Sarah Michelle Gellar Celebrates Buffy's 20th Anniversary

Slay, Buffy, slay.

On this day 20 years ago, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was brought to life on the now-defunct broadcast network The WB. Filled with hell-raising demons, more than a handful of wicked werewolves, and all the trials and tribulations that plague a high-school-aged teen, Buffy spurred not only a dedicated fandom, but also respect in various fields, spanning from television and film into academia and beyond.

It all stated when Buffy premiered on March 10, 1997, and today, two decades later, the cast of the cult-classic show have joined together to celebrate the momentous occasion. None more outstanding than the titular slayer herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar.

In a sweetly sentimental post on Instagram, Gellar wrote a heartfelt essay detailing what the show means to her, how it shaped her life both personally and professionally, and some of the struggles the cast and crew faced getting the show off the ground.

"[Twenty] years ago today, I had the privilege to bring Buffy to your TV screens for the first time. It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network. That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could," Gellar said. "While we knew the potential, I don't think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have. As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more. She's a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one."

She went on to give some well-deserved thanks to those who made Buffy the success that it was:

"Thank you to Gail Berman for always believing there was a show in that movie. Thank you to Joss Whedon, for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created. Thank you to David, for always being my Angel. Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you. Alyson, as any woman knows, you are nothing without the love and support of great female friends, so thank you for being that. Michelle, you will always hold a key to my heart. Thank you to all the incredible actors for seven seasons of amazing performances."

Of course, Gellar couldn't forget the crew, who "worked tirelessly... to bring [Buffy] to life." But who is most important in her eyes are the fans. She gave them a special shoutout:

"Lastly, but most importantly thank you to all of you, the fans. We made this show for you, and your unwavering support has kept this show going long past our seven years. You are everything. And always remember... if the apocalypse comes, beep me."

Read the full post below:

Continue the #BuffySlays20 festivities by rewatching the series' finale that blew everyone away.