Why FX canceled What We Do in the Shadows

As far as comedy TV shows of the past ten years go, it’s hard to find a more beloved show than “What We Do in the Shadows.” The series premiered on FX in 2019 and is based on the film of the same name by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. However, although some things are good, they must inevitably come to an end.

the The season 6 finale of “What We Do in the Shadows” served as the series finalewhere the vampires say goodbye after more than 60 episodes and more than five years on the air. The decision was made before the season started, so it’s not as if this came as a surprise to any of the creators involved, nor to any viewer following the news.

Overall, the show documented the nocturnal exploits of vampires Nandor (Kevan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadia (Natassia Demetriou), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), who are trying to make their way through the modern world of New York. With the help of their human friend Guillermo (Harvey Gillen) as well as a vampire bureaucrat known as the Guide (Kristen Schaal).

For what it’s worth, the quality of the show hasn’t diminished, based on the general consensus. /The movie review for Season 6 of “What We Do in the Shadows” called it “bloody good fun.” This begs the question, why would FX decide to end a show with a loyal fanbase that critics are still embracing? The answer is simple.

In short, the series has run its course. American television is certainly notorious for allowing programs to be shown after prime time. It’s the creative equivalent of squeezing blood out of stone in many ways. That’s just the nature of the business. (Not everything can be “six feet under.”) However, in this case, FX decided to let the show go out on its own terms before it overstayed its welcome.

“The show has come to a natural end,” FX Chairman John Landgraf said at the TCAs in February 2024. “It’s been great for six years.” Screen screaming). Likewise, showrunner and executive producer Paul Sims spoke about canceling the show during a Comic Con panel in New York in October 2024. As Sims explained, per Hollywood ReporterThe Shadows would rather go out on top than overstay their welcome:

“I think it’s better to get out in front, and it’s better to get out too early than too late. I don’t want to stay long enough that this room only has a few people in the front. I mean, look Just down to how many people are here.”

Simms also made it clear at the time that they would not leave audiences with any unresolved cliffhangers. “Everything is in Season 6. Everything we wanted to do is there,” he said. There’s nothing worse than a cliffhanger, so at the very least, fans of the show have closure.

The good news is that this franchise has a lot to offer viewers. Firstly, the movie the show is based on is really great and those who haven’t seen it would do well to check it out. Beyond that, there was also a relatively short-lived spin-off series titled “Wellington Paranormal” originally aired in New Zealand, later moving to The CW and Max. So, for those looking to fill a vampire-sized hole in their hearts, this might be a good place to start.

“What We Do in the Shadows” is streaming on Hulu. Or you can get the show on DVD from Amazon.