According to Variety, San Diego Comic-Con is renowned for its electrifying panels and surprise announcements, and this year was no exception. On Thursday, the beloved cast and crew of the Emmy-nominated FX comedy series What We Do in the Shadows gathered in the iconic Hall H to preview and celebrate their sixth and final season. The panel featured stars Matt Berry (The It Crowd, Toast Of London, Disenchantment), Mark Proksch (Dream Corp, Better Call Saul, Another Evil), Kristen Schaal (Bob’s Burgers, Last Man Standing, Gravity Falls) and Kayvan Novak (The Day Shall Come, Four Lions, Cuban Fury), who joined via Zoom. They were accompanied by executive producer and showrunner Paul Simms (Atlanta, The Larry Sanders Show, Girls) and director Kyle Newacheck (Stranger In The Woods, Game Over Man, Workaholics), offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
Also mentioned in Variety’s recent report, fans were treated to an exclusive screening of the entire first episode of season six. This episode introduced new character, Jerry, played by Michael Patrick O’Brien (7 Minutes In Heaven, Grow A Guy, A.P Bio). Jerry is revealed to be a former roommate of Nandor, who had been in a deep slumber since 1976. Upon awakening, Jerry disrupts the vampires’ dynamics, causing an existential crisis and forcing them to confront their pasts. According to Variety, the episode also addresses the life of Guillermo, played by Harvey Guillén (Wish, Puss And Boots: The Last Wish, The Garfield Movie), after he distanced himself from vampirism and Nandor’s servitude, all while questioning the long-standing presence of a human documentary crew.
During the panel, Simms shed light on the creative direction for the final season. As mentioned by Variety, he emphasized their desire to create a season filled with humor, avoiding overly sentimental or convoluted storylines that often plague series finales. “We just wanted to make a really funny season that was not too sentimental or trying to tie up too many threads,” Simms remarked, though he reassured fans that all major story arcs would reach satisfying conclusions.
Simms also hinted at exciting guest appearances throughout the season, featuring actors who were particularly cherished by the team. O’Brien’s casting as Jerry was a highlight, promising to bring a fresh dynamic to the ensemble.
According to Variety, director Newacheck offered tantalizing details about the show’s evolution, especially concerning its mockumentary format. He revealed that the documentary aspect would become more integrated into the narrative, akin to the final season of The Office. This meta approach allowed for some unique storytelling opportunities. “I will say that I did get to play a director in the show at a certain point while I was directing the show, which was the most meta thing I’ve ever been a part of. So stay tuned, y’all. It’s gonna get wild and weird,” Newacheck teased.
As mentioned in a recent report by Variety, one of the standout moments of the panel was Novak’s appearance via Zoom, fully in character as Nandor the Relentless. With vampire teeth and a backdrop featuring a portrait of Nandor, Novak’s commitment to character was evident. When queried about Guillermo’s unresolved feelings towards Nandor, Novak’s response was characteristically irreverent and hilarious, embodying the show’s distinctive humor. “I have to keep my voice down because Guillermo is in the next room, jacking off into his pillow,” he quipped, showcasing the crude yet endearing banter fans have come to love.
As the series approaches its conclusion, the enthusiasm and dedication of the cast and crew promise a memorable farewell. Fans can look forward to a final season that balances laughter, character development, and the unique charm that has made What We Do in the Shadows a standout series in the world of comedy. The final chapter of these misfit vampires’ saga is set to be as wild and entertaining as ever, ensuring a fitting end to their supernatural misadventures.