Praise be! In a world where major networks across the pond are cancelling series left and right because of a glut of programming, US cable channel Starz is showing faith in American Gods and has handed down a quick renewal for the show, which is only a couple of episodes into its first season.
The adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel by Bryan Fuller and Michael Green (with Fuller's Hannibal cohort, director David Slade setting the visual palette for the show) finds Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon, a former prison inmate who finds himself entangled in a world of warring gods, some new and some old, all competing for mankind's belief. He finds work with the mysterious and cunning Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane), but doesn't realise quite what he's in for.
While the news comes via Deadline, we really learned about it thanks to Gaiman posting on Instagram...
“Bryan Fuller, Michael Green and Neil Gaiman have evolved the art form of television narratively, structurally and graphically with American Gods, and we’re thrilled to be working again with these artists as they continue to build the worlds and wars of the gods,” says Starz programming president Carmi Zlotnik.
Season 1 has eight episodes; while no decision has been made about Season 2, we're keeping our fingers crossed for more episodes next year, and for the show to run at least five seasons so it can cover the book. In the UK and elsewhere, the show is available weekly via Amazon Video.
American Gods Exclusive: Behind The Scenes With Bryan Fuller And Michael Green