Buffy Prom Celebrates a Cult Classic in Torrance
Last weekend, a vibrant gathering of Buffy fans, affectionately known as “Scoobies,” descended upon a tranquil suburb of Los Angeles to partake in the annual Buffy Prom held at Torrance High School, the very site that doubles as the fictional Sunnydale High. This celebratory event wasn’t solely dedicated to the iconic television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer; it also honored the popular podcast Buffering the Vampire Slayer, which premiered in 2016, founded by Kristin Russo and Jenny Owen Youngs, along with the launch of their new book, Slayers Every One of Us (St. Martin’s Press).
Drawing attendees from across North America and beyond, the 1990s-themed prom catered to a diverse range of fans, from preteens to seniors, with a notable presence from the LGBTQ+ community. Guests embraced the evening’s spirit by sporting elegant gowns and dapper suits, some even opting for cosplay representing characters from the series. Among the costumed attendees were variations of Buffy Summers, Cordelia Chase, and the memorable “Band Candy” Joyce. The festivities featured energetic dance-offs to hits by the Spice Girls, Limp Bizkit, and Evanescence.
As it was held at a working public school, the prom maintained an alcohol-free atmosphere. In lieu of cocktails, attendees enjoyed refreshing blood-red Vampire Kiss mocktails and a rich hot chocolate bar, complementing a selection of nostalgic snacks and sugar cookies adorned with BTVS character images and fun phrases like “Smash the Demon Lizard Patriarchy.”
This year marked the fifth iteration of the Buffy Prom, hosted by the dynamic duo of Russo and Youngs, and the second occasion at Torrance High. However, it was the first prom that Russo missed, having recently welcomed her first child on the East Coast. Youngs took the reins to keep the celebration lively, performing original songs tied to the podcast alongside collaborative tracks with the night’s DJs, L.A. Exes.
An intriguing aspect of Buffering the Vampire Slayer is its extensive musical repertoire, boasting over 160 songs crafted from the perspectives of Buffy’s characters for every episode, including an entire album dedicated to the beloved musical episode, “Once More With Feeling.”
The event featured an engaging Q&A session with the two main hosts, moderated by Joanna Robinson, through which Russo participated via Zoom. They discussed anecdotes from their memoir, which presents a dual narrative featuring individual voices alongside co-authored segments. This book highlights the podcast’s remarkable journey as a rewatch series that thrived from 2016 to 2022, discussing the show from a spoiler-free, queer feminist perspective. The podcast amassed millions of downloads and became a sanctuary for fans to connect while navigating personal challenges such as fertility issues, a miscarriage, and their eventual divorce—all of which unfolded alongside their professional endeavors.
The Buffering fanbase is anything but casual; it embodies a thriving community, often referred to as a “miniverse,” that promotes respect and connection amongst its members. This communal spirit was palpable throughout the prom, with many participants sporting buffer-themed merchandise and enjoying numerous meet-ups and side adventures throughout the weekend.
The theme of “Chosen Family” resonates deeply within both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ethos of Buffering the Vampire Slayer, continuing to shape the connection between the podcast and its audience. Russo and Youngs remain dedicated to producing fresh content, recently wrapping up season one of Buffering the Vampire Slayer: Once More With Spoilers, which revisits the original series and examines new Buffy-related material, including the Dark Horse comic series.
With a Hulu reboot currently in the works, promising to explore “the next chapter of the Buffyverse,” and the upcoming 30th anniversary of BTVS in 2027, Russo has hinted at the possibility of further events at Torrance High in the future. In the spirit of the show, if an apocalypse looms, the Scoobies know exactly who to call.
