Across the country, vampires have "come out of the coffin" following the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood. In Louisiana, Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress with telepathic abilities, falls under the spell of sexy, 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton.
Sookie suffers a lot of injuries and Bill tries to save her "the Vampire way". The next day her brother is released from police custody and the bodies of Sookie's attackers are found. Later, Bill goes to visit Sookie's family but gets a not so friendly welcome.
Foiled in their attempt to "glamour" Sookie, Malcolm, Liam and Diane retreat after Bill lays claim to her. Meanwhile, at Merlotte's, Sam searches for a short-term remedy to his long-term loneliness, whilst Tara seeks respite from her mother's alcohol-fuelled rage.
When another killing in Bon Temps lands Jason in custody, Tara attempts to get him free, but neither she nor Lafayette has the antidote to his current ailment. Meanwhile, whilst trying to help Jason, Sookie persuades Bill to take her to a vampire bar called Fangtasia.
Spurned by Sookie, Bill wins over Adele's church audience with his vivid recollections from the Civil War, though Andy and Bud remain suspicious. Meanwhile, Sam tries to make the most of his opportunity with Sookie, though she doesn't seem ready to commit.
Numbed by tragedy, Sookie looks for refuge from the cacophony of her friends and neighbours' inner voices. Meanwhile, Tara resists the overtures of her mother, Lettie Mae, who's trying to rid herself of a demon and needs her daughter's help.
Sookie's painful childhood revelation about her Uncle Bartlett spurs Bill into action. Meanwhile, despite her scepticism, Tara agrees to fund an exorcism to purge a demon out of Lettie Mae, and Jason heads to Fangtasia, where he meets a daring young woman named Amy.
Tara is amazed by Lettie Mae's turnaround, and considers similar therapy for herself after lashing out at Sookie and Sam. Meanwhile, Jason's new squeeze, Amy, charms the crowd at Merlotte's, but shows a darker side to Jason when their V-juice well runs dry.
Bill breaks a vampire taboo in protecting Sookie, and must pay a steep price as a result. Meanwhile, Jason and Amy break their own taboo by kidnapping a vampire named Eddie to harvest his blood, and Tara consults with Miss Jeanette about exorcising an inner demon.
Caught in a compromising position, Sam shares a secret with an incredulous Sookie. Meanwhile, thinking she's been purged of her demon, Tara celebrates with Lettie Mae but is swiftly angered when she uncovers Miss Jeanette's true intentions.
Bill fulfils the conditions of the tribunal's sentence, although he and Eric find that Jessica doesn't quite turn out as expected. Meanwhile, in attempting to try and solve the mystery behind her most recent vision, Sookie heads to a pie shop with Sam.
Sookie finds a link to the string of killings in Bon Temps, and ends up in the murderer's sights. Meanwhile, Tara decides to make the most of her second chance with Maryann, and Jason finds a new calling after receiving a jail visit.
Sookie enlists the help of Eric in her search for the missing Bill, while Sam begins his search for his birth parents. Tara falls into despair following Eggs's death and attempts suicide.
Sam Merlotte gets to know his shifter birth family in Arkansas. Meanwhile, Bill is an unwilling guest at the home of Russell Edgington, the vampire King of Mississippi, who has ambitions to take over Louisiana.
In search of Bill, Sookie heads to Jackson, Mississippi in the company of Alcide, a werewolf bodyguard assigned by Eric to protect her. Meanwhile, Jason is distracted from his police exams.
Bill breaks up with Sookie and tells her not to try and find him. Alcide and Sookie attend the werewolf initiation of his former fiancee, Debbie Pelt, and discover that Russell is in league with the werewolves.
Eric visits Russell, who catches him in lying and forces him to admit that the Magister is holding Pam prisoner and will kill her unless he turns in Bill Compton.
Sookie fears the worst for Bill, whose fate now lies in Lorena's hands. Jason's romance with Crystal hits a snag, as does Lafayette's with Jesus.
Sookie's attempt to rescue Bill has unforseen consequences. Meanwhile, Jason seeks the truth about Crystal and Sam must step in when Tommy gets involved in a dog fighting ring.
While Sookie must rethink her relationship with Bill, he reconciles with Jessica. As Russell decides what he's going to do next, Sophie-Anne relocates her residence.
The Vampire Rights Amendment is close to being ratified so Nan confronts Eric at Fangtasia about the whereabouts of the Magister. Russell vows revenge against all his vampire and human adversaries.
Sookie is warned about the dangers she will have to deal with. Dark memories surface for Sam, and Arlene must ask Holly for help.
Bill wants to earn back Sookie's trust but once again brings her close to danger. Eric tempts Russell with the "ultimate vampire dream" and Jason tries to comprehend what he's learned about Crystal.
Sookie gives careful consideration to a life without vampires of any kind. Eric deals with his feelings of right and wrong while secretly planning a perfect payback for Russell.
A brutal murder outside Merlotte's has Bon Temps reeling with shock. Meanwhile, Sookie's relationship with Bill is tested when she learns of his siring of Jessica, and of his involvement in her uncle's death.
Sookie is forced to cope with Bill's obligations to Jessica, as well as the romantic inconveniences the teen vampire's presence creates. Meanwhile, at the Light of Day leadership conference, Jason makes a good impression on its ambitious leaders, Steve and Sarah Newlin.
When Sookie is attacked by a mysterious creature, Bill must enlist Eric's help to save her. Meanwhile, at the Light of Day retreat, Jason has second thoughts about the sect's anti-vampire agenda, but Sarah and Steve counter with flattery and promises.
Jessica, Bill and Sookie head to Dallas to carry out Eric's mission - but a surprise awaits them at the airport. Meanwhile, at the Light of Day institute, Jason falls victim to a practical joke, but gets revenge when the Newlins anoint him for a higher calling.
In Dallas, Sookie connects with one of her own, then joins Bill and Eric for a strategic summit at the lair of the missing vampire, Godric. Meanwhile, Jason shows his passion at a Light of Day boot camp, and is rewarded for his hard work with a gift from Sarah.
Accompanied by Isabel's human boyfriend Hugo, Sookie embarks on a dangerous mission to locate Godric. Meanwhile, Bill is shocked when a vampire from his distant and more violent past resurfaces in Dallas.
Imprisoned with Hugo, Sookie uses her telepathic powers to contact Bill, who's being detained at the hotel by a stubbornly obsessive Lorena. Meanwhile, betrayed by Daphne, Sam finds himself in an unenviable predicament at the hands of Maryann and her zombie minions.
Sookie's captivity takes an unexpected turn when Eric arrives and finds the Fellowship of the Sun church in full lockdown mode. Meanwhile, in Bon Temps, Sam finds himself in trouble after making a gruesome discovery at Merlotte's, but Andy fails to come to his defence.
A wounded Eric plays Sookie for a sucker, to Bill's dismay, and ends up getting inside her head. Meanwhile, Lafayette and Lettie Mae try to figure out a way to pry their kin from Maryann's clutches, and Hoyt is forced to defend his relationship with Jessica.
When Sookie, Bill and Jason return to Bon Temps, they're faced with the town looking like a disaster zone and the residents under Maryann's spell. Meanwhile, with all hell breaking loose, Jason vows to rescue Sam ... at least for the moment.
With the crisis in Bon Temps spiralling out of control, Bill courts the advice of the Vampire Queen of Louisiana, Sophie-Anne, whilst Sookie and Lafayette find that protecting Tara from herself is more difficult than they anticipated.
The mayhem in Bon Temps reaches fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be Maid of Honour at the bloody nuptials. Meanwhile, Sophie-Anne warns Eric to keep the lid on Bill's inquisitiveness, and Jason leads Andy into the heroic abyss.
Sookie journeys away from Bon Temps; Eric & Bill try to win back the human public; Jason learns no good deed goes unpunished; Tara finds refuge in close quarters; Terry tries to alleviate Arlene's fears about the baby.
Sookie adjusts to Bon Temp's new realities; Eric crashes a witch's meeting; Jason gets his wounds licked; Andy struggles with his addiction; Sam learns of Luna's special talents; Jessica satisfies her blood cravings.
Sookie makes a deal with Eric & reconnects with Alcide; Bill punishes an errant vampire & counsels a guilt-ridden Jessica; Tommy eyes a scam & alienates Sam; Marnie flexes her newfound powers.
Alcide helps Sookie hunt for Eric; Marnie searches for guidance to break a spell; Bill discovers a common bond with the Bellefleurs; Jason begs for liberation from Hotshot; Tommy returns to his roots.
Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy's accomplice; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman's power; Jason convalesces.
Sookie searches for Jason under a full moon; Marnie connects with past spirits; Arlene & Terry cope with a suspicious inferno; Debbie urges Alcide to join a new werewolf community; Eric surrenders to his King's will.
With Marnie empowered by spirits of the dead, Bill issues an unpopular order to save vampires from the light. Eric embraces his amnesia; Jessica has doubts about her future with Hoyt; Alcide and Debbie join a new pack.
As Bill & Marnie brace for a dangerous midnight face-off, Sookie & Eric pledge their allegiance to the King. Sam contends with yet another adversary in Marcus, Luna's ex and the leader of Alcide's new pack.
Jesus tries to purge the restless spirit out of Lafayette; Marcus enlists Alcide to help him deal with the Sam situation; Marnie plots her move against the vampires, during a Festival of Tolerance event at Shreveport.
Sookie summons her most potent powers yet to save Bill. Jesus tries to breach the Moongoddess Emporium's defences to free Tara and Holly. Bill leads a brigade of vampires committed to blowing the place to kingdom come.
Sookie's powers must keep Bill, Eric & Pam from harm. Jesus casts a spell and Lafayette is totally absorbed by the past. Sam gets even with Marcus & Alcide deals with Debbie. Andy's foray into the forest is emotional.
Spirits surface in Bon Temps. Sookie gains valuable allies; Lafayette's relationship with Jesus is jeopardised; Terry gets an unexpected visitor; Sam & Luna envision a storybook ending; Debbie confronts Sookie & Tara.
Sookie and Lafayette clean up a mess; Bill and Eric receive a visit from the Vampire Authority; Alcide's werewolf pack goes after Sam; Jessica enjoys her freedom; Jason is visited by Steve Newlin; Alcide warns Sookie.
Bill & Eric meet Salome at Vampire Authority HQ; Pam recalls her human life & first meet with Eric; Sookie gets a home-protection system; Arlene examines Terry's erratic behaviour; Steve Newlin makes Jessica an offer.
Bill and Eric must barter with the head of the Vampire Authority for their lives; Sookie asks for Pam's help; Andy gets a visit from Gordon and Barbara Pelt; Jason reunites with his former high school teacher.
Eric & Bill fear for their lives; Sookie opens up to Alcide; Lafayette endangers Sookie; Roman & Salome search for a traitor in the council; Andy & Jason go to a party; Terry has a flashback; Sookie drowns her sorrows.
Bill and Eric hope Sookie can help them find Russell; Lafayette asks Jesus' spirit for help; Patrick and Terry are held hostage; Jason has a disturbing dream; Jessica gives Tara advice; Sam gives Luna some bad news.
Sookie has a sense of foreboding; Pam breaks up a fight at Fangtasia; Lafayette visits Ruby Jean; Terry blames a curse for his troubles; Alcide challenges J.D.; Sam offers to help Andy; Roman reveals plans for Russell.
Sookie considers life without faerie powers; Sam locates shooters; Hoyt finds a new group of friends; Alcide prepares for a fight; Lafayette searches for Jesus' body.
The Authority heads in a new direction; Sookie and Jason visit the site of their parents' deaths.
Eric plots his escape; Sookie gets a clue about her parents' murder; Andy and Jason search for leads; Alcide recalls his pack induction; Arlene is caught in Terry and Patrick's crossfire; Steve gets a new pet.
The Authority tries to gain public favour; Nora attempts to convert Eric; Jason finds a mysterious scroll; Pam and Tara must obey a new sheriff; Sam and Luna search for Emma; Russell seeks a higher calling.
Bill slips into religious fervour; the military delivers an ultimatum to the Authority; Sookie seeks insight from the faerie Elder; Alcide reconnects with his father.
Eric tries to save Bill from losing his humanity; Andy must face the consequences of a pact that he made; Alcide prepares for a showdown; Sam and Luna test their limits.
Bon Temps is rocked by a vicious attack by a band of rogue H-Vamps. As Sookie seeks refuge from accusations that she is somehow to blame, the "one vampire for every human" plan advances. In the face of a vigilante insurrection, Bill receives aid from a surprise source.
A trio of hostages taken in the Bellefleur's attack look to a familiar face as a possible liberator from the H-Vamps. Sookie and Jason visit the neighbouring town where a woman's diary offers clues to the potential fate of Bon Temps. Pam continues her search for Eric.
Sookie hatches a dangerous plan to take down the H-Vamps, even as Vince and his vigilantes pose an equally serious threat. Lafayette gets high with James; Jason eyes a future with Violet. Pam offers Eric a reason to return to Louisiana - and be the vampire he once was.
In the aftermath of yet another bloodbath, Sam, Sookie and Jason find themselves the bearers of bad news. Pam recalls the events that led her and Eric to Shreveport and Fangtasia. Following a lead, Sookie enlists a band of vampires and humans to track down the H-Vamps.
Exhausted from her recent travails, Sookie finds herself the unwilling host of a festive mainstreaming party in Bon Temps. In search of an elusive adversary, Eric and Pam head to Dallas and attend a gala fundraiser, while Bill loses himself in remembrance of human days.
A shocking discovery forces Sookie to reassess her recent involvement with Bill. In Dallas, Eric & Pam forge an unlikely alliance in their hunt for a shared nemesis. Andy bickers with Holly about their children's behaviour and Lafayette shares a vision with Lettie Mae.
Eric, Pam and Mr. Gus close in on Sarah. Adilyn and Wade find a temporary haven, and unexpected hospitality. A desperate Sookie turns to the witch doctor Dr. Ludwig for information about her bloodline, and summons her faerie grandfather, Niall, in search of a miracle.
With his prey in sight, Eric reconsiders his end-game strategies. Sookie puts her life at risk in hopes of saving Bill. Lettie Mae and Lafayette urge Reverend Daniels to join them in their V-fueled search for Tara. Violet eyes payback against those who betrayed her.
Sookie retreats in the wake of an inexplicable decision. Sam puts his future ahead of his past. Hoyt is reminded of the past, while Jason exercises uncharacteristic restraint. Ginger's wish finally comes true while Eric faces a dilemma having been caught in a lie.
Sookie weighs a future with and without Bill. Eric and Pam embark on a new enterprise, while Sarah faces the consequences of her actions. Sam embraces his new life, and Andy comes upon an unexpected inheritance.
After Bill's reincarnation, Sookie, Eric and the others flee the Authority compound. Now pack-master, Alcide sees the job comes with unsavoury side dishes. In Bon Temps, Andy deals with four newborn human-faerie hybrids. Meanwhile, Gov. Burrell declares war on vampires.
A long-lost relative reveals himself to Jason and Sookie. After Tara is victimised by a new government weapon, Eric strives to thwart Gov. Burrell's plans. Sam encounters a zealot and talks to Alcide and Martha about Emma's future.
Irate over Burrell's blatant aggression, Eric takes matters into his own hands. After testing the limits of his powers, Bill is looking for a new type of blood. Sookie begins to learn why Warlow is after her, and Sam receives unexpected help from Nicole and the V.U.S.
Sookie confronts her attraction to Ben. Eric counters Burrell's brutal anti-vampire initiatives by hitting his nemesis where it hurts most. Bill tasks Takahashi to synthesise new blood, while Andy's faerie daughters, growing up all too fast, end up in dangerous company.
Seeking answers about her past, Sookie gets Lafayette to summon her dead parents. Eric and Tara resort to drastic measures when Pam finds herself in dangerous territory. As Jessica seeks atonement, and Andy picks up the pieces of his family, Sarah reconnects with Jason.
With Sookie immune to Bill's influence after retreating to a plain that can only be accessed by faeries, Bill seeks out Lillith for advice on handling the escalating human/vampire crisis. Meanwhile, Eric learns the startling truth about TruBlood's resumed production.
Eric pledges allegiance to Bill in a last effort to save Nora. A tragedy close to home forces Sam to ignore Alcide's warning and return to Bon Temps. Jessica shows her gratitude to James, a fellow incarcerated vamp, while an emboldened Sarah exacts revenge on Jason.
Sookie faces a major dilemma in deciding whether to broker a deal between Warlow and Bill. In vamp camp, Jason gets to know Violet while Sarah goes to extremes to keep Tru-Blood flowing. Alcide makes a decision that will impact the futures of Nicole and Mary, and Sam.
A desperate Bill tries to ferry Warlow away from the faerie plain but Sookie is having none of it. Meanwhile, Eric arrives at vamp camp, looking to inflict serious human damage. In Bon Temps, friends and family take emotional turns remembering a fallen neighbour.
Bill discovers that salvation comes at a price and Jason senses firsthand a vampire attraction. With the latest vampire crisis seemingly over, Sookie examines her future with Warlow while Bon Temps braces itself when a new crisis threatens both humans and vampires.