What We Do in the Shadows, a mockumentary-style sitcom, has taken the world by storm with its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart. Based on the 2014 film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the TV series premiered in 2019 on FX and has since become a cult classic. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of What We Do in the Shadows, exploring its characters, themes, and what makes it a standout in the world of television.
The Premise: A Mockumentary-Style Sitcom
What We Do in the Shadows follows the lives of four vampires who share a house in Staten Island, New York. The show is presented in a mockumentary style, with a camera crew following the vampires around to document their daily lives. The premise is simple yet brilliant, allowing the show to poke fun at traditional vampire lore while also exploring the mundane aspects of immortal life.
The four main vampires are:
- Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), a 700-year-old vampire from the Ottoman Empire
- Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), a dandyish vampire from the 18th century
- Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), a seductive and manipulative vampire from Eastern Europe
- Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), an energy vampire who feeds on humans’ energy rather than their blood
The Characters: A Study in Contrasts
One of the strengths of What We Do in the Shadows is its cast of characters. Each vampire is unique and complex, with their own distinct personality, backstory, and quirks. Nandor is a traditionalist, clinging to his Ottoman roots and struggling to adapt to modern life. Laszlo, on the other hand, is a charming and effete vampire who loves nothing more than to indulge in fine wine and luxurious furnishings.
Nadja is a wild card, often causing chaos and destruction with her reckless behavior. Colin, the energy vampire, is a more recent addition to the household, and his presence often disrupts the delicate balance of the group.
The Human Characters: A Necessary Counterpoint
While the vampires are the main focus of the show, the human characters play a crucial role in grounding the series in reality. The camera crew, led by the hapless Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), provides a necessary counterpoint to the vampires’ antics. Guillermo, in particular, is a standout character, serving as both a confidant and a foil to the vampires.
Other human characters, such as Stu (Paul Scheer) and Jeff Suckler (Greg Miller), add to the show’s humor and charm. Stu, a human familiar who serves the vampires, is often the butt of jokes, while Jeff, a vampire hunter, provides a more sinister presence.
Themes: Exploring the Human Condition
Beneath its humorous surface, What We Do in the Shadows explores a range of themes that are both timely and timeless. One of the show’s primary concerns is the human condition, specifically the search for connection and community.
The vampires, despite their immortal lives, are often lonely and isolated, struggling to form meaningful relationships with humans. Nandor’s desire for a human familiar, Laszlo’s longing for a lost love, and Nadja’s need for attention all speak to this deeper desire for connection.
The Immigrant Experience: A Powerful Metaphor
What We Do in the Shadows also explores the immigrant experience, using the vampires’ struggles to adapt to modern life as a powerful metaphor. Nandor’s Ottoman roots and Laszlo’s 18th-century sensibilities often clash with the realities of modern America, leading to humorous misunderstandings and poignant moments of cultural dislocation.
The show’s portrayal of the immigrant experience is both nuanced and empathetic, highlighting the challenges faced by those who are forced to navigate unfamiliar cultures and customs.
The Power of Found Family: A Unifying Theme
Despite their differences, the vampires in What We Do in the Shadows form a makeshift family unit, bound together by their shared experiences and struggles. This found family is a unifying theme throughout the series, providing a sense of belonging and connection for the characters.
The show’s portrayal of found family is both heartwarming and humorous, highlighting the absurdities and challenges of forming a family unit with a group of misfits.
Episode Highlights: A Showcase of the Show’s Range
What We Do in the Shadows has a range of standout episodes, each showcasing the show’s unique blend of humor, horror, and heart. Some highlights include:
- “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1): The show’s pilot episode sets the tone for the series, introducing the main characters and premise.
- “The Trial” (Season 1, Episode 4): This episode showcases the show’s ability to balance humor and horror, as the vampires face a trial for their crimes.
- “The Sire” (Season 2, Episode 5): This episode explores the backstory of Nadja, providing a poignant and humorous look at her origins.
Awards and Accolades: A Critical and Commercial Success
What We Do in the Shadows has received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations. The show has been nominated for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
The show’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart, as well as its talented cast and crew. The show’s creators, Jemaine Clement and Paul Simms, have done an excellent job of adapting the original film for television, expanding on the characters and premise while maintaining the show’s core spirit.
A Cultural Phenomenon: A Lasting Impact
What We Do in the Shadows has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless memes, fan art, and cosplay. The show’s influence can be seen in everything from music videos to fashion trends, cementing its place in popular culture.
The show’s lasting impact can be attributed to its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart, as well as its talented cast and crew. What We Do in the Shadows is a show that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come, providing a timeless commentary on the human condition.
| Season | Episode Count | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | March 27, 2019 |
| 2 | 10 | April 15, 2020 |
| 3 | 10 | September 2, 2021 |
In conclusion, What We Do in the Shadows is a show that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. With its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart, the show provides a timeless commentary on the human condition. From its talented cast and crew to its cultural impact, What We Do in the Shadows is a show that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
What is What We Do in the Shadows TV series about?
What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows the lives of four vampires who share a house on Staten Island, New York. The show is based on the 2014 film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The series explores the vampires’ daily struggles, relationships, and hilarious misadventures as they navigate modern life.
The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, and Mark Proksch, who bring to life the quirky and lovable vampire characters. Throughout the series, the vampires face various challenges, from trying to fit in with human society to dealing with their own supernatural issues. The show’s clever writing, witty humor, and excellent performances have made it a fan favorite among audiences.
Who are the main characters in What We Do in the Shadows?
The main characters in What We Do in the Shadows are a group of four vampires who share a house on Staten Island. Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak) is a 700-year-old vampire from the Ottoman Empire who is often the de facto leader of the group. Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry) is a dandyish and charismatic vampire who is obsessed with his own appearance and mannerisms. Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) is a seductive and manipulative vampire who is often the most level-headed of the group. Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) is an energy vampire who feeds on humans’ energy rather than their blood.
Each character brings their unique personality and quirks to the show, making for a hilarious and entertaining viewing experience. The characters’ interactions and relationships with each other are a key part of the show’s humor and charm. Throughout the series, the characters face various challenges and misadventures, often due to their own ineptitude or supernatural nature.
Is What We Do in the Shadows based on a book or movie?
What We Do in the Shadows is based on the 2014 film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The film was a mockumentary-style comedy that followed the lives of a group of vampires living in Wellington, New Zealand. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned a spin-off TV series, Wellington Paranormal, as well as the US-based TV series, What We Do in the Shadows.
The TV series takes the same mockumentary-style approach as the film, but it features a new cast of characters and a new setting. The show’s creators, Jemaine Clement and Paul Simms, have said that they drew inspiration from the film, but they also wanted to create a new and original story. The show has received widespread critical acclaim and has been praised for its clever writing, witty humor, and excellent performances.
How many seasons of What We Do in the Shadows are there?
There are currently five seasons of What We Do in the Shadows, with a sixth season announced. The show premiered on FX in 2019 and has since become one of the network’s most popular and critically acclaimed series. Each season consists of 10 episodes, and the show has received widespread critical acclaim for its clever writing, witty humor, and excellent performances.
The show’s creators have said that they have a clear plan for the show’s story arc and that they know how they want the series to end. However, they have also said that they are open to continuing the show for as long as it remains popular and creatively fulfilling. Fans of the show can look forward to many more hilarious and entertaining episodes in the future.
Is What We Do in the Shadows a comedy or horror series?
What We Do in the Shadows is primarily a comedy series, although it does contain some elements of horror. The show uses humor to explore the lives of its vampire characters, often poking fun at traditional vampire lore and mythology. The show’s creators have said that they aimed to create a show that is both funny and clever, with a unique blend of humor and heart.
While the show does contain some scary and supernatural elements, it is not a traditional horror series. Instead, it uses humor and satire to explore the lives of its characters and the world they inhabit. The show’s tone is generally lighthearted and comedic, making it a great choice for viewers who enjoy humor and wit.
Who are the guest stars in What We Do in the Shadows?
What We Do in the Shadows has featured a number of guest stars throughout its run, including many notable actors and comedians. Some of the most notable guest stars include Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood, and Wesley Snipes, who have all appeared in various episodes of the show. The show’s creators have said that they enjoy casting guest stars who are fans of the show and who can bring their own unique energy to their roles.
The show’s guest stars often play supernatural characters, such as vampires, werewolves, and witches, who interact with the main characters in various ways. The guest stars often add to the show’s humor and charm, and they help to expand the show’s universe and mythology. Fans of the show can look forward to many more exciting guest stars in future episodes.
Has What We Do in the Shadows won any awards?
Yes, What We Do in the Shadows has won numerous awards and nominations throughout its run. The show has been nominated for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. The show has also won several Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Comedy Series and Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Matt Berry’s performance.
The show’s creators and cast have also won several other awards, including a Writers Guild of America Award and a Producers Guild of America Award. The show’s success has been widely recognized by critics and audiences alike, and it has established itself as one of the best and most popular comedy series on television.