The thesis is concerned with the portrayal of vampires and their addiction to blood in 21st-century mass media. Special attention is paid to the evolution of the vampire in the last four decades and the symbolism of blood. Scientific and medical approaches are also investigated, as well as the vampire's status within society and potential treatments for their addiction. On the whole, the thesis attempts to answer the question of whether redemption is achievable for vampires. The main focus of the essay is the character of John Mitchell from the BBC Three TV show "Being Human".