Warning: This review of What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 contains spoilers.
FX’s popular vampiric comedy, What We Do in the Shadows returns for its sixth and final season. While it’s already brought fun new dynamics, the three-episode premiere lacks a sense of direction for what should be the series’ swan song. Interestingly, the final installment introduces a long-time roommate of the crew called Jerry the Vampire (Mike O’Brien), who throws a huge wrench into the vibes of our favorite vampires.
Season 5 largely dealt with the ramifications of Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) going rogue and turning himself into a vampire without Nandor’s (Kayvan Novak) consent — a massive disgrace in the vampire world. While the previous season had its ups and downs, it had a clear sense of direction throughout, something the final season seems to be missing throughout its premiere episodes.
The Delightful Dynamics Continue in ‘WWDITS’ Season 6

Thankfully, our eclectic repertoire of vampires remains pleasantly kooky and the series rides on the back of that chemistry. Though, through six seasons that is more of an expectation than a mark to praise; that chemistry has been a highlight of the series since its inception, and the lack of it in its final season would be an indictment the FX show probably wouldn’t be able to come back from. Especially because the cast has displayed that chemistry in and out of the show, through public and press appearances (something that endeared this author to them initially).
Season 6 finds fun new ways to keep Nandor and Guillermo’s relationship around but even through three episodes, it’s hard not to feel like their story peaked throughout their arc last season. Jerry’s presence in the house has already mucked with the vibe among the tenants, and his newfound partnership with The Guide (Kristen Schaal) is sure to only further pressure the group. It will be interesting to see how the friends overcome their old roommate’s stain on the life they had (I’m starting to think maybe there was a reason they forgot to wake him up from his super slumber?).
Matt Berry returns to the role of Laszlo Cravensworth with the fire of an Emmy snub and Natasia Demetriou retains her delightfully prickly Nadja essence. The whole house plays off of Jerry’s annoyance spectacularly, which almost makes you wish this season’s and the previous installment’s storylines were swapped.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Season 6 Lacks a Proper Sense of Direction

While a meandering installment might work for any other season, it’s disappointing not to have a clear ending arc besides the newly introduced Jerry. Part of this disappointment could come at the behest of having to review a season from only its three-episode premiere, which doesn’t seem fair to any parties involved. Surely showrunner Paul Simms has some exciting things planned, but the season just seems aimless at this point, and I’ll be waiting with bated breath for purposeful things that a closing season deserves.
A bright spot of the three episodes provided for review before the premiere is undoubtedly Mark Proksch‘s soul-sucking energy vampire Colin Robinson. What We Do in the Shadows has always thrived when it’s been able to properly use the actor’s talents; the character requires a delicate balance where too much is very obviously overwhelming and yet the show severely suffers when it doesn’t use the character enough. Season 6 walks that tightrope masterfully through its premiere, and the season’s success might be dependent on its ability to hold onto that balance.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Season 6 Review: Hopefully It Goes Up From Here!

What We Do in the Shadows is top-tier TV when it’s firing on all comedic cylinders. Season 6 got off to a good start, but one that hopefully continues to trend upward to honor the series’ legacy. I’m still holding out hope that the creators and cast will ensure their groundbreaking series gets the sendoff it deserves, but the start is a bit uninspiring. Centering the final season around a new character is a risky move and one that only the remaining eight episodes can answer.
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'What We Do in the Shadows' Season 6 Review
'What We Do in the Shadows' Season 6 ReviewThe Good
- The main cast retain the electric chemistry that made them initially popular.
- Season 6 uses Colin Robinson to the perfect degree.
The Bad
- Centering the final plot around a newly introduced (and frankly, unlikeable) character is a risky move.
- It's hard not to wonder if last season's plot would've worked better as a swan song for the series with a few adjustments.
- Having to judge a season without seeing it in its entirety (or even a majority) is a bit insincere, in my opinon.