All episodes of a series based on an ‘underrated’ comedy film is now streaming, including its finale which has been described by fans as the ‘perfect ending’.
What We Do In The Shadows was originally a mockumentary style movie produced in New Zealand and released in 2014. It quickly became an indie hit, sitting at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and propelled actor, writer and director Taika Waititi further into the mainstream before he was chosen to helm Thor Ragnarok for Marvel.
Waititi co-wrote and co-directed the original film alongside one half of comedic act Flight of the Conchords Jermaine Clement. The pair also star in the movie together. The plot sees a documentary film crew follow a small group of vampires who share a flat in Wellington. Among the fan reviews shared online, one calls it an “underrated brilliant comedy.”
While a sequel focusing on the werewolves in the film was long reported it didn’t come to be, but instead a television series following a similar premise was devised. The show is also filmed in a documentary style and follows a group of vampires living together. However, this time they live in a New York borough.
Waititi directed the pilot episode with Clement penning the script. Across the six series, traditional vampires Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja, together with energy vampire Colin Robinson, share a Staten Island residence, maintained by Nandor’s familiar Guillermo. The vampires routinely clash with the modern world, other supernatural beings, and/or each other, as well as regular interactions with the vampire council. Meanwhile, Guillermo tries to balance his loyalty to Nandor with his desire to become a vampire himself. Although this is eventually complicated when he discovers the truth behind his ancestry.
The show has now ended with its sixth season, which has been added in its entirety on Disney+. It means that every single episode is now available on the streaming platform. The Rotten Tomatoes score for each series ranges from 90% to a perfect 100% for seasons three and four.
Its final episode has been well received by critics and has left dedicated fans emotional at its end. In their review, Rolling Stone said: “In the End, What We Do in the Shadows is an ode to friendship. One of TV’s silliest, funniest shows of all time comes to a surprisingly poignant conclusion.” AV Club claimed: “What We Do In The Shadows ends on its own glorious terms. ‘The Finale’ pays tribute to the sitcom’s history, while thumbing its nose at any deeper meaning.” While Consequence simply stated: “What We Do in the Shadows delivered a perfect series finale.”
Fans were just as full of praise as one posted on social media: “The series finale really staked the landing. Good surprises, great call backs, funny and moving. The closing minutes were gold. Although the story of these undead may be over, the joy the show has brought so many is eternal.” Another viewer said: “Chalk up #WhatWeDointheShadows as one of the series with a perfect ending. Kudos.”
Disney+ have even included an alternate ending or the finale. To find it, you need to select the show on the app and then choose extras, where it should be listed. If fans aren’t ready to dive straight in to the final season they can actually catch up on previous series for free. The first four seasons are available via BBC iPlayer. However, the service is a little behind and it will be a wait before the last two series are added. Those who wish to watch the original film can currently find it on Amazon Prime.
What We Do In The Shadows Series 1-6 is streaming on Disney+, Series 1-4 is available on BBC iPlayer. What We Do In The Shadows film is streaming on Amazon Prime