Buffy the Vampire Slayer starts in 1996. Of course, the movie isn’t really canon, but we have the pleasure of being able to see the Joss Whedon’s origin as an adaptation of the screenplay (which I’m putting at the interlude after this season). This season should be complete – let me know if you see anything missing or disagree with the order.

I created this page because I wanted a simple reference that showed all the Buffy and Angel Episodes, along with all the comics, and maybe some of the books – and their nominal viewing/reading order.

Contents: Jim’s Analytical and Comprehensive Order for Buffy
Full Chronology at the Buffyverse Wiki // Optimal Viewing Order: Buffy/Angel Episode Watching Guide

TPB/Show	Story/ Episode Title	Buffy Season 1
	B1Ep1: Welcome to the Hellmouth	Timeframe: Fall 1996. Buffy’s sophomore year. The school year has already started and Buffy is transferring in to Sunnydale High School when the episode begins.
	B1Ep2: The Harvest	Timeframe: 1996. Continued from Welcome to the Hellmouth.
	B1Ep3: Witch	Timeframe: 1996.
	B1Ep4: Teacher’s Pet	Timeframe: 1996.
	Buffy: The High School Years: Freaks & Geeks	Timeframe: 1996. Buffy’s first semester at Sunnydale. TPB: none Origin: Buffy: The High School Years: Freaks & Geeks Dark Horse (2016) Notes: These stories take place after Buffy’s been at Sunnydale for a few months. They are definitely prior to episode 6, but they also feels like it’s prior to episode 5. I think the Buffy Chronology has it right, nestling these in between Teacher’s Pet and Never Kill a Boy on the First Date. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story! I guess I shouldn’t have because the author is the amazing Faith Erin Hicks.
	Buffy: The High School Years: Parental Parasite	Timeframe: 1996. Buffy’s first semester at Sunnydale. TPB: none Origin: Buffy: The High School Years: Parental Parasite Dark Horse (2017) Notes: Second story in this comic series. Interesting story with Joyce struggling to figure out the best way to be a part of Buffy’s life.
	Buffy: The High School Years: No Need to Fear, the Slayer’s Here	Timeframe: 1996. Buffy’s first semester at Sunnydale. TPB: none Origin: FCBD: Buffy: The High School Years Dark Horse (2017) Notes: Third story in this comic series. What a fantastic, short, and sweet story.
	Buffy: The High School Years: Glutton for Punishment	Timeframe: 1996. Buffy’s first semester at Sunnydale. TPB: none Origin: Buffy: The High School Years: Glutton for Punishment Dark Horse (2016) Notes: Fourth story in this comic series. While there are some odd parallels with the episode Teacher’s Pet, it’s a fun story. The writing for this book was taken over by Kel McDonald who does a wonderful job with these characters.
	B1Ep5: Never Kill a Boy on the First Date	Timeframe: 1996.
	B1Ep6: The Pack	Timeframe: 1996. Just want to note here that dodgeball should be outlawed in schools.
	B1Ep7: Angel	Timeframe: 1996. I’m thinking this is the end of the semester and they’re studying for exams.
	B1Ep8: I Robot, You Jane	Timeframe: 1997. Miss Calendar references the fact that there are 3 years left in the century. But that could mean any time late ’96, early ’97. We’ll go with early 1997.
	B1Ep9: The Puppet Show	Timeframe: 1997.
	B1Ep10: Nightmares	Timeframe: Spring 1997. Based on the fact that little league baseball is in full swing, I’m thinking this the middle of spring. This episode is dark and intense, but it gives me all the feels – for several reasons.
	B1Ep11: Out of Mind, Out of Sight	Timeframe: May 1997. Cordelia is campaigning to be the “May Queen”. I don’t think it’s for the prom. So this is kind of odd. An interesting episode assessing the social anxiety of the teenager.
	B1Ep12: Prophecy Girl	Timeframe: 1997. Prom. Probably still May, but it’s hard to tell how long after Out of Mind, Out of Sight this episode takes place. I don’t remember this season finale being so good!