When it comes to picking a show for a weekend binge, you need something that hooks you fast, keeps you entertained for hours, and leaves you wanting more. This summer has been packed with crime thrillers, but if you're craving a change of pace, there's a hidden gem that blends the spooky fun of ghost hunting with the laugh-out-loud humor of a mockumentary. Wellington Paranormal is that show, and it's tailor-made for a weekend marathon.
What Is 'Wellington Paranormal' About?
Before the vampires of What We Do in the Shadows took over FX in 2019, they first appeared in a 2014 film of the same name, created by Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, and Paul Yates. That movie introduced us to two bumbling cops, Officer Kyle Minogue (Mike Minogue) and Officer O'Leary (Karen O'Leary), whose names are as memorable as their detective skills. The creative team saw potential in this duo and spun them off into their own series, Wellington Paranormal, which premiered in New Zealand in 2018 and later landed on The CW in the US in 2021. With 25 episodes plus a Christmas special, it's a compact but brilliant collection of comedy gold.
The show follows Minogue and O'Leary as they patrol the streets of Wellington, a city that's become a hotspot for supernatural activity. These two are not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed—think Barney Fife with a badge—but they're fiercely dedicated to protecting New Zealand from all manner of otherworldly threats. Each episode presents a new paranormal case, from possessed teenagers to alien fungi, all handled with the same deadpan, mockumentary style that made What We Do in the Shadows a hit.
Non-Stop Laughs and a Stellar Cast
The genius of Wellington Paranormal lies in its ability to find humor in both the mundane and the monstrous. The officers tackle everything from a demon-possessed girl begging for an exorcism to a meteorite that grants superpowers, and even a city-wide ban on unnecessary honking. The show also weaves in traditional New Zealand folklore, like Maori sea monsters and giants, giving it a unique cultural flavor that sets it apart from other paranormal comedies.
At the heart of the series is the chemistry between Minogue and O'Leary. Minogue plays the lovable goof with perfect comedic timing, while O'Leary serves as the straight man, delivering every deadpan line with precision. Their dynamic is reminiscent of classic buddy cop duos, but with a supernatural twist. The supporting cast, including Maaka Pohatu as Sergeant Ruawai Maaka and Tom Sainsbury as the eager but clumsy Constable Parker, adds even more layers of hilarity. Every actor fully commits to the absurdity, making each scene a joy to watch.
If you're a fan of quirky comedies that blend genres, Wellington Paranormal is a must-watch. It's the kind of show that rewards repeat viewing, with jokes that land harder on a second watch and a world that feels richly imagined. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy content, check out why GLOW is the perfect Netflix binge for another great weekend option.
With its short episode count and consistently hilarious writing, Wellington Paranormal is the ideal choice for a weekend spent on the couch. It's a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it's crafted with such care and wit that you'll find yourself recommending it to everyone you know. So, if you're tired of the same old crime dramas and want something refreshingly funny, give this Kiwi comedy a shot. You won't regret it.
