<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> List of The Vampire Diaries episodes </Td> </Tr> <P> The Vampire Diaries, a one - hour American supernatural drama, was renewed for a fourth season by the U.S. channel The CW on May 3, 2012, seven days before the third season's finale . Unlike the previous seasons that aired in September, it premiered on October 11, 2012, to avoid competition from major television shows . Season 4 consisted of 23 episodes instead of the usual 22 episodes . </P> <P> On January 11, 2013, it was announced that a back - door pilot focused on the Originals, titled The Originals will air on April 25 for series pick - up . On April 26, 2013, The CW announced that The Originals, The Vampire Diaries' spin - off series, was picked up for a full season slated to premiere next fall . </P> <P> On February 11, 2013, The CW renewed the series for a fifth season . </P>

When was season 4 of vampire diaries filmed