Hollywood breakups usually go one of two ways. They either end in a blaze of "unfollowing" glory and messy tabloid leaks, or they fade into that polite, PR-scrubbed silence where everyone claims to be "best friends" while actually dodging each other at the Met Gala. But the history of Ian Somerhalder on Nina Dobrev is different. It’s weirder. It’s more professional. And honestly, it’s a bit of a masterclass in how to handle a public split when you still have to make out with your ex for a paycheck.
We’re talking about a couple that defined an entire era of CW television. When the news first broke in 2013 that "Nian" was over, the internet basically imploded. But what’s interesting isn't just the breakup—it’s how they’ve spoken about each other in the decade since.
The "Age Gap" Theory and the Proposal Rumors
Let’s get the facts straight first. Nina and Ian started dating around 2010. They kept it low-key for a while, but you can’t hide that kind of chemistry when you're literally the faces of a global phenomenon like The Vampire Diaries. They were together for three years.
Then came 2013. The split.
The rumor mill went into overdrive. The most persistent story? Ian, who was 34 at the time, was ready to settle down, get married, and start a family. Nina, just 24 and with her career exploding, reportedly wasn't there yet. While neither has explicitly confirmed the "proposal rejection" that fans love to gossip about, Nina did tell Seventeen back then that she never intended to date a co-star. She fought the feelings for a long time.
What Ian Somerhalder actually said about Nina's exit
When Nina Dobrev decided to leave The Vampire Diaries at the end of Season 6, the narrative shifted. Suddenly, everyone assumed she was "running away" because Ian had moved on with Nikki Reed.
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That wasn't the case.
Nina has been vocal about the fact that her six-season contract was up and she wanted to prove she could do more than just play a high schooler-turned-vampire. Ian, for his part, has always maintained a level of public respect that’s almost frustratingly professional. During her final days on set, there wasn't drama; there were photos of them laughing.
In a 2015 interview with E! News, Nina addressed the marriage between Ian and Nikki Reed directly. She called it "beautiful" and pointed out that if two people are happy, there shouldn't be a problem. She basically told the world to stop looking for a fight where there wasn't one.
The Dinner Photo That Broke the Internet (Again)
You’ve probably seen the photo. It’s from 2017. It features Ian, his wife Nikki Reed, and Nina Dobrev all sitting at a dinner table, smiling like they don't have one of the most complicated romantic triangles in Hollywood history.
This was a calculated move.
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Nikki Reed actually posted a long caption with that photo, calling out "low-brow websites" for perpetuating the "mean girl" narrative. She was tired of the stories claiming she and Nina were feuding over Ian. Ian shared it too, doubling down on the idea that they were all friends.
Why the "Nian" friendship actually matters
- Professionalism: They filmed seasons 5 and 6 as exes. Think about that. Most of us can't even stand to see an ex's name on a Venmo feed, and they were filming intense, romantic scenes every day.
- The "Moke" Factor: They actually shared a cat named Moke. After the breakup, Nina reportedly kept the cat, but Ian was often seen as the "co-parent."
- The 2026 Context: Even now, as 2026 rolls around, fans are still dissecting their old interviews. It’s because their chemistry was real, and the way they transitioned into a "civilian" friendship is so rare in the industry.
Addressing the "Stelena" vs. "Delena" tension
It's no secret that behind the scenes, things weren't always perfect. While Nina stayed largely diplomatic, some fans have pointed to Ian's later convention appearances where he seemed a bit... let's say "over it" regarding the Damon and Elena romance.
Some Reddit threads and fan accounts have claimed Ian became frustrated with the constant "Nian" shipping after he married Nikki. It makes sense. Imagine being happily married for a decade and people are still tagging you in photos of you kissing your ex from 2011.
Ian has occasionally been short with fans who bring up Nina in a way that disrespects his marriage. He’s been protective of Nikki, and rightfully so. But he has never truly "bashed" Nina. He has mostly just tried to move the conversation toward his work with the Brothers Bond bourbon or his environmental activism.
The Reality of the 2026 "Reunion" Rumors
Every few months, a "Season 9" trailer for The Vampire Diaries pops up on YouTube. They usually have millions of views and look incredibly real.
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Don't get your hopes up. Most of these are AI-generated or clever fan edits. As of 2026, there is no official confirmation of a revival involving the original trio. Ian has famously said he’s done with the vampire genre for now, focusing on his farm life and business ventures. Nina has moved into producing and starring in indie films and comedies.
The bond between Ian Somerhalder on Nina Dobrev is now one of mutual history rather than active daily friendship. They’ve moved in different circles for years.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're still tracking the lives of these two, here is how to look at the situation with a bit of "expert" nuance:
- Respect the Marriage: Ian and Nikki have been together for over a decade. The "Nian" era was a three-year window that ended thirteen years ago.
- Separate Art from Reality: The chemistry you see in Season 4 of TVD was real, but so was the growth they both experienced by moving on.
- Watch the 2025/2026 Interviews: Keep an eye out for Nina's mentions of the show in recent "oral history" books or retrospective interviews. She’s become much more open about the pay gap issues and the exhaustion of those 18-hour shoot days.
- Ignore the "Clickbait" Trailers: Unless it comes from an official Warner Bros. or CW account, that Season 9 trailer is fake.
The story of Ian and Nina isn't a tragedy. It’s actually a pretty successful example of how two people can outgrow a relationship without becoming enemies. They did the work, they faced the cameras, and they walked away with their dignity intact.
Next Steps: You might want to look into Nina Dobrev’s recent production projects or Ian Somerhalder’s documentary work on regenerative agriculture to see where they’ve channeled all that post-CW energy.