more sense at times following the guides

Eric Paul Owens

I went with the less popular back and forth, I just feel like it’s the most simple way of watching them, but that’s just me.

Keenan White

I tend to assume if someone is eagerly watching Buffy reaction videos and hasn’t watched Angel, they likely aren’t going to. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, but adding spoiler warnings for major stuff would probably be a nice gesture. Ditto the don’t watch the credits of Angel right away.

Kelly Walker

I was always a purist and watched in broadcast order but people wouldn't shut up about the slayalive order. I gave in on my latest re-watch. The slayalive order makes so much sense. Story arcs remain coherent, crossovers are maintained. Its a great watch order and I hope you take it up.

Rebecca Wehr

From watching other reactors the guide seems like the best option. I have actually never finished Angel 🙈 But this is the perfect chance!

Hilde Olaussen

Guide. While the original air date seems proper, the guide lets you watch straight through important story arcs, and basic "To be continued" type things while not spoiling the other show, and properly connecting any connections, overlapping arcs or crossovers.

Loves Bitca

I hadn't heard of the Slayalive order before so I had to look that up. As I mentioned I watched both originally in the broadcast seasons. There aren't a lot of 'what happened on Buffy' shapes what next happens on Angel while the reverse does occur. The Slayalive order addresses both well enough and adds keeping the two-parters together which is good (IMO) I know you only asked for a vote but.... my $0.02

Jon Freezin-Rain

I think there are definitely some episodes that benefit from a watch order that is not the original order. I'd go with the Slayalive order. I definitely don't mind having double Angel episodes in a week.

Dollface

I voted for the guide as well. I completely get your impulse as a first time viewer to watch as it aired and not stray from the path, but honestly, if I could go back in time to my first viewing, I would make myself watch in Slayalive order.

DawsonX

I originally watched them separately (Angel first, then Buffy...I know, weird). When I went back through them with my daughter when she was starting High School we followed a guide (not that one specifically, but close). I think the guide is better. You will end up doing something like two weeks of nothing but Angel or two weeks of nothing but Buffy, but it will really help with the crossover events in some cases (Buffy S4/ Angel S1) or of massive cliffhangers that take place in both shows at different times.

Keith Jones

Stay alive guide is the perfect way to watch the two, especially for the first season or two (not much difference later). Some people really hate it with a passion though, there have been massive flame wars in the comments of some other reactors.

keldarien

I would go with original air date. Being that you can only watch two episodes a week (and maybe I'm thinking of a different guide that does this), you could watch a block of four episodes of Angel and when you get back to Buffy, the last episodes aren't fresh in your mind.

Tim Pierce

I can't express how much you should be using the guide, you will get much more fulfilment watching them this way.

EDDS

I don't particularly know how it's "gatekeeping" or "dictating" it's a just a suggestion and a pretty well thought out one at that. That or original airdate is good with me. I also prefer Angel so I'm not going to throw a fit if there's not a Buffy every week like a lot of ppl have done to the other reactors. Liam Duke is way ahead on Buffy s7 as opposed to Angel s4 but the last time he did a cycle of Angel for a COUPLE of episodes ppl were saying he'd finish Angel before Buffy at that rate...that's just not true. You don't have to keep interrupting arcs with the guide. But airdate works too.

Amanda

*raises hand* I never watch them together when doing rewatches. While there are obviously some crossovers I’m not sure I agree about it creating massive gaps in major storylines. They are different shows with different intentions and create different experiences. To be clear though this wasn’t an option so I don’t think there is any danger of Alley going this route. I’d also like to say that obviously this is just my opinion and I don’t mean to suggest that your opinion is wrong because it’s different from my own. In fact I know I’m in the minority.

tc3

Go with SlayAlive guide, that way you don’t get left hanging off some serious cliffs or have two different climaxes competing for your attention and emotions.

Ryan

Here it is, for anyone who wants to take a look. I believe it has worked very well for at least 5 reactors that I have watched. http://slayalive.com/showthread.php/3924-The-Buffy-Angel-watching-guide This "Slayalive order" was by a guy named Bolin and is in a comment that he posted at the site. His comment has no spoilers, except for the titles of all of the episodes of Buffy and Angel.

UTU49

The guide is definitely the best way.

Jim Greer

Though I think that's a perfectly legitimate thing to want, personally I want the reactor to have the experience closest to what that creators intended and I think the airing order (where it breaks the chronology) is a constraint the creators had to put up with rather than something the likely wanted.

Dan

David Rater

I think everyone who has any interest has seen Angel already so all should be good. And the guide is probably the best way followed by the way it was originally seen.

Elisa H.

Okay, well, your vote agrees with me... and with the experience of the other reactors... so I guess there isn't exactly going to be any debate on this no matter how you decide to make your decision. In any case, Alley, watching Seasons 4 of Buffy and Season 1 of Angel together is a very interesting combo. It will probably be a fun experience for you and your viewers.

UTU49

Just commenting to agree that I think you can assume that everyone has seen Angel (or at least up to the point you're at).

Dan

Agreed. On my initial watch I used a guide.. Now though everytime I do a re-watch I watch them both separately.

SunnydaleClassof99

I feel like the guide is the best way to watch it.

Pho3nixX

Yeah, I feel like the guide is the best way. There honestly aren't that many crossover episodes, but the ones that do pop up are worth following the guide to ensure a good viewing order. I feel like it's also important to maintain the flow for like, part 1 and 2 episodes, so they don't get split up. I believe the guide maintains things like that pretty well. I wouldn't worry about mentioning Angel on Buffy or vice versa, I feel like most people have seen both. I suppose, anyone who hasn't seen one, (but is planning to, so wants to avoid spoilers), could watch the missing one along with you. I just think that in the moments where crossover occurs, you'd be missing out to not discuss or take note of the parallels and such.

Jennifer Lawson

Agreed. I voted SlayAlive, even though I generally think the importance/benefit of that order is overhyped by the fandom. But #2 is a very bad idea. In later seasons, it will definitely screw things up, because they didn't even air 1-to-1 at the time. IIRC there's a couple extremely minor issues with air date order due to things being shifted? But it's been awhile and IIRC they were also so minor that I wouldn't even worry about them.

escalator_dropdown

I'd say that SlayAlive is probably the best format. It manages to ensure that mini-arcs are played out properly and there's a reason so many reactors use it.

Shandler

Whenever I rewatch I watch them both separately. In my opinion they are two different shows that are better experienced on their own. I would vote for completing BtVS and then starting Angel if that was an option. I also think there are some instances when jumping back and forth between the two negatively impacts the flow of each show. I’m going to take a moment to think, but I’ll probably vote for air date since I watched both shows live, but that isn’t a perfect route either. I get the idea of the Slayalive guide and it’s well thought out, but I think it’s best suited for a binge watch.

tc3

I voted for the Slayalive guide, though I did actually watch both shows as they originally aired in the UK (1 Buffy ep followed by 1 Angel ep each week). It's been 20 years though, so I don't remember how watching as it aired, now compares to watching via the guide.

Kirsten (Heavenli24)

I like the Guide, as most others do. Obviously do what YOU want, but I feel this is the best experience, less whiplash-inducing than switching back and forth between shows every episode. The crossovers are awesome but there are also lots of self-contained plots that are more fun to get through as soon as you can. And yeah, going all the way through one series and then the other doesn't make sense to me, don't listen to those people. I have seen (and LOVED) Angel so would like to hear you discuss it freely during your Buffy reactions but maybe just include a spoiler warning for people who haven't seen it (but also, WHAT are those people waiting for?!)

Mary Kate

yes! my bad about messing up the title! and I just wanted to know what the majority consensus was :)

Alley Box

I'm sorry if that makes me a pain in the ass. I know I can sometimes take things too seriously. If you want to consult other reactors who have used the Slayalive guide, you could try: Aftershow Reactions, Liam Duke, Van, Liam Catterson, and Introvert Reacts. If you want to consult reactors who did not use the Slayalive Guide, you could ask Torchwood Boy and Shiny Antics. I'm sure there are other reactors that someone else might be able to recommend. My own personal opinion is that the Slayalive Guide is the only way to go. It's been used many times by many people, and I don't think I've ever heard anything negative about it. Also... basically ALL my favorite reactors have used it and it seems to have worked very well for both them and their viewers. Sermon over. Sorry. :( :)

UTU49

It's actually Slayalive and it's what most Buffyverse reactors have used.

Amanda

It used to be a bigger deal switching between dvds but in the digital age that's no longer an issue. People have had like 25 years to watch both shows now and still have time to at least get ahead of you if they want. Some people are lazy or motivated by not liking one show. Slayalive or some other chronological order is the way to go. For people who dont want buffyless weeks will sometimes get double Buffy week's to compensate.

Tobijah

I’m not sure I understand the difference between the first two options. The original air dates essentially WERE 1 Buffy and 1 Angel. I’m probably not getting it. But anyway, the 1 episode of each a week would be fine, but you probably will be better served by the Slayalive guide. (Certainly appears to be the people’s choice. 😆) As for those who haven’t seen Angel, I think they are by now choosing to run that risk. They know the score, most likely. As for watching all of Buffy and then going back and watching all of Angel... nahhhhhhhh. 😉 ... I THINK I know which one’s gonna win but I really believe people are gonna be on board no matter which way you go. 😎

Koz

Stay alive for sure!

Phoenix Dawn

I watched angel all in one go after watching buffy and i wished I'd seen it in the proper order. Gotta say i do love angel, some frankly amazing episodes not to be missed

Jonathan landless

The Slayalive Guide is legit and a good way to stay on top of the respective shows’ storylines and maintain the timing between the two shows and their crossovers.

Fuiono Ching Sung

I lose this in every reactor . The people who saw Buffy when it first aired had a certain experience . For Alley to have the same experience the order should be Buffy Angel Buffy Angel. Using the suggested guide leads to weeks of reactions to just one show. I know I will lose in this poll, but this is my 2 cents.

Allan Cornett

Just to clarify its the Slaya live guide. It's similar to original airdate. The benefit of that is having a good back to back watch of episodes of each show and you don't have to jump back and forth a bunch. Also the parallels line up right. Lots of reactors use Slayalive. That or original airdate works well but I don't think watching all of Buffy then going to see angel is great. There's some stuff that won't hit the same without context.

Amanda

okay thank you for telling me! (if I ever do, I will provide a spoiler warning with timestamps in the video like I do whenever I talk about spn)

Alley Box

The guides are overrated and unnecessary. They really serve no actual purpose despite everyone's claims. I say just watch Buffy and Angel back 2 back

Calvin Allen

And you don't plan to watch Angel before or at her reactions of it, but continue the Buffy reactions? I'd suggest to hop on the Angel train instead. Not mentioning stuff when there _is_ a connection seems rather burdensome...

Patrick Armbruster

Seconded. What an odd take! Slayalive is definitely the best way, IMO, I'd deal with switching back and forth, too, but one season then another is not a good idea!

Mary Kate

The second option (back and forth) is the only bad option here. Air date or slayalive guide are both fine.

Thomas Hansen

It is not just a matter of getting the crossover shows right it is also wanting to keep mini arcs in a show as close together as possible and not dispersing the other show in the middle of the mini arc.

Eric Haefele

personally I hate the slayalive guide but I still voted for it. I voted for it because all the reactors use it and people seem to like it but as someone who is primarily a Buffy fan (I've seen Angel but its not nearly as important to me) it makes me sad with all the buffyless weeks that result from people using it.

Roger Lackman

I think option 1 and option 2 are pretty much the same thing. As I recall, Buffy and Angel ran simultaneously for their entire run (Buffy at 8:00 and Angel at 9:00). If Buffy wasn't on, Angel wasn't on. So, to be simple, I would go with option #2. There aren't a lot of crossovers as such, but enough to warrant a simultaneous run.

Jeff Walker

everything in the Buffyverse is fair game bc both shows have been of the air for over 2 decades. like others have said, the guide pretty much contains mini arcs and works well imo. My vote is for 3 and anyone who hasnt watched Angel needs to immediately

Rafael Lemus

I voted Guide but if it doesn’t work for you I don’t think there’s an issue with switching things up down the road.

Collinson

Even though I never rewatch Angel (for too many spoilery reasons), I will watch with you :)

Jeffrey

Slayalive guide.

Scott Kenney

Buffy and Angel are tonally quite different so I think using the Stayalive guide is good for avoiding the whiplash of going back and forth all the time. I would at least try it for Buffy season 4 / Angel season 1 and if it's not working out for you then finish Buffy and come back to the rest of Angel later

anoriori

I used the guide on my latest rewatch and it was the best viewing experience in my opinion. As someone has mentioned I also recommend not watching the opening credits to Angel for the first episode.

Chip

The SlayAlive guide switches back and forth between Buffy and Angel while keeping subplot stories somewhat grouped together. It preserves spoilers, twists, etc, ties together the crossover eps and two part episodes and doesn't lean heavily on making you wait long stretches for resolution of cliffhangers. It's a very well done guide.

Erica Schaefer

Why do what other reactors did though? Seems like it's not really watching it how it was released, it's like playing a video game with level select on and choosing to play similar stages based on one dude's idea about shows he didn't create nor script, it's his best presumption that's the order to watch it, not the official order of release.

Superfan Giovanni

Stayalive Guide. I have seen all of Buffy multiple times but have never seen a single Angel ep, so I’ll be watching it for the first time with you!

Joseph Szwaba

The slayalive guide is the best option long term. Whoever complied it put a lot of thought into it, it flows incredibly well. You can do original air date pretty successfully for S4/S1, but it doesn’t work as well for the other seasons.

Flora Smith

Even tho Angel is part of the BTVS universe, it holds up on its own, it's very good and actually is a good replacement for Supernatural

Brittney

Go with the guide Theres not a lot of crossover but when it happens going by guide order makes things make more sense. Which didn't always happen with original air order. Yeah you will get stuck on one show for a few weeks every now and then but I see the buffyverse as one show so meh.

Salix

FWIW, I have seen both and am super-psyched to see you react to Angel too.

Joemanji

Just google "slayalive guide buffy angel" and you'll find it. It's an evolved guide that tries to move episodes in their correct places, so that it makes the most sense for the viewers.

Patrick Armbruster

yeah! just wasn't sure honestly how people enjoyed watching the shows together!

Alley Box

When I first watched the shows in their entirety I used the guide and it was an excellent experience

K Murray

SLAY Alive guide, not STAY Alive guide: I'm sure that's what you meant. This is an important decision that will have a big impact on your enjoyment of the show and on your viewers' enjoyment of your reactions. I think it would serve you better to consult other reactors, rather than to put it to a vote.

UTU49

Every major Buffy reactor would suggest you use the guide...it makes sense storywise. They worked very hard on that guide to make sure you aren't spoiled by anything and you get the full story on how it was intended...instead of what we had to go thru watching it live on tv back in the day...DO NOT watch the opening credits for the premiere episode of Angel, there is a surprise...

Brittney

You definitely have to watch both because of the crossovers. When one series bleeds into another it is too important to miss.

Jeffrey

I voted to follow the guide because I know it's widely considered to be the definitive watch order, but original airdate works just as well IMO.

OliveJus

The Guide is the best way!!!

Stephen Mintac

the slayalive guide is written by a random fan in a random forum but he did a *very* good job and nearly all Buffy reactors I follow (shan, liam Duke, liam catterson, introvert reacts, etc) follow it. I personally prefer 1 for 1 for the sake of simplicity and always having some Buffy but slayalive is excellent.

Roger Lackman

I said according to air date but I really don't mind. Although I prefer Buffy to Angel, I did enjoy Angel, and also don't hate him so much in his own show 😂.

Heather Macdonald

its a guide that helps match up any crossover episodes and many people have said that its a good way to get the full timeline of the buffyverse. I could be wrong, but I've seen it mentioned a ton haha. I think many other reactors have used it

Alley Box

Personally I go with 2. As long as you watch the Buffy EP before Angel you'll NEVER miss anything or issues buddy. Fans ALWAYS seem to urge reactors to go by the guide as if it there are crossover plots galore and there's honestly not. Always a shame when one show gets missed for a few weeks because of this. I'll respect any decision you make Ally ☺️😇 x

Kyle Jordan Ashley Brown

Mentioning an Angel episode in a Buffy-watching and vice versa is fine. I don't think your Patrons or Youtube-watchers will try to stay off one series until they've watched the other. We're here to see your progress and experience through the series – and that of course includes referencing happenings and stuff (as in: things) that came up in the other series.

Patrick Armbruster

Seen so much positive feedback on watching the shows in clumps of episodes rather than a back and forth. I watched the shows separately (Buffy live and Angel after the matter) but where some of Angel’s strengths are from arcs rather than single episodes (I hope that isn’t considered spoilery but I guess the guide gives the same impression too!)

Callumbo Heath

Who in the world would suggest watching all of one and then the other? That would leave massive gaps in major storylines (which I will say nothing specific about). Definitely do not do that.

The Red Critic

I've never watched angel so I'd love if you didn't discuss it in your buffy reactions 💖

Kimberlee

While I hate the Slayalive guide because I feel it favors long swaths of angel episodes over Buffy and at really inopportune times... I think it's the only way you can watch it without spoiling minor plot points between shows. So I'm voting SlayAlive.

Bryan Terry

I 100% prefer the slayalive guide. It groups episodes together really well to keep mini arcs together, without losing timelines, and allows you to switch back and forth easily and keep good emotional momentum (in my opinion).

Holi117

As somebody who has watched A LOT of Buffyverse reactions, the guide is, in my opinion, the best way to watch it. And judging by the way people voted here, I’m guessing I’m not the only one with experience in watching a bunch of people enjoy the shows via the episode guide haha

TheLoungingPotato

There are several crossovers throughout both shows,this guide helps cut through the network shuffle that went through the shows. I highly recommend doing it this way. .

Brandon Ross

What is the stayalive guide? I'd hate for some random dude who had no involvement with the show to dictate how you experience it. It sounds like people who have "orders" for watching Star Wars movies, sounds a little like "gatekeeping." I'm voting 1 for 1, airdate order also makes sense.

Superfan Giovanni