Wellington Paranormal

I have to say that I really wasn't expecting to laugh as much as I did at this show. Wellington Paranormal is about a group of investigators in the capital of New Zealand as they track supernatural events. It's a simple show that knows how silly it is and leans in to some of their dumb jokes that makes it even fun funnier. You can tell the cast is having an absolute blast making it. The seasons only consist of 6 episodes per season and only run 20-25 min but it's perfect. It's a show that definitely pokes fun at itself and will have you laughing out loud several times per episode. This is definitely a hidden gem and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

This alone is a great show. But for those who enjoy the spooky and funny, this is a real hit. From a viewer to the creators, this show is an absolute blast.

Not since Police Squad which was criminally cancelled far to early have we had genuinely funny spoof police comedy like this. It's like a cross between Police Squad and spoof X Files delivered completely dead pan. Clearly those giving it low marks don't like sarcasm or dry humour - if that's not your thing then avoid but don't give it a 1 just because you don't like that kind of humour.

In 2011 there was a shortlived mockumentary called "Death Vally", probably made by MTV, and probably cancelled because it was too grown up, too political incorrect, too violent. I liked it very much because of the firtst two qualities. "Wellington" clearly has a similiar concept, but is not violent. On the contrary, the two main characters don't have guns but have to share one taser, though they are Police Officers in New Zealand's capital, which gives the show its name. During the first 4 episodes, there are no shots fired, no guns are waved, and nobody is beaten to death or mauled. I appreciate that. As a mixture of many paranormal shows and comedy there are thematically mostly connections to the "X-files" (as announced in the signation music), and paranormal investigation shows, combined with a bit of Stan and Ollie, or Mr.Bean, if you want. The humor is very dry, everybody takes himself or herself very serious., and jokes are always floating by in dialoguwe, so you can easily pick up one from the stream. The main actors (they have partially the same names as their characters) are very talented and sympathetical, Production values, script, direction and cut are all very professional, despite one may think that there can not very much budget in it. You never miss anything, and sets are meticulously prepared. For the humor, it is mentioned here that it's especially or even only working for New Zealand, but I can assure you, that's not the case. I had enough laughs and smiles to enjoy these episodes, and I am from the opposite side of the planet, and clearly not a native speaker. But I had to use english subtitles because of the fast dialoges, and sometimes i had to rewatch a scene. However, for this very nice and carefully composed new series, I give 8 stas.

If you loved What we do in the shadows and then this is the show for you. Laugh out loud comedy from start to finish.