It’s often surprisingly successful when TV shows are based on movies, as seen with shows like Ash vs. Evil Dead, Fargo, Bates Motel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (though the show doesn’t follow the movie’s storyline exactly), Chucky, and Cobra Kai. However, these adaptations don’t always work out, and can result in shows like The Continental: From the World of John Wick, Limitless, Minority Report, and My Big Fat Greek Life. Thankfully, FX’s What We Do in the Shadows, which aired from 2019 to 2024, was a clear success. Based on the 2014 film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the show consistently built upon the film’s funny and spooky world.
The show boasts a fantastic cast – including Harvey Guillén, Natasia Demetriou, Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Mark Proksch, and Doug Jones – with interesting characters and engaging stories that made it consistently worthwhile. While all six seasons are enjoyable, some are definitely stronger than others.
6) Season 6
The news that What We Do in the Shadows would end after six seasons brought mixed feelings for fans. While they were disappointed to see it go, many appreciated that the show was ending before its quality declined. However, even with the planned ending, Season 6 still felt a little drawn out.
It’s understandable that ending a show about immortal characters was a challenge, and focusing on Guillermo’s story made sense. Ultimately, the season argues that even though Guillermo leaves his life as a familiar to work a corporate job, the two aren’t that different. This message becomes clear as soon as we meet Cannon Capital Strategies. However, the way the season awkwardly forces Nadja and Nandor into Guillermo’s new workplace doesn’t quite work. As a result, this season isn’t very funny and doesn’t feel essential to the show’s overall story. Season 6 is easily the weakest year of What We Do in the Shadows, though it’s not bad television.
5) Season 4
Season 4 has the biggest differences in quality when it comes to its main storylines. Like Season 3, the plot involving Laszlo and Colin Robinson is a highlight. Generally, the vampires in What We Do in the Shadows tend to revert to their original personalities from Season 1, despite some minor changes. However, this season, Laszlo genuinely evolves as he takes on a fatherly role, even though his child (a reborn Colin Robinson) quickly forgets their time together.
Nadja’s attempt to open a vampire nightclub isn’t very successful. While it’s meant to show her drive and desire for progress, we already saw that development in the storyline about the Vampiric Council last season. Nandor’s discovery of a Djinn lamp is just okay; it doesn’t really advance the plot, but Anoop Desai’s performance as the Djinn is consistently hilarious, which makes the storyline enjoyable.
4) Season 3
Season 3 really hits its stride in the middle. While the earlier episodes, like “The Cloak of Duplication” and “Gail,” sometimes lean too heavily on awkward humor or repetitive jokes, episodes five through eight – “The Chamber of Judgement,” “The Escape,” “The Siren,” and “The Wellness Center” – are all excellent. A standout moment is in “The Chamber of Judgement” when Derek, after becoming a vampire, casually dismisses his actions with a simple “Whoops.”
Similar to Season 4, Season 2 focuses on a few main storylines, and one of them is more successful than the other. The connection between Laszlo and Colin Robinson is a highlight, and the season effectively builds anticipation for Colin Robinson’s supposed death – even though he later returns. The storyline about Nandor and Nadja leading the Vampiric Council is less consistent, and it ultimately leads to an even weaker plotline in Season 4 involving Nadja’s nightclub.
3) Season 5
Okay, so after those shaky seasons three and four, Season 5 was a huge improvement! I loved how Guillermo was secretly dealing with being turned into a vampire by Derek at the end of last season. But even better was watching him actually try to complete the transformation. And honestly, Laszlo getting involved to figure out what’s blocking it? That storyline was gold, seriously one of the best parts of the season.
Honestly, what I loved most about Season 5 was how each episode felt like its own little story, even with the whole thing going on with Guillermo being a vampire. And “Pride Parade”? Seriously, that episode was gold – it finally gave Sean, the vampires’ neighbor, a chance to be hilarious. Plus, this season really let Kristen Schaal’s character, the Guide, shine and become a perfect fit with the rest of the group. It just felt like a return to what made the show so great in the first place.
2) Season 1
The first two seasons of What We Do in the Shadows have the most subtle overarching storylines, and they also happen to be the best, which is interesting. Season 1 centers around the arrival of the Baron, who threatens Laszlo, Nadja, and Nandor if they don’t help him take over North America. This later changes to them being blamed for the Baron’s death – a death accidentally caused by Guillermo, and one that isn’t even permanent! More than driving a big plot forward, Season 1 really lets you feel like you’re just spending time with these vampires, the energy vampire, and their familiar. From the very first episode to installments like “City Council,” “Werewolf Feud,” “Animal Control,” and “The Orgy,” every episode is fantastic. The actors quickly found their footing – within just a couple of episodes – and it didn’t take long for viewers to fall in love with them.
Beyond the humor, many of the show’s most memorable running gags, character traits, and supporting characters – like Laszlo’s signature “Bat!” shout, Colin Robinson’s feeding habits, the easily fooled neighbor Sean, and Guillermo’s hidden family history – all originated here. These elements set the show apart and suggested it could succeed where the movie had paved the way. But the show’s true genius was perhaps most evident in its mid-season twist. After what is arguably the funniest episode, “Baron’s Night Out,” comes “The Trial,” which feels like a season finale. The stakes are incredibly high for Season 1, and with Tilda Swinton appearing, it feels like everything is coming to a head… even though there are still three episodes left! It all works brilliantly, making this season particularly enjoyable to rewatch.
1) Season 2
Season 2 keeps the easygoing, slice-of-life feel of the first season, but the writing is even better. More importantly, we see Guillermo develop as a character. Discovering his Van Helsing ancestry at the end of Season 1 was a clever twist, and watching him struggle with that alongside his wish to become a vampire makes for a compelling ongoing storyline.
Okay, the storyline where Guillermo tags along with a vampire hunting crew doesn’t quite work, but it’s short-lived, only appearing in two episodes. Overall, Season 2 is really strong – the show and the actors have settled into their roles and feel confident. And while Season 1 had a standout funny episode, “Baron’s Night Out,” Season 2’s “Brain Scramblies” might just be even funnier.
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2025-11-05 02:14