Is What We Do in the Shadows woke?
TV Show · 2019
What We Do in the Shadows has a wokeness score of 7/10, which we rate as Strongly Ideological. Woke messaging is very prominent and often feels forced or shoehorned in. Characters and plot are primarily shaped to serve the ideology. Many viewers feel the agenda overshadows the entertainment.
Key points
- Pansexual vampires and polyamory normalized as enlightened default with explicit producer confirmation of 100% LGBTQ cast.
- Guillermo's gay Latino identity and coming-out storyline positioned as groundbreaking representation in a comedy.
- Pride episodes, orgies, and fluid sexuality integrated as positive, unremarkable aspects of vampire life.
Wokeness analysis
What We Do in the Shadows centers on a group of ancient vampires whose pansexuality, fluid relationships, and rejection of traditional norms form a core part of the show's DNA, presented as inherently enlightened compared to human society. Creators and producers explicitly described all main characters as pansexual, with executive producer Paul Simms stating they achieved 100% LGBTQ representation for GLAAD metrics. Key elements include a prominent gay Latino human familiar Guillermo whose coming-out arc and identity are highlighted, open marriages involving same-sex encounters, polyamory and orgies treated positively, and episodes satirizing or engaging with Pride events and allyship. The series normalizes queerness to the point where it is unremarkable among immortals, often framed by progressive outlets as groundbreaking representation and a model of inclusivity without trauma or labels. While the primary focus remains comedic mockumentary antics, these elements are intentional, recurring, and celebrated by creators and media as pushing progressive sexual and identity politics, making the messaging prominent rather than incidental. Diverse casting, immigrant allegory for vampires, and avoidance of traditional heteronormative structures further embed modern sensibilities. This results in heavy ideological undertones that prioritize representation and fluidity over pure escapism, alienating viewers seeking unadulterated comedy.
Plot
What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary comedy series following four vampire roommates—Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and energy vampire Colin Robinson—living in a Staten Island house for centuries, along with their human familiar Guillermo. The show depicts their absurd attempts at world domination, household squabbles, supernatural rivalries with werewolves, and mundane modern life through a documentary lens. It expands on the 2014 New Zealand film by the same creators, emphasizing chaotic humor, pop culture references, and character-driven antics over six seasons.
Analyzed by AI on September 9, 2026