Cast of What We Do in the Shadows – Full Cast Guide All Seasons

The FX comedy horror series What We Do in the Shadows ran for six seasons from 2019 to 2024, building a devoted following with its mockumentary format and ensemble cast of vampire roommates living in Staten Island. The show originated as a spin-off of the 2014 New Zealand film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, who also served as executive producers and made cameo appearances as their original film characters.

This guide covers the complete cast across all six seasons, including the core ensemble that appeared in every episode, key recurring characters, and notable guest stars. The information draws from official cast listings and industry databases to provide a comprehensive reference for viewers following specific characters or seasons.

Main Cast of What We Do in the Shadows TV Series

The television series centers on four vampire roommates whose dynamics drive the comedy. Kayvan Novak portrays Nandor the Relentless, the self-appointed leader who struggles to adapt to modern life despite being an ancient warrior. Matt Berry plays Laszlo Cravensworth, an eccentric aristocrat with a distinctive British accent who occasionally creates monsters and engages in feuds with necromancers.

Core Cast Overview

• The core ensemble remained unchanged throughout all six seasons, providing consistent character dynamics
• Harvey Guillén’s character arc spans from reluctant familiar to working in finance by season 6
• Mark Proksch appeared as Colin Robinson, an energy vampire distinct from traditional undead vampires
• The show employs a mockumentary format with characters addressing the camera directly
• Several cast members have comedy backgrounds in British television, including The IT Crowd and Toast of London
• Natasia Demetriou performs alongside her real-life brother Jaime in other projects
• The series ran from 2019 through 2024, concluding after 46 episodes across six seasons

Actor Backgrounds

Understanding the performers’ backgrounds adds context to their performances. Kayvan Novak is a British comedian previously known for the series Fonejacker, with film credits including Four Lions and Cruella. Matt Berry brings experience from British comedies The IT Crowd and Toast of London, where his deadpan delivery complements the show’s absurdist humor.

Natasia Demetriou is an English actress who gained recognition through Stath Lets Flats, which she stars in alongside her brother Jaime. Harvey Guillén is an American actor with appearances in The Thundermans and What We Are Watching, providing the American perspective among the predominantly British cast.

Cast of What We Do in the Shadows Seasons 2–6

While the main cast remained consistent, several supporting characters appeared throughout multiple seasons, with their prominence shifting between seasons. Colin Robinson, portrayed by Mark Proksch, evolved from a recurring character to a central figure before the storyline reached its conclusion in season 5. His energy vampire abilities, which drain life force through conversation rather than blood, added a unique dynamic to the household.

Key Recurring Characters

Kristen Schaal joined the series as The Guide, a messenger for the Vampiric Council. Her involvement expanded across seasons, appearing as a guest in season 1, recurring in seasons 3 and 4, and becoming a main cast member in seasons 5 and 6. This progression reflected the show’s deepening exploration of vampire governance structures.

Additional recurring performers included Veronika Slowikowska as Shanice in seasons 1 and 2, Chris Sandiford as Derek appearing from season 2 through season 5 and beyond, and Myrna Cabello portraying Guillermo’s mother in select episodes. These characters provided grounding elements amid the supernatural comedy.

Notable Guest Appearances by Season

Season 1 featured notable guest appearances including Arj Barker as Arjan and Dave Bautista as Garrett, along with cameo appearances by original film creators Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement reprising their roles as Viago and Vladislav respectively. The season established connections between the film and series universes.

Season 4 introduced Anoop Desai as the Djinn and Parisa Fakhri as Marwa, expanding the show’s supernatural roster. Throughout seasons 2 through 6, Marissa Jaret Winokur appeared as Charmaine and Benedict Wong portrayed Wallace, adding consistent recurring presences across the series middle years.

Nadja and Key Supporting Cast in What We Do in the Shadows

Natasia Demetriou’s portrayal of Nadja stands as one of the show’s most distinctive performances. The character is depicted as fierce and seductive, with a notable adaptation to modern technology that contrasts with her ancient origins. Throughout the series, Nadja mentors newer vampires including Jenna, demonstrating character depth beyond comedy.

The supporting cast around Nadja includes recurring characters who interact with her storylines. The Guide, played by Kristen Schaal, serves as a recurring contact with vampire leadership, appearing across multiple seasons with increasing significance. The dynamic between Nadja and her familiar, and later her involvement with the Vampiric Council, evolves substantially across the series run.

Guillermo de la Cruz, portrayed by Harvey Guillén, represents the human perspective among the vampires. His journey from familiar aspiring to become a vampire to eventual employment in finance by season 6 provides an arc that spans the entire series. His interactions with Nadja and the other vampires form essential relationship threads throughout the show.

What We Do in the Shadows Movie Cast vs TV Series

The 2014 New Zealand film established the franchise before the television series expanded the universe. The film focused on Wellington vampires Viago, Vladislav, and Deacon, portrayed by Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, and Jonathan Brugh respectively. The television adaptation shifted focus to American vampires in Staten Island, introducing an entirely new cast while maintaining the mockumentary format.

Clement and Waititi returned as executive producers for the television series and reprised their film roles in guest appearances during season 1. Their involvement maintained continuity between the productions while allowing the new series to develop independent characters and storylines. The expansion introduced elements including werewolves, witches, and supernatural bureaucracy that distinguished the television show from its source material.

Key differences include the television series’ longer episodic format allowing deeper character exploration, compared to the film’s focused narrative. The show’s six-season run enabled character development across hundreds of episodes, while the film delivered its story in a single 86-minute feature. The television adaptation also expanded the comedy beyond vampire dynamics to include interactions with werewolf roommates and other supernatural beings.

Cast Evolution Timeline

The show’s casting remained notably stable across its six-season run. The following timeline documents key cast developments and additions:

1. 2019: Series premiere with core cast of Novak, Berry, Demetriou, and Guillén; guest appearances by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement
2. 2020: Season 2 introduces additional recurring characters including Derek and Charmaine
3. 2021: Season 3 expands The Guide’s role and introduces Wallace portrayed by Benedict Wong
4. 2022: Season 4 adds Djinn and Marwa characters; Colin Robinson’s storyline progresses significantly
5. 2023: Season 5 promotes The Guide to main cast; Colin Robinson’s arc concludes
6. 2024: Final season features high-profile guest stars including Steve Coogan; series concludes after six seasons

Confirmed Information vs Unconfirmed Reports

The following comparison clarifies what is definitively established versus what remains unverified or unconfirmed:

Context and Cultural Impact

The ensemble cast’s chemistry has been widely recognized as central to the show’s success. Reviews and audience response consistently highlighted the performances of the four main vampires, with particular praise for the dynamic between the British-influenced comedy of Novak, Berry, and Demetriou against Guillén’s American perspective. The mockumentary format allowed performers to develop distinct character voices across extended episode runs.

The series contributed to the broader mockumentary comedy revival in television, demonstrating sustained audience interest in documentary-style supernatural humor. The consistency of the core cast across six seasons enabled long-term character development that rewarded loyal viewers, with storylines building across multiple seasons rather than resetting each year.

Sources and References

The cast information in this guide draws from several established sources. Official cast listings on IMDb provide comprehensive credits for all episodes, including guest appearances and recurring roles. Wikipedia maintains detailed cast records with episode-specific contributions. The official fandom wiki documents character appearances and storyline developments. TV Guide and Rotten Tomatoes offer supplementary information including actor photography and career context.

Wikipedia – What We Do in the Shadows (TV series): “An American comedy horror television series that aired on FX from April 2019 to October 2024.”

IMDb – What We Do in the Shadows (TV Series 2019–2024): “Stars Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, and Harvey Guillén.”

Summary

The What We Do in the Shadows television series built its success on a consistent ensemble cast that remained intact across all six seasons. Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, and Harvey Guillén anchored the show as the vampire roommates, supported by Mark Proksch’s energy vampire Colin Robinson and recurring performers including Kristen Schaal as The Guide. Guest appearances by notable performers including Dave Bautista, Benedict Wong, and Steve Coogan added variety throughout the series run.

For readers exploring similar ensemble comedies, the Cast of the Penguin – Full List and Character Breakdowns offers comparable character analysis for another FX production. Those interested in horror comedy franchises may also find value in reviewing Cast of 28 Years Later – Full List and Key Roles for context on related genre projects.

Frequently Asked Questions