Where to start
What We Do in the Shadows
3 versions · originally a film, 2014
Themes: Vampires, Modern Life, Housemates, Fish-out-of-water, Supernatural Comedy.
This franchise masterfully blends mundane domestic drudgery with supernatural absurdity through a dry, deadpan mockumentary lens that mocks immortal tropes.
✦ Most fans start here
What We Do in the Shadows (2019)
The original movie
What We Do in the Shadows
Jemaine Clement · Film · 2014
The 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie serves as the definitive origin, establishing the dry, character-driven mockumentary style that defines the entire franchise’s unique comedic tone.
2018 series
Wellington Paranormal
Jemaine Clement · Series · 2018
Wellington Paranormal (2018) shifts the focus to the police officers from the original film, offering a procedural spin on the franchise's supernatural world through a local, law-enforcement perspective.
2019 series
✦ Start hereWhat We Do in the Shadows
Jemaine Clement · Series · 2019
The 2019 What We Do in the Shadows TV series expands the mockumentary premise to an American setting, delivering a sharper, high-energy ensemble dynamic perfect for fans of sitcom-style character development.
Common questions
Is the What We Do in the Shadows TV series a direct continuation of the 2014 movie?
The 2019 What We Do in the Shadows television series is not a direct continuation of the 2014 movie. While they share the same mockumentary format and supernatural universe, the series focuses on a different group of vampires living in Staten Island rather than the original Wellington group.
What is the connection between Wellington Paranormal and What We Do in the Shadows?
Wellington Paranormal is a spin-off series that originated from the 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie. It follows the two police officers who were featured in the film as they investigate supernatural occurrences in Wellington, maintaining the same mockumentary style and comedic tone.
Should I watch the original What We Do in the Shadows movie before starting the TV shows?
Watching the 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie first provides helpful context for the mockumentary style used in the franchise. However, it is not strictly required to understand the plot of the 2019 television series or the Wellington Paranormal spin-off, as each features unique characters.
How many different What We Do in the Shadows projects are available to watch?
There are three primary projects in this franchise. You can watch the original 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie, the 2018 Wellington Paranormal television series, and the 2019 What We Do in the Shadows television series, all of which explore the same supernatural mockumentary world.