What We Do in the Shadows transformed vampires forever by proving that even immortal creatures of the night can be hilariously ordinary. The beloved mockumentary became a cult phenomenon by flipping the traditional horror formula on its head, trading blood-soaked terror for the painfully relatable struggles of roommates trying to coexist. Now, fans should have a new series on their radar that could serve as a true spiritual successor to WWDITS, as it approaches vampires through a similarly unique lens, this time exploring the chaos of modern dating.
Written, directed, and produced by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, who also starred as Viago and Vladislav, What We Do in the Shadows achieved unprecedented success for what was essentially a low-budget indie comedy. The film became such a breakout hit that the franchise was later picked up by FX Productions and expanded into a TV series of the same name, which ran for six seasons. While the television adaptation featured an entirely new cast, it continued to explore the film’s core premise of treating vampires as ordinary people facing ridiculous everyday problems.
If you’re a fan of this unique premise, then you may have a new series to keep up with soon. Arriving on October 7, 2026, Dinner Date #1 will serve as the inaugural issue of Ignition Press’ upcoming vampire rom-com comic series. The series will be brought to life by the creative duo of writer Joanne Starer and artist Khary Randolph, the creators behind Sirens of the City, and will deliver a modern love-at-first-bite story unlike anything fans have seen before.
Main Cover by Khary Randolph for Dinner Date #1 (2026)
If there is one modern bane that has plagued most adults, it’s modern dating. What was once a straightforward process has become increasingly complicated and, at times, downright dreadful, thanks to the endless stream of apps promising to connect you with your perfect match and the thumb fatigue that comes from endlessly swiping left and right through often cringe-worthy profiles.
However, there is one hazard that most people have yet to encounter when navigating the modern dating world: getting turned into a vampire. It’s this bizarre scenario that Dinner Date promises to explore, as the series puts a supernatural twist on the frustrations of finding love:
Modern dating is rough. No one likes being on the apps, but it’s not much easier meeting people IRL. Especially when they might turn you into a vampire without warning. This is exactly what happened to Syd. She was only trying to get over her toxic ex — whom she may still drunkenly text from time to time — not looking to have her life totally changed. She thought finding the right guy before was hard, but now she has an unquenchable thirst for blood. Her dating pool has suddenly become her food chain!
The official synopsis for the series continues, teasing Syd’s unexpected connection with Izzy: “Meanwhile, Izzy has been trying to make her dreams a reality in the Big Apple, though right now she’s part of the gig economy working as a rideshare driver. When Syd ends up in the back of Izzy’s car, there is an instant connection. Is this love at first sight, or will it all end with one bite?”
If you’re a What We Do in the Shadows fan looking to explore the messy side of vampires dating, then Dinner Date will be an obvious series to keep on your radar. By bringing the horror of vampires into the chaotic world of dating, the series looks poised to deliver an unforgettable story. So, while the What We Do in the Shadows golden era may have ended, Dinner Date already feels like the perfect replacement for fans who miss watching vampires deal with the painfully ordinary problems humans face on a nearly daily basis.
Dinner Date #1 from Ignition Press will be available to read on October 7, 2026!