Charisma Carpenter Reveals How She Thinks Social Media Would Have Impacted “Buffy” and “Angel” Fandoms Back in the Day

Charisma Carpenter, best known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” recently shared her thoughts on how social media would have impacted the fandoms of these iconic shows. Appearing on the RE-VAMPED with Juliet Landau podcast, the 54-year-old actress discussed how the intense fan culture surrounding both series would have been even more heightened if social media had existed during their original run.

During the podcast, Carpenter reminisced about the strong audience responses the shows received on the internet back when they were airing. She mentioned how communication with fans was already prevalent through message boards and conventions, but she believes that the addition of social media would have made things “bananas, cuckoo bananas.”

Reflecting on her time portraying the character Cordelia Chase, Carpenter revealed her favourite couple within the Buffyverse: Angel and Cordelia. However, she expressed that she believed Cordelia was a “solo lady” and didn’t feel her character should have ended up with anyone romantically.

Carpenter’s journey in the Buffyverse spanned from her appearance on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” from 1997 to 1999 to her regular role on “Angel” from 1999 to 2003. She mentioned that her character’s departure from the latter series was intertwined with her decision to start a family.

Sharing one of her memorable supernatural moments from the shows, Carpenter recounted a scene where her character became a higher being and was lifted hundreds of feet into the air on an L.A. freeway. She highlighted the challenges and excitement of filming such dramatic scenes.

Shifting the conversation to her overall career, Carpenter opened up about the evolving nature of the industry and advised her younger self to have a backup plan. She emphasised the importance of being prepared for the uncertainties in show business, especially with contracts becoming increasingly demanding for actors.

Carpenter also touched on the misconception of Hollywood glamour, revealing that many actors, including big stars, face challenges and uncertainties in their careers. She stressed the need to have a safety net and a realistic perspective on the industry, despite external perceptions of celebrity life.

In a candid moment, Carpenter discussed the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, noting the shift towards more stringent contracts for actors. She highlighted the need for resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the profession, urging aspiring actors to be prepared for the unexpected.

Throughout her podcast appearance, Carpenter offered insights into her experiences within the Buffyverse, her personal journey in the entertainment industry, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Her reflections shed light on the complexities of show business and the importance of resilience in pursuing a career in acting.

In conclusion, Charisma Carpenter’s reflections on the impact of social media on Buffy and Angel fandoms, her favourite on-screen couple, and her advice for aspiring actors provide a glimpse into the multi-faceted world of entertainment. Her candid revelations serve as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with a career in the spotlight.