For women and men of a certain age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer holds a very special place in their hearts.
The 1997 debut of pint-sized Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy, a leather-wearing, evil-slaying superhero, turned the actress into a household name, along with many of her talented co-stars.
20 years on, the show that featured witches, vampires and demon cheerleaders, has maintained its cult status, and merchandisers are hoping to cash in on this fact as the anniversary is marked this month.
Two decades on from the screening of the first episode on March 10, Fox Consumer Products will be releasing everything from a Buffy themed board game, to bedding, crockery, stationery sets and books.
US teen clothing retailer Hot Topic will also release a Buffy inspired fashion line, meaning girls can finally get their hands on a replica of that red leather trench coat.
“Decades after its television debut, Buffy the Vampire Slayer continues to stake its ground in pop culture,” Jim Fielding, president of consumer products and innovation at 20th Century Fox Consumer Products, said in a statement.
“As one of the studio’s most memorable programs, we are thrilled to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary alongside the devoted Buffy fan community.”
Our favourite words of wisdom from Buffy
“If the apocalypse comes, beep me.”
“The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live.”
“Seize the moment, ‘cause tomorrow you might be dead.”
“Strong is fighting. It’s hard and it’s painful and it’s every day. It’s what we have to do, and we can do it together, but if you’re too much of a coward for that, then burn.”