The lore of Buffy the Vampire Slayer stated that to every generation a Slayer is born, but for every Chosen One there is also a Watcher to guide her — here's a breakdown of every Watcher acknowledged in canon. Created by Joss Whedon, the character of Buffy Summers debuted in a 1992 movie before making an infinitely more successful jump to television. Premiering March 10, 1997, on The WB, Buffy the Vampire Slayer ultimately ran for seven seasons. It also spawned a successful spin-off, Angel. The legacy of both shows has remained firmly intact, with them retaining hugely passionate fanbases nearly two decades since their conclusions.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer centered around the titular heroine as she battled vampires and demons while also coping with everyday struggles. Buffy was played by Kristy Swanson and then, more prominently, by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Despite an attempt to avoid her then-fledgling destiny, it proved inescapable when Buffy and her mother moved to a town located on a literal Hellmouth. Beset by countless dangers and world-ending threats, Buffy was aided in her quest by a core group of friends, including but not limited to Willow Rosenberg and Xander Harris. Alongside them, Buffy also met and developed a father-and-daughter bond with Rupert Giles. As well as being the school librarian, Giles was a member of the Watchers Council — a patriarchal group that assumed the role of training, guiding, and otherwise overseeing each Slayer that came into being.
After the conclusion of the television series, both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel continued in comic book form. Buffy's adventures ran for five more seasons, albeit via issues rather than episodes. Across that time, both the world and the timeline was further expanded upon in a myriad of ways. In particular, it had Buffy (and, by extension, the audience) continue her trajectory of the show in learning more about the legacy of Slayers past and even future. As a by-product of that, much more was also revealed regarding the history of Watchers that had stood behind, alongside, or even in the way of their respective Chosen Ones. Here's a breakdown of every known (and canonical) Watcher from both the show and the comics.
Unnamed Dark Ages Watcher
Modeled on Donald Sutherland, this unnamed character served as Watcher to an equally unnamed Slayer (modeled on Swanson) in 14th century England. Both debuted in the Dark Horse comic, The Origin: Part One — which Whedon himself dubbed canonical. Little more is known about either figure, except she initially tried to refuse her destiny until he gave her her first stake.
The Friar
As the Watcher to an equally unnamed Slayer, The Friar illuminated her to her calling and began training her in 1398. He also taught her how to read. Under his tutelage, his Slayer was able to protect a town from a vampire named Saint Just in Tales of the Slayers: Righteous. Tragically, however, the townspeople rewarded her efforts by burning her at the stake as a witch. Overcome with anger and guilt, The Friar ultimately allowed a horde of surviving vampires back into the town, so that they could massacre the residents. He would lose his life in the same attack.
Jean
As the Watcher of Claudine the Vampire Slayer, Jean was a member of the Watchers Council and had a radical affiliation with the French revolutionary group: Sans-culotte. Despite also becoming lovers with Claudine, he viewed her as little more than his "Angel of Death". To that end, he tricked her into murdering members of the Aristocracy under the pretense that they were vampires. Claudine confronted and then abandoned Jean upon learning the truth in Tales of the Slayers: The Innocent.
Elizabeth Weston's Watcher
Appearing in Tales of the Slayers: Presumption, Elizabeth Weston was aided by her unnamed Watcher. Both active in Somerset, England around 1813, the Watcher would permit Elizabeth to dress up as a man so as to better infiltrate high-class society and move with more discretion. The Watcher would steadfastly help maintain her cover, always referring to her as Edward. The Watcher was also present for his most prestigious slaying during an exclusive ball.
Naayéé'neizgháni's Watcher
Only menti0ned briefly during Tales of the Slayers: The Glittering World, Naayéé'neizgháni's unnamed Watcher was killed by a vampire named Tó Bájíshchíní. As a result, the Native American Slayer hunted the demon down in revenge — ultimately tracking him to an area that would one day become Sunnydale.
Anni aka Sonnenblume's Watcher
Seemingly wheelchair-bound, this unnamed Watcher appeared in Tales of the Slayers: Sonnenblume and oversaw Anni's training. Active in 1938 Berlin, he instilled in Anni the ability to recognize evil in those around her. As a result, Anni dedicated herself to defeating the evil that Nazis represented as fiercely as battling demonic entities.
Bernard Crowley
Appearing via flashbacks in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 9, issue 6, "On Your Own, Part One", Crowley was the Watcher of Nikki Wood. Extremely close to his charge, he would often object to Nikki being subjected to some of the Watchers Council's tests. Crowley would also frequently babysit Nikki's son, Robin, when she was out on patrol. After Nikki's death at the hands of Spike in 1977, Crowley quit the Watchers Council and adopted Robin as his own. Relocating from New York to Beverly Hills, Crowley ultimately trained Robin to be a vampire hunter in his own right.
Merrick Jamison-Smythe
Played by Richard Riehle, Merrick was Buffy Summers' first Watcher. Glimpsed in flashbacks during Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 2, episode 21, "Becoming, Part One", he personally recruited Buffy and introduced her to her calling. Though he was credited simply as L.A. Watcher, the script for the episode confirmed that he was indeed Merrick — officially overwriting Sutherland's iteration from the movie. The Origin: Part Two further fleshed out the character, putting it more in line with Whedon's original (largely ignored) vision for the movie. In order to not be sired by Lothos and used against Buffy, Merrick took his own life. The move, though initially traumatizing, gave Buffy the resolve to avenge Merrick by killing Lothos and his forces.
Rupert Giles
Played to sweeping popularity and acclaim by Anthony Stewart Head, Giles was Buffy Summers' second and primary watcher. Debuting in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 1, episode 1, "Welcome to the Hellmouth", Giles served in that capacity throughout the show's run. Developing a fatherly love for Buffy, Giles remained steadfastly a guide for Buffy even after he was fired from th Watcher's Council. Whether it was full-time or, as per later seasons, a recurring capacity, he was present for the majority of Buffy's highs and lows. Unlike some, Giles even successfully survived the final battle in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7, episode 22, "Chosen".
The character enjoyed a similar run in the comic book continuation. Despite losing his life at the hands of a Twilight-possessed Angel, Giles was ultimately resurrected. He served frequently on newly formed Watchers and/or Magical Councils, and fought generally alongside Buffy. Just like on the show, Giles survived the final final battle against the villainous Harth in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 12, issue 4, "Finale". He was seen settling down to eat and enjoy a long-overdue moment of rest and relaxation alongside the other surviving characters.
Sam Zabuto
Said to be extremely rigid in his preparation, Sam Zabuto was Kendra Young's Watcher. Upon learning that she was a potential Slayer, Kendra's parents transferred custody of her to Zabuto. As such, he trained her from a very young age and within a very sheltered structure. Zabuto didn't allow her to attend a school or interact with boys. Instead, he adopted a business-like approach, simply having Kendra study demon lore and the Slayer handbook. Zabuto was never seen on-screen, but often mentioned or spoken to over the phone during Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 2. It was also never made clear how he responded to her eventual death at the hands of Drusilla.
Faith Lehane's Original Watcher
Never given an official name, Faith's original Watcher was referenced upon her arrival in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3. Female rather than the more frequent male, nothing else is known regarding her personality of identity. She was ultimately killed in a brutal fashion by the vampire Kakistos. Faith would later avenge the unnamed Watcher by overcoming her fear and staking the demon after he followed her to Sunnydale.
Gwendolyn Post
Played by Serena Scott Thomas, Gwendolyn Post made her sole canonical appearance in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3, episode 7, "Revelations". Arriving as a replacement for Faith's previous Watcher, Gwendolyn quickly sowed discord among the group and took Faith under her wing. It eventually came to light that her true aim had been to acquire the powerful Glove of Myhnegon. She was ultimately successful in this regard, but officially defeated not long after. Despite her villainy and deceit, it emerged that she had once been a genuine member of the Watchers Council. However, she'd been fired three years prior — a fact of which Giles had apparently not received a memo.
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce
Played by Alexis Denisof, Wesley made his debut in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3, episode 14, "Bad Girls". After the firing of Giles and the infiltration of Gwendolyn Post, Wesley was sent to manage both Buffy and Faith. Cowardly and largely inept, he failed to corral either one of them — driving Faith further to the dark side and earning nothing but scorn and ridicule from Buffy and the others. Despite that, he resolved to help the group defeat The Mayor. However, even in that goal, Wesley proved hilariously incapable. In the wake of everything, he was dismissed by the Watchers Council. The character subsequently crossed over to Angel and underwent a monumental transformation. Emerging a much more successful warrior and leader, Wesley remained a prominent member of Angel Investigations until the show's end and beyond.
Violet's Original Watcher
Not given an official name, Violet's previous Watcher received a mention in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7, episode 11, "Showtime". Played by Felicia Day, Violet arrived in Sunnydale at the same time as several other Potential Slayers. As the newcomers were questioned on their experience and expertise, Vi revealed that her Watcher had only ever shown her one blurry photo of a vampire.
Andrew Wells
Played by Tom Lenk, Andrew made his debut in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6, episode 4, "Flooded". Having teamed with Warren Mears and Johnathan to form The Trio, Andrew originally served as something of a villain. After the death of Tara and Willow's subsequent rampage, Andrew returned in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7. Enjoying something of a redemption arc, he fully aligned with The Scoobies against The First Evil. Following the conclusion of the show, Andrew was taken under Giles' tutelage as a Watcher-in-training. Andrew would serve in that capacity for a couple of Angel episodes before going on to oversee his own Slayer squadron in the Buffy comics.
Xander Harris
Played by Nicholas Brendon, Xander Harris was a core member of the Scoobies from the show's inception to its official conclusion. As the story transitioned into comic books (some of which were written by Brendon himself) Xander remained a firm presence. After a brief hiatus to grieve the death of Anya, Xander moved to Scotland. With Slayers having formed a global operation, it was there that Xander rose to a Watcher-like, leadership role. From an established control center, Xander, like Andrew, watched over and managed an entire unit of active Slayers.
Melaka Fray's Original Watcher
Melaka Fray first learned of her heritage and destiny from an unnamed Watcher. Unfortunately, by that point in the timeline, there hadn't been a Slayer for over 200 years. In the process, the Watchers Council had greatly diminished, and those that remained had become little more than suicidal fanatics. Soon after Melaka was called, the otherwise unidentified man deemed himself to be unworthy and set himself on fire.
Urkonn of the D'Avvrus
In a surprising twist, a demon named Urkonn was sent by a pair of Old Ones to serve as Melaka's guide in the comic book's first issue, "Big City Girl". Making himself known to her, Urkonn started out as a rather harsh mentor as Melaka came into her power and abilities. Eventually, however, he became something of a friend and confidante. Unfortunately, in an effort to strengthen her further, Urkon ultimately resorted to murderous and deceitful tactics — killing one of Melaka's friends and blaming it on vampires. After learning the truth, Melaka lured him into a trap and killed him, albeit quickly and as painlessly as possible in honor of their former friendship.
The Rest Of The Watchers Council
- Quentin Travers: Played by Harris Yulin, he dispassionately served as Director of the Watchers Council until his death in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7.
- Blake: A watcher killed alongside Quentin in a bomb blast orchestrated by Caleb.
- Willem Bryardale: A corrupt Watcher that was briefly considered to manage Buffy before Giles.
- Dunworthy: A teacher at the Watchers Academy.
- Duncan Fillworthe: A surviving member of the Watchers Council explosion, who ultimately went bad and had to be stopped by Giles and Faith.
- Mr. Giles: Rupert Giles' father.
- Edna Giles: Rupert Giles' grandmother.
- Alexa Landry: A Watchers Council member and field operative with a grudge against Angelus.
- Archibald Lassiter: Rupert Giles' personal mentor.
- Lydia: Played by Cynthia Lamontagne, a Watcher who accompanied Quentin to a meeting with the Scoobies in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5.
- Nigel: Played by Kris Iyer, another Watcher who came to test Buffy ahead of giving her information about Glory in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5.
- Phillip: Played by Oliver Muirhead, this Watcher present for the aforementioned meeting and caught in the bomb explosion in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7.
- Robson: Played by Rob Nagle, a Watcher that was saved from The Bringers by Giles.
- Rutherford Sirk: Played by Michael Halsey, a Watcher that survived The First's attacks and appeared on Angel, having taken a job with Wolfram & Hart.
- Laura Kay Weathermill: A Watcher that worked with Angel and his team during the events following the show.
- Geoffrey Wyndam-Pryce: Wesley's grandfather.
- Roger Wyndam-Pryce: Wesley's father, played by Roy Dotrice, whose form was used by a cyborg that attempted to infiltrate Wolfram & Hart.
- Unnamed Council Member I-III: A trio of unidentified Watchers that were also present for the meeting about Glory in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5.
Buffy Summers had surpassed the need for an official Watcher before the show even finished. By the end of the comic book run, the same could be said for those that had once been Slayers and the world in general. With Buffy and her friends having prevented yet another apocalypse, the timeline had been permanently changed and a new status quo established. As such, the Watchers Council was left very much as an entity of the past. Until the inevitable Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, that is.