‘Buffy’ at 20: Sarah Michelle Gellar Pens Emotional Essay for Anniversary

Like all diehard Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans, Sarah Michelle Gellar is sharing her own memories and gratitude for Joss Whedon’s genre-busting series.

The series, which starred Gellar as TV’s most beloved vampire slayer, debuted 20 years ago today and helped change the way women were portrayed on the small screen and left a lasting impact on not just viewers but the actress as well.

Gellar reflected on the show’s rough road to the screen as well as its legacy in a lengthy Instagram post in which she called the former WB network series “the little show that could” and Buffy a “feminist challenge to gender hierarchy.” Read her full post, below. Click here for THR‘s deep dive with Whedon; here for our chat with exec who opened the door fora Buffy TV series; and here for some of the cast on the show’s legacy.

 

20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time. It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network. That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could. While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have. As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more. She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one. Thank you to Gail Berman for always believing there was a show in that movie. Thank you to Joss Whedon, for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created. Thank you to David, for always being my Angel. Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you. Alyson, as any woman knows, you are nothing without the love and support of great female friends, so thank you for being that. Michelle, you will always hold a key to my heart. Thank you to all the incredible actors for seven seasons of amazing performances. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible crew that worked tirelessly (and also really tired) to bring this show to life. And lastly, but most importantly thank you to all of you, the fans. We made this show for you, and your unwavering support has kept this show going long past our seven years. You are everything. And always remember…”if the apocalypse comes, beep me” #buffyslays20

A post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Mar 10, 2017 at 9:20am PST

Here are some of the other great ways in which the Buffy stars celebrated the show’s 20th anniversary:

Let’s party like it’s my birthday #buffyslays20 pic.twitter.com/JLXvQ8y8PW

— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) March 10, 2017

Wow. #20YearsOfBuffy @joss What can I possibly say to thank you? No really, what can I say?!? I need YOU to write it!!!

— alyson hannigan (@alydenisof) March 10, 2017