
What We Do in the Shadows – Cast Seasons and Where to Watch
When a documentary crew moves in with four ancient vampires sharing a dilapidated house on Staten Island, the result is six seasons of horror-comedy that redefined the mockumentary genre. What We Do in the Shadows premiered on FX in 2019 and ended its run in December 2024, leaving behind a devoted fanbase and a legacy of absurd, heartfelt, and relentlessly funny television.
Created by Jemaine Clement and based on the 2014 film he co-wrote with Taika Waititi, the series expands the original movie’s universe while standing firmly on its own. The show follows Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, Colin Robinson, and Nandor’s human familiar Guillermo as they navigate modern life, supernatural politics, and endless house meetings.
What Is What We Do in the Shadows About? A Premier of the Undead Documentary
Comedy horror, mockumentary
Jemaine Clement
2014 film by Taika Waititi & Jemaine Clement
FX (US), BBC Two (UK)
2019–2024 (6 seasons)
Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch
Disney+ / Hulu
Disney+ / BBC iPlayer
- The series concluded after six seasons in 2024; there is no season 7.
- The show is a mockumentary, not a true documentary, and is entirely fictional.
- It is a spin-off of the 2014 film but features a different set of vampires.
- Main cast includes Kayvan Novak as Nandor, Matt Berry as Laszlo, Natasia Demetriou as Nadja, Harvey Guillén as Guillermo, and Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson.
- Streaming rights in the UK are held by BBC iPlayer and Disney+; in the US, the show is on Hulu and Disney+ (not Netflix).
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Seasons | 6 |
| Total Episodes | 61 |
| First Episode | March 27, 2019 |
| Final Episode | December 16, 2024 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.6/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 97% |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 86% |
Is What We Do in the Shadows a Documentary?
The series is presented as a documentary, but it is a mockumentary—a fully scripted fictional comedy. The camera crew is acknowledged by the characters, and interviews are woven into the action, but every moment is performed. As Wikipedia notes, the show “follows four vampire roommates on Staten Island” in a faux-documentary style.
Who Created What We Do in the Shadows?
Jemaine Clement created the television adaptation, building on the 2014 film he made with Taika Waititi. Both serve as executive producers alongside Paul Simms and Stefani Robinson. The film’s deadpan, improvisational tone carries directly into the series.
Who Is in the Cast of What We Do in the Shadows? Meet the Undead Roommates
The core ensemble remained remarkably stable across all six seasons, with a few additions and promotions along the way.
Who Plays Nandor?
Kayvan Novak portrays Nandor the Relentless, a fierce Ottoman warrior turned vampire who calls endless house meetings and develops a crush on a gym receptionist (played by Lauren Collins in season 3).
Is Guillermo a Vampire?
Guillermo de la Cruz (Harvey Guillén) begins the series as Nandor’s familiar—a human servant hoping to be turned. Over the seasons, Guillermo discovers he is a descendant of the legendary vampire hunter Van Helsing, and he becomes a skilled slayer. He is not a vampire, though the question of his transformation remains a central tension until the finale.
What Characters Are in the Show?
- Matt Berry as Laszlo Cravensworth, a hedonistic British nobleman with a passion for amateur science and a pet talking familiar named Sean.
- Natasia Demetriou as Nadja, an assertive vampire from Antipaxos who keeps a psychic doll replica of herself.
- Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson, a daywalking energy vampire who drains victims through tedious conversation.
- Kristen Schaal as The Guide, a documentary director turned vampire who becomes a main character in seasons 5 and 6.
Recurring guests include Chris Sandiford as Derek (season 2-5), Aida Turturro as Gail (season 3), and Benedict Wong as the necromancer Wallace (seasons 2 and 5). The show also featured cameos from Scott Bakula (as himself), Cree Summer, and Marissa Jaret Winokur.
How Many Seasons of What We Do in the Shadows Are There? And Is There a Season 7?
The series ran for six seasons, each with 10 episodes, for a total of 61 episodes. All seasons aired on FX in the United States.
Is There a Season 7 of What We Do in the Shadows?
No. The sixth season, which aired from October 21 to December 16, 2024, was explicitly confirmed as the final season. FX renewed the show for a sixth and final season before the fifth season even premiered. As of early 2025, no spin-off or revival has been announced.
When Did Season 6 Premiere?
Season 6 premiered on October 21, 2024, and concluded on December 16, 2024. It brought closure to the main story arcs, including Guillermo’s fate, Colin Robinson’s regeneration, and the household’s uncertain future.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
| Season | Premiere | Finale | Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 27, 2019 | May 8, 2019 | 95% |
| 2 | Apr 15, 2020 | Jun 24, 2020 | 98% |
| 3 | Sep 2, 2021 | Nov 11, 2021 | 100% |
| 4 | Jul 12, 2022 | Oct 5, 2022 | 100% |
| 5 | Jul 25, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 | 95% |
| 6 | Oct 21, 2024 | Dec 16, 2024 | N/A (recent) |
What Is the Difference Between the What We Do in the Shadows Movie and TV Series?
The 2014 film, directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, is a New Zealand mockumentary about a group of vampires sharing a flat in Wellington. The TV series is a spin-off, not a sequel or remake. It follows a completely different set of vampires living in New York.
Is the TV Series a Sequel to the Movie?
No. The series exists in the same fictional universe, and characters from the film—including Viago (played by Waititi)—make cameo appearances, but the stories are independent. Viewers can watch the series without having seen the movie.
Do You Need to Watch the Movie First?
Not at all. The series stands alone, though watching the film provides extra context for the humour and tone. The film is widely available on streaming platforms and often listed alongside the series.
No feature film adaptation of the TV series exists. The show expands directly from the original 2014 film, but there is no movie version of the series itself.
Where Can I Watch What We Do in the Shadows? Streaming Options in 2025
Streaming availability varies by region. In the United States, all six seasons are available on Hulu (the show was an FX on Hulu original) and Disney+. In the United Kingdom, the series streams on BBC iPlayer and Disney+. The show is not available on Netflix in either country.
Is What We Do in the Shadows on Netflix?
No. Despite frequent searches, the series has never been licensed to Netflix in the US or UK. Check Disney+ or BBC iPlayer for current availability.
Where Can I Watch in the UK?
BBC iPlayer carries all six seasons, and Disney+ also offers the complete series. Viewers in other regions should consult local platforms like Hulu (US), Disney+ (international), or Now TV (UK). Streaming rights can shift, so verifying directly is recommended.
Timeline: From Wellington to Staten Island
- 2014 – Film What We Do in the Shadows released.
- 2019 – TV series premieres on FX (US), March 27.
- 2020–2022 – Seasons 2–4 air; critical scores reach 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- 2023 – Season 5 airs; Benedict Wong guest stars as necromancer Wallace.
- 2024 – Season 6 airs and series concludes on December 16.
- 2025 – No new episodes; series considered concluded.
What We Know for Sure – and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The TV series has ended after six seasons. | Whether there will ever be a spin-off or revival (no announcements as of 2025). |
| The show is a mockumentary comedy horror series. | Exact future streaming licensing changes (can shift). |
| Main cast includes Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch. | Whether the movie fan base crossover influences new projects. |
| Streaming availability: Disney+ and Hulu (US), Disney+ and BBC iPlayer (UK). | – |
The Bigger Picture: Why This Show Worked
The franchise began with a low-budget mockumentary film in 2014 that gained cult status, leading to the TV series. The series expands the lore with new characters while maintaining the same deadpan comedy style. Critical reception has been consistently positive, with high Rotten Tomatoes scores across all seasons. The show’s success lies in its character-driven humor and clever parody of vampire tropes. As IMDb user reviews note, it is “one of the funniest shows on television.”
Sources and What Critics Say
“A consistently hilarious mockumentary that sinks its teeth into vampire lore with gleeful abandon.”
Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus
“The series follows four vampire roommates on Staten Island.”
Wikipedia
“One of the funniest shows on television.”
IMDb user review
For a deeper dive into the show’s production, cast, and episode guide, visit Rotten Tomatoes and Wikipedia.
What’s Next for Fans of What We Do in the Shadows?
No future seasons are planned. Fans can watch the complete series on streaming platforms. The creators (Waititi and Clement) are working on other projects; no spin-off has been announced. For new viewers, start with season 1; the movie is optional but adds context. For a broader overview of the franchise, see What We Do in the Shadows TV Series: Comprehensive Research Summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ appropriate for children?
The show is rated TV-MA for violence, language, and sexual content. It is intended for mature audiences.
What is the vampire hierarchy in the show?
The series features a loose vampire society with a Vampiric Council (a nod to ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’) but mainly focuses on the household dynamics.
Why is it called a mockumentary?
It uses documentary-style camera and interviews but is entirely scripted and fictional, parodying real vampire lore.
Who are the main vampires?
Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, and Colin Robinson. There is also a human familiar, Guillermo.
Are there any crossover characters from the movie?
Yes, characters like Viago (Taika Waititi) appear in the TV series in cameo roles.
How many episodes are in the whole series?
61 episodes across 6 seasons.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for the entire series?
The critic aggregate is approximately 97% across all seasons.
Is the series available on DVD or Blu-ray?
Physical releases exist; check retailer listings as availability varies.
Will there be a movie sequel to the series?
No announcements have been made. The series finale serves as the conclusion.