What We Do in the Shadows is a multi-layered comedy franchise that reinvented the vampire genre through the lens of a fly-on-the-wall mockumentary. Originally a 2014 cult classic film written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, it has since evolved into a critically acclaimed television series on FX, currently preparing for its sixth and final season set to premiere on October 21, 2024. The premise centers on the mundane, often pathetic daily (or nightly) lives of ancient vampires living in contemporary society, struggling with modern technology, local bureaucracy, and the intricacies of roommate dynamics.

The Cinematic Foundation of the Shadow Realm

The journey began in Wellington, New Zealand. The 2014 film What We Do in the Shadows took the grand, gothic tropes of vampire lore—found in Dracula or Interview with the Vampire—and dismantled them with dry, deadpan humor. By presenting vampires like Viago, Vladislav, and Deacon as flatmates arguing over unwashed dishes (soaked in blood, naturally), Clement and Waititi tapped into a specific comedic vein: the juxtaposition of the supernatural and the banal.

The film's success lay in its commitment to the format. It didn't just parody vampires; it treated the documentary crew as a real entity within the world. This established the "rules" of the franchise: the vampires are aware they are being filmed, they are deeply insecure, and despite their supernatural powers, they are functionally incompetent in the 21st century.

Transitioning to Staten Island: The Television Expansion

When the franchise transitioned to a television format in 2019, the setting shifted to Staten Island, New York. This move allowed the writers to explore a much broader world over multiple seasons, moving beyond the tight-knit group of the film to create a sprawling supernatural hierarchy.

The TV series introduces a new coven that has lived together for over a century. While the film was a snapshot of vampire life, the series is a deep dive into character growth, long-term resentment, and the surprising emotional stakes of immortality. The shift to an American setting also provided a new backdrop for humor—local city council meetings, suburban neighbors, and the specific weirdness of New York’s forgotten borough.

A Deep Dive into the Staten Island Coven

The enduring popularity of the show is driven primarily by its core ensemble. Each character represents a specific sub-genre of vampire fiction, played to perfection by a cast that balances slapstick with genuine pathos.

Nandor the Relentless: The Old World Warrior

Nandor (Kayvan Novak) was once a bloodthirsty leader of the fictional kingdom of Al-Quolanudar. At over 750 years old, he is the oldest member of the house and the self-appointed leader. His humor stems from the dissonance between his "Relentless" past and his current obsession with Edible Arrangements, basketball, and trying to find love in the age of Tinder. Nandor is a character defined by a profound, if often misguided, sense of duty and a deep-seated loneliness.

Laszlo Cravensworth: The Hedonistic Aristocrat

Matt Berry’s Laszlo is perhaps the show's most quotable character. A former British nobleman and pornographer, Laszlo is unashamedly pansexual and obsessed with the pursuit of pleasure. Whether he is creating topiary sculptures of vulvas in the backyard or assuming the persona of "Jackie Daytona," a regular human bartender from Pennsylvania, Laszlo embodies the chaotic, selfish, yet strangely loyal side of the vampire condition.

Nadja of Antipaxos: The Fierce Matriarch

Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) is the sharp-tongued Greek Romani vampire who turned Laszlo and later married him. She is often the most competent member of the house, though that isn't saying much. Her frustrations with her male housemates drive much of the show's domestic conflict. A standout element of her character is the "Nadja Doll"—a porcelain doll inhabited by the ghost of Nadja’s human self, providing a literal internal monologue for the character.

Colin Robinson: The Energy Vampire

The show’s most innovative contribution to vampire lore is Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). Unlike the others, he doesn't drink blood. He is an "energy vampire" who feeds by boring or annoying people. He works in a grey office cubicle, drains his coworkers with tedious anecdotes, and is the only vampire capable of walking in the sun. Proksch’s performance is a masterclass in awkwardness, making Colin Robinson the most relatable—and terrifying—character for anyone who has ever worked a corporate job.

Guillermo de la Cruz: The Human Familiar

Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) is the emotional anchor of the series. For over a decade, he served as Nandor’s "familiar" (a human servant) with the hope of one day being turned into a vampire. The revelation in later seasons that Guillermo is a descendant of the legendary vampire hunter Van Helsing added a brilliant layer of tension to the show. His journey from a submissive servant to a skilled protector—and eventually navigating his own identity—is the series' most significant narrative arc.

The Art of the Mockumentary Format

What sets this show apart from other supernatural comedies is its rigorous adherence to the mockumentary style. This isn't just a stylistic choice; it is fundamental to the storytelling.

The Camera as a Character

The documentary crew is often acknowledged, occasionally attacked, and their presence explains the specific framing of scenes. The use of "confessionals" allows characters to reveal their true feelings, often immediately contradicting what they just said in a group setting. This creates a dual narrative where the audience knows more about the characters' insecurities than their housemates do.

Practical Effects vs. CGI

The show relies heavily on practical effects, which enhances the "realism" of the documentary. Wirework for flying, prosthetic makeup for ancient vampires, and real fire help ground the supernatural elements. When CGI is used, it is often stylized to look like something a low-budget documentary crew might capture on a night-vision lens.

Expanding the Lore: The Vampiric Council and Beyond

As the seasons progressed, the show moved beyond the mansion to explore a wider supernatural world. One of the series' highlights was the introduction of the International Vampiric Council.

The Season 1 episode "The Trial" featured an incredible assembly of actors who had previously played vampires in other movies and shows, including Tilda Swinton, Wesley Snipes, Danny Trejo, and Evan Rachel Wood. This meta-textual humor rewarded long-time fans of the genre and established the Staten Island coven as small fish in a very large, very ancient pond.

Beyond other vampires, the show has successfully introduced:

  • Werewolves: Portrayed as suburban guys who have "territory disputes" with the vampires.
  • Witches: Who kidnap vampires for their "semen" to make youth potions.
  • Ghosts: Each vampire has a ghost of their human self, leading to existential crises.
  • The Guide: Played by Kristen Schaal, she acts as a bureaucratic liaison between the Council and the coven, adding a layer of supernatural red tape.

Season-by-Season Evolution

Season 1: Establishing the Dynamic

The first season focused on the vampires' attempt to "conquer" Staten Island, which mostly involved attending city council meetings and getting distracted by local politics. It introduced the familiar-master dynamic and the energy-draining powers of Colin Robinson.

Season 2: The Rise of the Hunter

The second season is widely considered one of the best in comedy history, featuring the "Jackie Daytona" episode. It also intensified the mystery of Guillermo's heritage, culminating in a violent showdown where Guillermo saves the coven from an assassin.

Season 3: Taking the Reins

After the death of the previous council, the Staten Island coven is tasked with running the local Vampiric Council. This season explored power struggles within the house and ended with the shocking "death" and rebirth of Colin Robinson as a baby.

Season 4: The Restoration

The coven deals with a crumbling house and the challenge of raising "Baby Colin." Nadja opens a vampire nightclub, which becomes a central hub for supernatural activity. The season explores themes of parenting and the cyclical nature of personality.

Season 5: The Transformation Struggle

Season 5 focused heavily on Guillermo’s secret transformation. After losing patience with Nandor, Guillermo pays another vampire to turn him, leading to a botched transformation that doesn't quite take. This season explored the deep bond between Nandor and his familiar and the consequences of betrayal.

The Final Act: What to Expect in Season 6

FX has confirmed that Season 6 will be the final chapter of the Staten Island vampires. Premiering on October 21, 2024, the season is expected to bring closure to the major narrative threads.

Key questions for the final season include:

  1. Guillermo’s Fate: Will he finally become a full vampire, or will he choose a human life?
  2. The Coven’s Legacy: Will they finally achieve the "world domination" they were sent to New York for over a century ago?
  3. The Relationship Dynamics: Will Nandor and Guillermo’s relationship evolve into something more? How will Laszlo and Nadja’s eternal marriage end?

The final season promises to maintain the show's signature blend of absurdity and heart, likely featuring more high-profile cameos and a definitive conclusion to the story of the four roommates from Staten Island.

Why the Show Matters in Pop Culture

What We Do in the Shadows succeeded where many supernatural comedies failed because it understood that the supernatural is only funny when it is treated as a chore. By stripping away the glamour of vampirism and replacing it with the petty grievances of modern life, the show created something entirely unique.

It is a celebration of the "other." These vampires are monsters, yes, but they are also outsiders trying to find their place in a world that has passed them by. The show’s inclusivity—featuring a diverse cast and normalized pansexuality—has also made it a favorite among modern audiences.

Summary

The What We Do in the Shadows franchise has cemented its place in television history as a masterclass in character-driven comedy. From its humble beginnings as a New Zealand indie film to its status as a multi-Emmy-nominated FX powerhouse, it has consistently delivered laughs without sacrificing its core mythology. As we approach the final season in October 2024, the legacy of Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, Colin Robinson, and Guillermo is secure as the most lovable, incompetent monsters to ever grace the screen.

FAQ

Is What We Do in the Shadows finished?

The series is concluding with Season 6, which begins airing on October 21, 2024. This will be the final season.

Do I need to watch the movie before the TV show?

No, it is not required. While the show takes place in the same universe and features some cameos from the film's characters, it follows a completely different coven in a different country. However, watching the movie provides great context for the show's style.

Who is the "Energy Vampire" in the show?

Colin Robinson, played by Mark Proksch, is the energy vampire. He feeds by draining people's energy through boring conversation and frustrating social interactions.

Where can I watch What We Do in the Shadows?

The series airs on FX and is available for streaming on Hulu in the United States and Disney+ in many other regions.

Is there a spin-off to the show?

Yes, there is a spin-off called Wellington Paranormal, which follows the police officers from the original 2014 film as they investigate supernatural occurrences in New Zealand.