‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ star posts touching tribute on 20th anniversary

Sarah Michelle Gellar showed love for her Scooby Gang on the 20th Anniversary of the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series premiere.

“20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your TV screens for the first time,” Gellar wrote in an Instagram post on Friday. “It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network. That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could.”

20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time. It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network. That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could. While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have. As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more. She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one. Thank you to Gail Berman for always believing there was a show in that movie. Thank you to Joss Whedon, for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created. Thank you to David, for always being my Angel. Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you. Alyson, as any woman knows, you are nothing without the love and support of great female friends, so thank you for being that. Michelle, you will always hold a key to my heart. Thank you to all the incredible actors for seven seasons of amazing performances. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the incredible crew that worked tirelessly (and also really tired) to bring this show to life. And lastly, but most importantly thank you to all of you, the fans. We made this show for you, and your unwavering support has kept this show going long past our seven years. You are everything. And always remember…"if the apocalypse comes, beep me" #buffyslays20

A post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Mar 10, 2017 at 9:20am PST

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” premiered March 10, 1997 on The WB network and aired there for five seasons. The final two seasons aired on UPN.

“While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have,” Gellar added. “As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more.”

The cult favorite, created by Joss Whedon, was praised for having a strong female protagonist and has been credited for helping revive genre television.

“She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy,” Gellar said of her character. “Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one.”

Gellar went on to thank Whedon “for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created.” She also gave individual thanks to cast members David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Alyson Hannigan and Michelle Trachtenberg.

Buffy’s circle of friends often referred to themselves as the “Scooby Gang.”

Missing from her shoutouts were Nicholas Brendon, who played Buffy’s best male companion Xander, and Anthony Stewart Head, who played her mentor.

Gellar’s castmates have also joined in on the 20th anniversary social media party.

Emma Caufield, who played Anya, said she was thankful for the “gift that changed my life forever.”

Head gave a nod to the Mutant Enemy logo that closed the show’s broadcasts.

Gellar closed her note with a thank you to the show’s fans.

“We made this show for you, and your unwavering support has kept this show going long past our seven years,” she wrote. “You are everything. And always remember…’if the apocalypse comes, beep me.'”