Kayvan Novak has really come into his own in What We Do In The Shadows as the vampire Nandor, shining aga in the currently airing season 4. The actor isn't new to the comedy scene, nor is Nandor his only major role on television. Across his career, he has taken on some superb characters that really allowed his unique talents to shine through.
IMDb has ranked all the shows that he has been a part of and whether he was only briefly featured or a series regular, these appearances could be deemed some of his best because of that. Novak has always had all the tools and these are some of his greatest hits.
Danger Mouse (2015-2019) - 7.2
Stream On Netflix & Paramount+
In the '80s, Danger Mouse was a classic animated kid's TV series from a bygone era, but the notion that it should be rebooted quickly caught on among audiences. It's become a bit of a mainstay and has boasted some of the best talents in British voice acting, including Kayvan Novak.
He has taken on a fair few roles during his time on the show, most of which have been villainous. It's shocking how easily he can slip into different voices, and he really understands how to capture the fun and kinetic energy of the animated BBC series. If he moved away from live-action, characters like Megahurtz and Dr. Loocifer prove he'd be great in animation.
A Christmas Carol (2019) - 7.2
Stream On Hulu
There have been countless variations of A Christmas Carol put to screen, involving everything from a dark and twisted alternative take to The Muppets. The British take on the novel involved an all-star cast packing out a mini-series, which managed to delight and surprise audiences.
With a departure from the normal conventions, the character of Ali Baba was introduced to proceedings. Kayvan Novak portrayed the part with great drama and poise. This was somewhat far more serious than his usual portrayals but there was an edge here that showed he might thrive in further dramatic settings.
Fonejacker (2007-2008) - 7.7 & Facejacker (2010-2012) - 7.7
Not Currently Available To Stream
British sketch comedies are perhaps where Kayvan Novak really learned his craft and Fonejacker, which was followed by Facejacker were the two series that genuinely propelled his skills. He took on so many different roles that it's hard to choose which was the favorite among fans.
The series was quirky, sometimes controversial, and allowed Novak to try out many different accents, impressions, and prosthetic makeovers. His character work was top notch and this was a defining moment to launch a series with Novak as the lead, something What We Do In The Shadows would benefit from.
PhoneShop (2010-2011) - 7.8
Not Currently Available To Stream
While it might be one of his smallest roles, Kayvan Novak knows how to make a comedy character land. PhoneShop studied the lives of a group of employees at a mobile store in a small British town. It wasn't a run-of-the-mill comedy although it was a far cry from the sketches Novak was known for.
However, the characters created within the show itself were superb. The over-the-top Razz Prince appeared in two episodes and stole the show each time with his bizarre delivery and over-enthusiasm. The cheap suits and ambitious eyes said everything that was needed about this character.
Sirens (2011) - 8.0
Not Currently Available To Stream
Sirens is another fantastic British comedy, although one that was a little more down-to-Earth compared to the other quirky roles Kayvan Novak has stepped into, Sirens followed NHS workers, specifically paramedics and those that operated within the ambulance system. It's not a conventional area of comedy but it worked.
Novak was one of the leads of the series, appearing in every episode as Rachid Mansaur. This was one of the actor's most three-dimensional figures to date, not just relying on the wacky writing and opportunity to chew through scenery. It's still a must-visit show that allowed Novak to come into his own with some dramatic edge.
Skins (2013) - 8.2
Stream On Hulu
The iconic Skins was a British comedy and drama that just kept evolving. Its guest stars were numerous and the careers that the show launched indicated how important its place was within the industry. Kayvan Novak was a standout in the show, despite only appearing twice.
As Jake Abbasi, he thrived in a two-parter, which included a shocking betrayal and twist that he pulled off with ease. It was a very different role compared to his normal fare, but the deviant, charismatic, and 'boss-from-hell' antagonist really brought the narrative to life.
Archer (2021-2021) - 8.6
Stream On Hulu
If Archer was to go through a live-action dream casting then Kayan Novak would surely be secure to reprise his role. The animated series carved out its own path in the industry and has gained a cult following due to it, with the spy genre feeling somewhat rejuvenated.
Kayvan Novak portrays a couple of roles including Rex Licardo but it's perhaps Fabian Kingsworth that is considered one of his best roles. The antagonist admires Archer from afar, but his role in the overall shows is indicative of just how vital Novak's performances are for any team he's on.
What We Do In The Shadows (2019-) - 8.6
Stream On Hulu
There's no doubt that Nandor is one of the best comedy characters that Kayvan Novak has ever portrayed and indeed a force to be reckoned with on TV in general. What We Do In The Shadows is such a unique and compelling series, and Nandor's personal journey has been vast and well-detailed.
He might have once been a vicious leader, but he is now more focussed on finding love out in the world. His deep bond with his fellow vampires is what drives the character, despite the bickering they are constantly involved in. No other actor could capture the complexities of this ancient figure quite like Kayvan Novak and it's likely the character that he will be most well known for.