Nandor the Relentless is the proud, melancholy heart of What We Do in the Shadows — a centuries-old vampire and former Ottoman warlord now reduced to bickering with his roommates in a crumbling Staten Island mansion, his glory days of conquest long behind him. Pompous, lonely, and surprisingly tender, Nandor is a fearsome creature of the night undone by the indignities of modern domestic life.
His arc is a poignant comedy of obsolescence and longing. Nandor wrestles with eternal boredom, the deaths of his many wives and descendants, his search for love and meaning, and his deepening, unspoken bond with his loyal human familiar, Guillermo. The mockumentary format lets the show mine huge laughs from his vanity while quietly aching with his loneliness.
Kayvan Novak's wonderfully expressive comic performance made Nandor the soul of the beloved FX vampire mockumentary.
Key Episodes
S1 E1
Pilot
The vampire roommates and Nandor's faded glory are introduced.
S2 E10
The Portrait
Nandor's loneliness and bond with Guillermo come to the fore.
Nandor the Relentless is one of the central figures in What We Do in the Shadows, a comedy/horror series that aired on FX from 2019–2024. Within the narrative of What We Do in the Shadows, Nandor the Relentless serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–6. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Kayvan Novak, Nandor the Relentless has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Kayvan Novak's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Kayvan Novak's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Kayvan Novak plays Nandor the Relentless, the former warlord vampire.
What We Do in the Shadows is an FX mockumentary comedy about four ancient vampires sharing a house on Staten Island, based on the film.
