What We Do in the Shadows (2019)

Hilarious, in-character, and so cleanly integrated that the gag doesn’t clang against the series’ new depth of sadness: That’s how “What We Do in the Shadows” makes us laugh.

The best half-hour comedy on television. ... Continues to balance the mundane and the outlandish to expert effect.

Coming off an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2020, What We Do in the Shadows continues to alternate between deadpan, dark, physical, and scatological humor, sometimes within a single scene, with ease and effectiveness. It also remains delightfully weird, acted by pros with impeccable timing, and Goth-gorgeous in every detail, including production designs that demand viewers hit pause in order to absorb everything in the frame.

The program is as funny as ever, even reflecting some uncertainty about where to go and what to do next in its narrative. ... The writing on “What We Do in the Shadows” remains some of the sharpest on television, balancing physical humor with hysterical plot twists. ... It’s fresh and yet consistent, which is common in the best comedies—we laugh because the jokes fit the characters and yet we still can’t see the punchlines coming.

These mirthful monsters' misadventures could make you die laughing. ... A direct assault on our jugular of joy. [30 Aug - 12 Sep 2021, p.15]

Season 3 continues to be hilarious and advance character development, but does all of this while unifying this group even tighter as a tremendous ensemble. By bringing new power and new responsibilities to these characters, What We Do in the Shadows brings new blood and an exciting future to one of television’s great comedies.

What We Do in the Shadows is still very, very good—maybe even better than ever. But as for expectations, leave them behind. It’s so much more fantastic to not know, from one minute to the next, what awaits.

Of the many charms present each half-hour — from the sterling cast to the magnificent costumes and exemplary set design — experiencing this existence through these characters is compulsive entertainment.

What We Do in the Shadows is still committed to being endearingly silly, and Season 3 still delivers that in spades.