Watch Reginald the Vampire

Reginald the Vampire, a 2022 production on Syfy, brings a fresh take to the enduring fascination with vampire narratives. A blend of humor, warmth, and darkness, the series is an adaptation of the popular novel series, "Fat Vampire" by Johnny B. Truant. This innovative creation seamlessly stirs together seemingly opposed genres of horror, comedy, and drama, inviting a broad scope of viewership that includes not only lovers of thriller and fantasy but also devotees of comedic and heartwarming storytelling.

The protagonist of the series, Reginald Baskin, deviates from the age-old stereotyped mold of attractive, brooding, and menacing vampire figures. Played by actor Jacob Batalon, Reginald is an overweight, nerdy call center worker who suddenly finds himself grappling with the terrifying world of the undead after being turned into a vampire against his will. The twist? Reginald's weight continues to remain intact, undermining the sleek, seductive imagery often associated with vampire lore in pop culture.

As an unlikely vampire, Reginald embarks on a peculiar journey of his newfound lifestyle that introduces him to an unpredictable, blood-thirsty universe while battling commonplace human insecurities and social challenges. This unusual, even comically ironic perspective on vampire existence is exactly what makes this series stand out, by unifying the relatable everyday human living experience with classic gothic horror.

The show also magnificently exploits the storytelling potential in the vampire’s immortality, extending a broader chronological scope to the thickening plot. As our hesitant vampire learns to adapt and survive, we see pertaining strings of his past, present, and future interweaving the series' narrative domain with multiple chiasmic references and plot layering.

The TV show also depicts Reginald's encounters with other supernatural beings and his experiences in the intimidating world of vampire politics. However, these experiences are not merely limited to gloom and horror; they also serve as an instrument for the protagonist's self-discovery and personal growth. His inherent kindness and timidity bring a humane touch to his otherwise terrifying circumstances, making his character compelling for viewers.

The excitement doesn't stop there. Reginald the Vampire not only offers comedy-drama within an underworld of vampires but also indulges the viewers with romantic subplots. This eclectic mix further enhances the overall appeal of the show, racking up the engagement and charming viewers with its novel approach.

Reginald the Vampire incorporates top-notch special effects to portray the supernatural elements convincingly. The elaborate set designs and dark, mysterious exteriors further enhance the eerie ambiance required for the vampire realm, ensuring the viewer's journey is visually engaging and filled with spill-chilling scares. However, the series consistently balances this aesthetic with lighter scenes mimicking everyday life, creating a continuous observable contrast within the series.

At the helm of the show is director and executive producer Harley Peyton, known for his work on 'Twin Peaks'. He, along with director Jeremiah Chechik of 'Benny & Joon', brings their expertise in black comedy and plot development to create a dramatic yet humor-filled portrayal of Reginald's journey.

The ensemble cast featuring Jacob Batalon aptly portrays the mixture of horror and humor that the show encapsulates. Batalon, known for his portrayal of Ned Leeds in the 'Spider-Man' franchise, brings his innate charisma and likability into the persona of Reginald, creating an engaging and relatable protagonist.

To summarize, Reginald the Vampire is a novel venture into vampire lore, blending in comedy and drama to the horror genre, defying stereotypes with its unique approach. It presents an everyday man's metamorphosis into a seemingly unfitting vampire persona and his struggle to adapt to his new life while keeping his humanity intact. This harmonious mixture of ordinary and extraordinary circumstances, depth of character development, and blending of different genres establishes Reginald the Vampire as a worthwhile watch for viewers, irrespective of their genre preferences.

Reginald the Vampire is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between October 5, 2022 and on Syfy