The BBC has launched a new six-part comedy series that reimagines the vampire genre with a family-friendly twist, drawing on Eric Morecambe’s children’s books for its inspiration. The show centers on Val, a 15-year-old vampire-in-training who struggles with the typical traits associated with his kind.

Val, portrayed by Lenny Rush, is depicted as an unlikely bloodsucker who faces a series of humorous challenges as he attempts to embrace his nocturnal heritage. The series opens with Val joining his father, King Victor, played by Tom Davis, on a vampire hunt. However, Val’s discomfort quickly becomes apparent when he interrupts the hunt due to needing a bathroom break, prompting a retreat. In another scene, Val is offered what he believes to be blood but discovers it to be beetroot juice, a substitution made by his mother, played by Sian Clifford, who is aware of his aversion.

Val’s deficiencies extend beyond his dietary preferences; he fears bats, has yet to master flight, and lacks vampire teeth. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to prove himself. When he attempts another hunt, he finds himself in conflict with a younger, stronger man at what turns out to be an Airbnb property. This encounter leads to a chase by a mob led by vampire hunter John, portrayed by Charlie Cooper. Amid these events, Val receives candid advice from his mother that prompts reflection on his personal journey.

While the series does not dwell on traditional horror elements such as blood and fear, it compensates with humor that blends family themes with moments of more adult wit. The show is scheduled in a family-friendly time slot at 6:40 p.m. on Sundays but incorporates jokes that appeal to a broader audience. Supporting roles feature well-known comedy actors including Asim Chaudhry as Val’s butler and Joe Wilkinson as a flirtatious werewolf.

The series offers a blend of comedy and fantasy that aims to engage viewers of various ages by subverting familiar vampire tropes and focusing on character-driven humor.