Why The What We Do In The Shadows Spin-Off Never Should Have Worked

What We Do In The Shadows has been hypnotizing fans since 2019 with its sharp humor, charming characters, and clever use of the mockumentary format. Though when the show was first announced, fans of the original mocumentary film What We Do In The Shadows weren't sure if the format would translate to TV. Turns out, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement were able to take What We Do In The Shadows to the small screen with ease. Approaching it's final season, lets take a look at the source material that made What We Do In The Shadows the best horror sitcom ever made.
#whatwedointheshadows #taikawaititi #wwdits #nerdstalgic
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[@Mr_Case_Time]

Making up an energy vampire ended up being a genius move.

[@TheMMAKasual]

They didn’t make that up lol those things are real asf

[@dawidscheffler7152]

loved that anyone consumed by Collin is inedible to any other vampire - they are just a walking hollow shell of their former selves.

[@Pati1989]

Yeah, I remember when I first started watching it I wasn't sure about idea, but now I can't imagine this show without Colin Robinson :)

[@phatnana2379]

I swear I know like 5 energy vampires

[@Astroenby]

Energy vampires have been a myth for long before the show. Though they perfected the idea

[@baierogers5096]

Matt Berry's line deliveries are so unbelievably spectacular that they immediately elevate the show.

[@aotea6983]

BaaAAt

[@gavingee1042]

New Yorrrk Cityyyy

[@chronicallychic]

He's amazing in everything he does. Such great comedic delivery!

[@MrOtistetrax]

And somehow that thing he does never gets tired or gimmicky. It’s always hilarious.

[@jasonblalock4429]

Was I supposed to read this comment in his voice? Because I did.

[@EnzoMartinez-rb1bd]

I remember watching the pilot a few years ago, thinking that it was impossible for this TV show to be as good as the movie. Then, Guillermo took Nandor to buy creepy paper. That silliness is exactly what makes this show work as it does. And it's a shame that is going to end, but maybe is for the best.

[@carrington2949]

“Sir, you can’t be throwing ancient coins at people”… 😭

[@balpreetsingh6834]

Colin Robinson is the addition that takes the tv remake to another level.

[@BlazingOwnager]

Matt Berry is what brought me into the show, and Laszlo did not disappoint. Colin is great too.

[@alexalzona6477]

Because they’re perfect and since there is perfection those items are nonexistent.

[@PictureProductStudio]

I wouldn't even call it a remake. It's a rare case of direct continuation in the same universe. A rarity in the TV world (in 2010's another case would be Limitless which is underrated), but it is becoming more common since some movies receive TV series sequels, namely Wet Hot American Summer and The Full Monty.

[@dazblue5515]

I love the original movie, but the TV series is far better for me... I love all the characters far more - Matt Berry is fantastic in everything he does.

[@Odysseus38]

Best show on tv currently What pisses me off, is that they never release bloopers or deleted scenes

[@ChartreuseDan]

Imagine if it was still the dvd golden age. They'd have sold you a full cinderblock of deleted scenes

[@nms7872]

​@@ChartreuseDanyeah FX leaving the dvd business has been unfortunate. Even it's always sunny and Philadelphia doesn't get physical releases anymore

[@Jakeyisdead]

​@@nms7872 The Sunny one breaks my heart i have the first 6 seasons (which is good because the banned episodes are on it) but i wish I could have the rest too

[@nms7872]

@@Jakeyisdead FX did official dvd releases up until Season 10 on Sunny. Season 11 to 14 are not FX but still legit (no bonus features though). Seasons 15 and 16 are no where to be found though

[@danganese8627]

It's all one take, it's a documentary

[@ungodlykaveh]

I admittedly avoided watching the show because I thought the movie was so perfect. I thought it would be a mediocre take on the movie to appeal to wider audiences. So glad I gave the show a chance. Hands down one of my favorite shows on TV right now. Took everything I loved from the movie and made it so much more.

[@hardattackdj]

Same here. My wife and I started watching the show last year and I’m kicking myself for not watching it sooner

[@mooglesprinkles]

I felt the same way, I avoided the show for a long time before a friend told me I should give it a chance.

[@gidiess7880]

me too! glad i came to my senses - the show is excellent

[@Janehaver]

Same, it's so good and would like to rewatch.

[@bellelearnsstuff]

I worked on the movie and it was the most fun set i've worked on. Jemaine and Taika are so lovely and kind to work for. I was working art department and they ended up giving me a role in the film and let me improvise. Some bits are in there but most was cut for time (as stated they had a lot of footage) but they really were just having a tonne of fun with mates and it shows. There's a lot of stuff to make you fall out of love with the industry but knowing a set can be that fun, warm and inviting keeps me going no matter the egotistical maniacs I run into.

[@EzraDair]

Matt Berry is just something else it’s like he found the perfect role for himself

[@opaljk4835]

That would more so be Toast

[@davidkinmond9417]

Love the shoutout for Wellington Paranormal!

[@Hbinky]

Wellington Paranormal is my favourite. So low-key and a brilliant little cast.

[@parkchimmin7913]

I need another a season of Wellington Paranormal 😭 The ending just doesn’t feel complete idk

[@snowyalice]

One of the things that propelled WWDITS to America was a Kickstarter campaign so it could have a limited release run there. It meant that more people got to see it. (I got a sweet Werewolves Not Swearwolves shirt from it).

[@justaustin673]

Awesome

[@kazwilson425]

Loved that scene from the movie. Hilarious.

[@SophieMcKenzie-Shaw]

Me too! Love that T-shirt!

[@BCWasbrough]

Interview with a Vampire: What if vampires were sexy? Twilight: What if vampires were posing as teenagers? What We Do in the Shadows: What if vampires were bisexual idiots? Each fit the times they were made in. I'm glad we're in the WWDItS era. :)

[@tim290280]

Wellington Paranormal is criminally underwatched and underrated.

[@esmeraldaweatherwaxe970]

the humor is too australian, they tend to laugh at fart jokes too much.

[@tim290280]

@@esmeraldaweatherwaxe970 New Zealand. And I don't think there is a single fart joke in the series.

[@parkchimmin7913]

@@esmeraldaweatherwaxe970 There aren’t fart jokes, but the humor is a bit deadpanned (but I think that adds onto the charm of the show)

[@mariarittel3190]

@@esmeraldaweatherwaxe970But “eye level sticks” makes up for it

[@barbara832001]

It did air on the CW in the US, my dad and I watched it and loved it

[@MasseyKY]

The show is PERFECTLY cast and the cast all shine in their roles. Thank you for including the fact that they use a great deal of improv on the show and highlighting this amazing comedy series!

[@lutilda]

As I consider WWDITS vs other adaptations, I think having completely new characters in a new setting that capture similar dynamics and chemistry, but otherwise having characters that are fresh and cant be written "out of character" helps a lot.

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

As a fan of the movie, my main concern was that they were going to Americanize it. The US doesn't have the best track record when it comes to adapting things that were successful in other countries with 3 failed attempts at an American version of Fawlty Towers, 2 failed attempts at Red Dwarf USA and more failed attempts at adapting the likes of Father Ted, The IT Crowd, The Vicar Of Dibley, Kath and Kim, Only Fools And Horses and many more. The Office US was probably the only one that was actually successful (although I personally didn't care for it). So the idea of What We Do In The Shadows getting a big American remake sounded pretty terrible to me...then I saw it and thought it was amazing. I think there are several reasons as to why it worked when most of these adaptions don't. For a start, having the original creators not only involved but pretty much being the lead creative forces behind the show makes it fit much better into the world of the film. Secondly, they aren't trying to replace the characters we knew and loved from the original, they were all completely original. Thirdly, most of the cast are highly regarded character actors who were able to really sink their teeth into the roles (pun slightly intended) rather than casting people who would be known to a mainstream American audience. But the biggest thing would have to be that the show doesn't try to replace the movie, rather adding to it's legacy and continuity.

[@JLJ7802]

I'll add a couple more... The American version of taskmaster was extremely disappointing. And the US copy of Ghosts is completely unwatchable.

[@Levelistchampion]

That's well and good regarding the American track record on adaptations. I'm American, and in a "nobody picks on my little brother but me" sort of way, I wonder if American properties have been successfully adapted abroad. It's pretty rare, I think. Perhaps the latest time I heard of this phenomenon was a French Canadian adaptation of Brooklyn 99. Maybe, and I'm just putting it out there, that American adaptations just stand out more.

[@peri1539]

​@@Levelistchampion It's a lot easier to dumb something down than to make something dumb into something clever

[@gughunterx437]

Sanford and Son was pretty funny, though I never saw the British version.

[@Apple2-ux8uo]

All in the family was an American version of a British show.

[@MrDukeSilverr]

I like how Matt Berry once said this show is pure escapism, the plot is so absurd and can go anywhere yet it’s all so mundane, also the very genuine feeling inclusion of queer characters is great

[@rachelbache]

Wellington Paranormal - is also very very fun - worth checking out for fans of WWDITS

[@RedTail1-1]

Thank you SO MUCH for introducing me to Wellington Paranormal. I would have never even heard of it otherwise and would be missing out on one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. I was literally laughing out loud at the meat vs nan joke in Season 2. I haven't actually laughed in such a long time it felt really good. Please do an episode about this show!

[@roguesample]

I thought the TV show wasn’t going to even come close to the movie - but their writing and casting absolutely NAILED it

[@ZaphodHarkonnen]

As a Wellingtonian it’s hilarious seeing Wellington popping up in a massively popular international universe.

[@theanonymousman8325]

My wife and I have an annual tradition of watching films on certain events: ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ on Halloween, and ‘The Room’ on April Fool’s Day. Despite the change in our relationship throughout the years, our fondness for these films has remained.

[@thomasrogers8239]

Jermaine Clement is also the Clement from flight of the concords. From such bangers as "if you're into it."

[@RossHall-UK]

Yes, I was amused by the "unknown outside their native New Zealand" quip as I looked at the DVD box set bought by my Japanese Wife. Guess it should have been "virtually unknown in North America"?

[@OldDemonTooth]

Yeah, I thought the line about him being that exact guy IN THE VIDEO you're watching was a big clue.

[@OldDemonTooth]

@@RossHall-UK At the time... That's what the video said. FOTC wasn't well known until 2010-ish.

[@RossHall-UK]

Lovely.

[@tbuckley2031]

Also Nandor and Lazslo are the personification of his song “you’ve got it going on”

[@davedice4688]

Easily the greatest show currently on tv. The cast is the key, especially Matt Berry.

[@kazmiller7195]

Love that the camera crew is actually involved

[@craigedgar2828]

So glad you appreciate the brilliance of NZ humor, this is why I watch Nerdstalgic = I knew you were one of us kiwis at heart 🤙

[@cafeplastique890]

The 2nd season of NZL Taskmaster is probably the best one ever, even beating the most legendary of UK seasons. Keep the Kiwi humour coming! Love Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, too. Ka nui te mihi Aotearoa from Germany.

[@etobaru]

Funniest vampires from Staten Island to New York Citay

[@skyttvstrm]

And funniest bartender from Tucson Arizonya

[@Zombiesnyder13]

Taika Waititi can do a much better job without Disney He should've left the MCU after THOR RAGNAROK

[@Ozzymandius1]

He should have never been brought into the MCU in the first place. Thor Ragnarok was an awful and unfunny piece of trash.

[@BumbleGee]

​@@Ozzymandius1 More like BORE RAGNAROK

[@EhFrank]

@@BumbleGee Jim Pickens approves

[@mrcritical6751]

To be fair, he won an Oscar under Disney for Jojo Rabbit. But yeah, after Jojo he should have spread his wings and done more outside the house of mouse

[@OldDemonTooth]

@@Ozzymandius1 Well, enjoy being wrong. It's going be tough for you out there in the real world with shitty taste.

[@jojogpt]

Doing a second run of the series. Been a long time since I've laughed during every episode of a series.

[@Creativinity7]

I had no idea a lot is improv. This makes me appreciate it even more

[@MrCK009]

Yes, looking forward to your dive into wellington paranormal!

[@amcmillion3]

The show is as perfect of a comedy as I have seen in a long time. It is a masterpiece of what TV comedy can be if put in the right hands.

[@Jisunltc]

I’m bummed we’ll never get a WWDITS x OFMD crossover!!!! A young Nandor passing by on ship to “discover” new land to pillage.

[@esmeraldaweatherwaxe970]

now that would be genius! 😆🤩😍

[@willwalker474]

I feel so old now. I went to see the movie at my local theater the day it came out. I was really into Flight of the Conchords at the time, so checking this movie out was a no-brainer for me. I *only* know the show as a spin-off of the movie.

[@nartaga1624]

The best scene I think of the entire show is the episode where Collin Robinson and the two Nadias all share a body. The last scene of that episode need to forever go down in history as the greatest of that entire show (that is overall all entirely fantastic).

[@PictureProductStudio]

Wellington Paranormal is a crucial part of the conundrum: it's the FIRST series that spun off from the movie. It ran in New Zealand and was shown in the US in whopping 2018-2022. They had at least a year of one show to know what will work in another (and kinda vice versa) and decided to branch the first series as a more local one, while the second series as the more global one. Yet, both are parts of the same universe and made by the same core creative team. Heck, the visual gag with Colin Robinson II perfected on big budget in Seasons 3-4 of What We Do show first appeared in Wellington Paranormal, where it was done much cheaper and, well, looked shoddy. One might assume that it's a relatively small franchise, but each season of each series also has commercials and podcasts, some seasons have several promotional webisodes and web-series, there is (or was, it's offline and presumed lost) one video game, and even all the way back original movie had cross-promotion in several commercials and a music video. Oh, and there's not one, but TWO stage shows with original actors. One of them starts Deacon and resulted in a fictionalized podcast, as well. And I mean, a lot of people are still unaware both the movies and the series have post-credits scenes, so they haven't even seen that. :)

[@jasneetsingh5142]

This channel is one of the few which has seen niche shows and talks about them. I really love your takes. Could you talk about Reno 911(The early seasons) or Workaholics. Both are very funny shows. Also WWDITS is criminally underrated, to see a channel talk about is just what I need.

[@julitakamaki4386]

I wish this show would get a physical release. I want it on the shelf next to my Blu-ray for the movie.

[@lizzyrank5405]

Didnt know this was a show. I only knew the movies and shorts. Now I know what im spending the rest of my weekend with.

[@pennywisethedancingclown2246]

7:23-Excuse me, but Matt Berry was *already* an icon. The Mighty Boosh, Toast of London, The IT Crowd

[@myahdestefans7921]

the other spinoff show wellington paranormal on HBO is so funny also. I feel like not many people realize that show takes place in the same universe and the leads are the two cops from the what we do in the shadows movie

[@meowcula]

The show took it to a whole new level. I remember being so delighted at the surreal silliness of the film, but the show built on that and amped it to 11. It's one of the most entertaining series I've ever seen in my life

[@broskimoski9775]

I loved the original movie, haven’t laughed that much in a long time. When the show came out it scratched that itch for more perfectly. I recently went back and watched the movie again and realized the show is actually MUCH funnier than the movie

[@CapOlimar]

BAT!

[@dontrespond]

Nah

[@ladyd3187]

It is so refreshing to see an innovative, well written and acted tv show. LOVE IT!!

[@sloane2035]

I watched the first 3 seasons b4 I realized there was a movie. The movie feels like a test drive for the concept that would eventually become the show.

[@freestinje]

I remember watching some episodes years ago and completely forgetting it. Thanks!

[@flowerbloom5782]

I only watched the short movie but I never knew about the show. I wanted more so this is great.

[@banonKING]

The WWDITS expanded universe has to include Wellington Paranormal.

[@Exclema]

Lol,I watched a clip of the Taika Waititi version and then I looked up the What We Do In The Shadows on Hulu I was always looking forward to the full Waititi videos but I never did...turns out it's a whole other show.More dark comedy for me yay😂🎉

[@raedinsmore7732]

I love Matt Berry from the IT Crowd. But it's definitely Colin, Nadja, and Guillermo that really make this show something special to me. And the relationship between Guillermo and Nando is beautiful.

[@Nymph28]

Im rewatching it forbthe 3rd time i love this show and the characters! I wish there were more seasons 😢

[@ahsatan8997]

Love the movie so much. Jermaine waititi and Matt berry are always wonderful. Miss flight if the concords tho

[@davidmckesey7119]

Clemente was big with flight of the concords

[@joshknight2463]

I remember my sister showing me this because I was a weird movie nerd, had seen Shark Vs Eagle and stuff like that. Years later when the show came out I was hyped because of Matt Berry, was a bit like "urgh this is just like the movie again" for the first half of season 1 but the 2nd half got me laughing so hard I stuck around and am so happy I did. I am always laughing out loud at this show

[@christophernewhouse5832]

i realized there was a tv show 4 this 2 days ago & am glad i get to watch it

[@rezzoc91]

I don't know why but everywhere Matt Berry goes there is almost always something good about the series. Pook at Disenchantment for instance, he almost single-handedly saved the first season imho

[@michaelmountain7055]

Pleeeeeeease do Wellington Paranormal!!! I can't get enough of it

[@tempex6200]

cant wait for the last season, definitely gonna watch the whole show many times again

[@mrm.acampbell2722]

as a fan of Wellington Paranormal i'm interested your take on the show

[@agirlnamedbrett.]

i can't express how much i love the What We Do In the Shadows movie.

[@phatnana2379]

Im surprised you haven't done a video about Flight of the Conchords yet!! Such a great show!

[@RayMcElroy50]

I wanted to see Akira from Taika Waititi Not another Thor movie

[@Thomas_of_the_forest]

Haha, that intro. One would assume anyone who's watched the show has also seen the movie too if not already very aware of it. The characters from it do appear in the show too after all

[@Apple2-ux8uo]

Wellington Paranormal is great, thanks for mentioning it. The pair of police are so sweet and well meaning.

[@koguma8823]

i'm surprised you didn't mention We're Wolves, a spin-off about the werewolves in the 2014 movie that jemaine and taika teased a decade ago. jemaine recently said they've started working on it again. it'll probably star rhys darby since he was the lead werewolf in the movie. very exciting stuff!!

[@NewYorkSkyBreakfast]

I was always under the impression that the movie was always more popular than the TV show. This is news to me lol

[@SilkBuckets]

im gonna miss this show so much

[@GREYFLWRMUSIC]

Never heard of it, but I loved Matt Berry as Douglas Reynholm in IT Crowd, so its a must watch for me

[@LadyHuggington]

I was hoping this video would be all about Wellington Paranormal. That show is brilliant and one of my absolute favourites ever.

[@rafaelcenteno3027]

This is one of my favorite movies ever!

[@hayden2076]

I absolutely love this show. I didn’t like it when I first watched it, but the citizenship episode was amazing and the reason I started watching consistently.

[@ImekaSF]

This was great! I’m looking forward to a future Wellington Paranormal piece as well! 👽

[@srimahiparavastu7952]

I don't knwo about anyone else but I'm Aussie and we watched the original mockumentary in English in high school, I only discovered the show after that!

[@Bubbles2cute4u]

I love this show and after i finished season 3 i was searching for new content. Finding the OG movie/content was super cool. I found the older movie and thought it was hella funny but i LOVE the show. They did an amazing job. ❤one of my top 3 favrite shows. I wish there was more well written content like this.

[@lisashorter1950]

Hands down the best show on tv right now. The casting is top notch and the show is absolutely hilarious.

[@IainFrame]

Brilliant programme. I can't decide between Nadja, Lazlo, or Colin Robinson as my favourite. The entire cast is a great to be honest, but those three are fantastic.

[@wolf986]

"Nothing about this is fresh" after referencing that the movie isn't well known.....So, to most people its fresh. What a great take.

[@averageree]

im literally wearing my wwdits shirt right now

[@ZbJeeBies]

i watched the movie first when i heard the show was coming out and the humor was amazing 😂 i could watch both over and over and not get tired simply because both casts have so much chemistry w each other my favorite character is predictable, it's guillermo...i just wanna squish his cheeks he's adorable lol

[@kr00t0n]

WWDITS is one of those rare comedies where EVERY leading character is awesome, usually there is always a few characters that are meh or bad (I hated Gina in B99, but loved every other character), but everyone in this show is amazing. Also, I would (and have) watch Matt Berry be Matt Berry in anything :D

[@zonuphaon]

Lesser known? The original movie was what piqued my interest and I was rather let down when the writers wouldn't be starring in the series itself.

[@eponymouscharacter]

For such a small country, NZ really punches far above its weight when it comes to film, television and comedic talent.

[@Grorl]

Love the show.. though they did my boy Guillermo dirty at the end of a season. The one with a specific interest. (Don't wanna spoil). Lol

[@rowmykune]

Im excited for the final season but, I wont lie that I have a tinge of melancholy that its ending. A part of me wants it to keep going however I understand all good things must come to an end.

[@Rugras.]

The main characters/actors aren't American. It makes a difference.

[@rachelcookie321]

I was very apprehensive about watching the show. I love the movie and as a kiwi, I hate crappy American remakes that overshadow original shows/movies. But I was curious so I ended up watching an episode and it was great, it really captures the energy of the original while not just being a complete copy. I love the show now. It still annoys me when you say the name and people think of the show before the movie though. If you like what we do in the shadows then you should watch Wellington paranormal, set in the same universe.

[@DragonsOfDrakul]

I had no idea the movie turned into a show!!

[@bbrooklyn]

i had been a fan of the movie and short film for yearsss, but avoided the show at first because i was soooo scared it would be bad. I couldn’t imagine a whole new cast being able to emulate anything similar to what the OG’s achieved… Oh boy was I wrong… It is my absolute favourite comedy series. The cast is incredible. Matt Barry is a star and it’s an abomination he hasn’t been nominated for an emmy.

[@leventhumps3861]

The movie is so good! But yes, it definitely went under the radar. I only found it about thanks to a KZbinrs recommendation. Then subsequently, watching several clips which sold me on it. After that I recommended it to everyone and downright forced people to sit and watch it. Everyone loved it.

[@syd6358]

Robinson is my FAVORITE CHARACTER 😁😁😁😁

[@steffikaysince1996]

Is the film lesser known? I have always assumed people who watch the programme have seen the film first

[@Oaksloves]

It’s refreshing to see a regular human bartender being a part of the group. Laszlo will love that guy

[@NoahSpurrier]

Great actors and writing.

[@kathybernatchez8473]

I watched the movie before the series and loved the concept. Now I watch the series with just as much interest.

[@siggivonmahlmann6482]

Ooooo, so excited that there's one more season! Thought it might have ended w the last season

[@kanucks9]

Lesser known? The film was amazing. When I saw no Jemaine, I didn't even start the show lol.

[@adrianxxrod]

Wellington Paranormal is amazing too!

[@myastark]

aaah it's CLEM-ent

[@MeaTheFae]

Please do a vid on Wellington Paranormal! What We Do in the Shadows (the film) is the gift that keeps on giving. Hopefully they will do a show on the werewolves like they planned.

[@army103]

My friend and I loved the movie, so we were really eager to see the show, but the first few episodes just seemed like re-hashed bits from the movie done worse. So, we stopped watching and didn't look back. But from the sound of things, it's kind of like the American version of The Office, where it had a rocky start but really found its footing as it went on...I guess we'll have to give it another chance!

[@robotdowney]

I remember all the stand up and comedy forums that were obsessed with Monty Pyton and Fry and Laurie suddenly posting about WWDITS like 90% of the time. It was inevitable, and nobody was annoyed about it. Just pure obsession from everyone.