Buffy Summers may have been the Chosen One, but let’s be real—she wouldn’t have made it past season one without her trusty Scooby Gang. These loyal sidekicks fought alongside our favorite vampire slayer, providing support, witty banter, and the occasional ill-advised love interest. Let’s take a closer look at the characters who made up Buffy’s inner circle.

First up, we have Willow Rosenberg, Buffy’s best friend and resident witch. Willow’s transformation from shy computer nerd to powerful Wiccan was a journey filled with both triumphs and tragedies. Her relationships with Oz and Tara broke new ground for LGBTQ+ representation on television, even if the show didn’t always handle these storylines perfectly.

Next, there’s Xander Harris, the lovable goofball who never quite seemed to find his place in the world. Despite his lack of supernatural powers, Xander remained a constant presence in Buffy’s life, offering a shoulder to cry on and a well-timed joke when needed. Plus, who could forget how he was the only one who could talk Willow down from the brink of global annihilation at the end of Season 6?

Of course, we can’t talk about the Scooby Gang without mentioning Cordelia Chase. Sure, she started out as Sunnydale High’s resident mean girl, but over time, Cordelia grew into a valuable ally and friend. Her sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude made her a fan favorite, and her move to Angel’s spin-off series allowed for even more character growth. (That is, until the writers did Charisma Carpenter dirty in season four. #JusticeForCordy)

Other notable members of the Scooby Gang include Oz, the laconic werewolf with a heart of gold; Anya, the ex-vengeance demon with a penchant for brutal honesty; and Tara, Willow’s shy but powerful girlfriend. Each of these characters brought something unique to the table, and their absences were deeply felt when they eventually left the show.

In the end, the Scooby Gang was more than just a group of sidekicks—they were a family. They laughed together, cried together, and occasionally died together (twice in Buffy’s case). Without them, Buffy’s journey would have been a lot lonelier and a lot less fun to watch.

So, what do you think? Who was your favorite member of the Scooby Gang? Did Cordelia deserve better in the end? Leave your thoughts in the comments below—just be sure to keep an eye out for any lurking vampires while you type.