25 Years Later, Buffy's 'Once More With Feeling' Still a Brilliant Masterpiece That Changed TV Forever

Twenty-five years after it first aired, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode 'Once More With Feeling' remains a landmark of television, blending catchy songs with deep character drama. James Marsters, who played Spike, reflects on how the risky episode came together and why it still resonates, praising creator Joss Whedon's original music and lyrics. The episode forced characters to reveal painful truths through song, advancing multiple storylines and raising the stakes for the rest of the series. It proved that genre shows could take bold creative swings and succeed, influencing later musical episodes across television. Fans and critics still celebrate its wit, emotional depth, and rewatchability. As streaming introduces Buffy to new generations, the episode's legacy endures.