Handyman Willie Loomis accidentally releases vampire Barnabas Collins from his chained coffin. Barnabas introduces himself to the Collins family as a distant relative from England and begins to romance beautiful new governess Victoria Winters. The town of Collinsport is soon terrorized by a series of deadly attacks.

After being attacked by Barnabas Collins, Daphne Collins dies and rises as a vampire. Dr. Julia Hoffman learns Barnabas' secret and offers to help cure him of his vampirism, hoping to cure him through a series of experiments.

Dr. Julia Hoffman begins her experiments to help cure Barnabas Collins of his vampirism. Professor Michael Woodard threatens Barnabas' safety, as he attempts to uncover the identity of the vampire.

The mysterious ghost of Sarah Collins leads Victoria Winters to Collinwood's closed off wing. Barnabas Collins is stunned when the evil apparition of Angelique materializes.

Victoria Winters is overwhelmed when Barnabas gives her Josette DuPres' eighteenth century music box. Learning of Barnabas Collins' growing affection for Victoria Winters, a jealous Dr. Julia Hoffman decides she will not yet fully cure Barnabas of his vampirism. Losing control, Barnabas attacks Carolyn Stoddard.

At the Collinwood costume party, Barnabas warns Dr. Julia Hoffman that he will have his revenge on her. When a seance is held to contact Sarah Collins' spirit, governess Victoria Winters vanishes and a strange woman appears in her place.

In 1991, the Collins family fears for Victoria Winters, knowing that she has been transported to the year 1790. In the eighteenth century, a bewildered Victoria meets the Collinses, who resemble those she knows in 1991. A young and human Barnabas befriends her.

Victoria Winters remains trapped in 1790. A jealous Angelique schemes to prevent the marriage of Josette DuPres and Barnabas Collins by using her witchcraft. A deadly duel soon follows between Barnabas and his brother Jeremiah. In 1991, the Collinses learn the identity of the strange woman from 1790.

In 1790, a grieving Josette DuPres bitterly accuses Barnabas Collins of killing her only true love. At Jeremiah Collins' funeral, the fanatical Reverend Trask has Victoria Winters arrested for witchcraft. A deadly attack soon follows when Angelique practices her sorcery.

In 1790, the Collins family mourns the apparent death of Barnabas Collins as they move into the new Collinwood mansion. After rising as a vampire, Barnabas attacks Josette DuPres. In 1991, Joe Haskell witnesses Barnabas attacking Carolyn Stoddard in the cemetery.

In 1790, Victoria Winters' witchcraft trial begins. The evil spirit of witch Angelique attempts to prevent Barnabas from making Josette DuPres his vampire bride. In 1991, Dr. Julia Hoffman becomes possessed by the manipulative Angelique.

In 1790, Barnabas' vampirism is discovered. Joshua A. Collins and lawyer Peter Bradford desperately try to save Victoria Winters from being hung as a witch. In 1991, Victoria’s return from the past is jeopardized as Angelique’s spirit now possessing Maggie Evans plots a murder.