Nina Dobrev left "The Vampire Diaries" after six seasons because she wanted to move on to other acting projects and grow beyond the role of Elena Gilbert. She had always planned for Elena’s story to be a six-season arc and felt it was the right time to take risks and pursue new opportunities. Additionally, playing two complex characters—Elena and her doppelganger Katherine—became exhausting. The exit was planned and contractual, with Elena's character written off through a sleeping spell linked to her best friend Bonnie's life, leaving the door open for Dobrev to return later, which she did in the final season. There were also rumors and fan theories about possible behind-the- scenes drama or personal reasons such as her breakup with co-star Ian Somerhalder, but Nina emphasized her desire for professional growth and not being stuck in one role as the main reasons for leaving. The show's writers adapted the storyline to focus more on other characters after her departure, allowing the series to continue successfully without Elena as the central figure.