On Legacies, the supernatural series returned to an iconic Vampire Diaries location. Although some may be disappointed by the lack of appearances from some fan-favorite characters, Legacies, the second spin-off from its beloved flagship series, has dropped Easter eggs and references to characters and pivotal moments from its predecessor as well as its first spin-off, The Originals. Legacies, set in Mystic Falls, VA, has featured landmarks such as the Mystic Grill, Mystic Falls High School, the original Salvatore Boarding House, the clock tower, and most recently, Elena Gilbert's childhood home.
During season 4, a humanity-free Elena destroyed her home following her brother Jeremy Gilbert's murder at the hands of Katherine Pierce and Silas. The house was featured again during season 6 when Damon Salvatore and Bonnie Bennett were transported to the 1994 Prison World. During the series finale, following her death, Elena reunited with her parents, Aunt Jenna Sommers, and biological father John Gilbert on the porch of the house she set ablaze years earlier.
The Gilbert House returns in Legacies season 3. Afraid of once again becoming "Dark Josie," Josie took her mother Caroline Forbes' (Candice King) advice and decided to live with Alaric's "friend" in town. During season 3, episode 9, "Do All Malivore Monsters Provide This Level of Emotional Insight?" Alaric escorted Josie to her new residence: Elena's reconstructed childhood home, which the town doctor now shares with her husband, Damon. “I am amazed at how perfectly they rebuilt this place," Alaric commented. Josie urged her father to stay for dinner stating that "Aunt Elena" would be home from her shift soon and preparing dinner: "some old Salvatore family recipe." Despite the lights being on and the dashing former vampire presumably at home, viewers were left behind to wonder what Damon has done since The Vampire Diaries as Josie and Alaric walked through the front door.
Damon and Elena (played by Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev) have been no-shows at the Salvatore School (even for the school musical that chronicled their love story), but the characters have been referenced on several occasions. Although Alaric and Damon's relationship was in a rocky place during season 8, it's obvious the two have made amends (Damon gave the twins his beloved muscle car for their 16th birthday.) After Josie confides in Alaric about her seemingly ill-fated romance with Finch, Alaric jokes, "The last person I want giving you relationship advice is Damon" (Josie could do worse, after all, Damon did get the girl.) Interestingly, there's no mention of Damon and Elena's daughter Stefanie Salvatore whose existence was revealed during season 1, episode 10 appears to have been strictly a product of an alternate dimension.
The Vampire Diaries' eight-season run ended in 2017, but fans are still hoping for Vampire Diaries season 9, even though most of the key players, including Somerhalder, have been vocal about having no interest in reprising their roles. Show creator Julie Plec was only recently able to lure King back to do a voice-over for season 3, episode 3, "Salvatore: The Musical!" — still, Josie's current living arrangement on Legacies has reignited speculation that Dobrev could return, even though she exited the series following season 6. According to Plec, the actress only returned to see her character through to the end [via EW]. For now, it seems fans will have to be content with knowing that somewhere along the way, Elena finally learned how to cook.