View source for American Gods (TV series)

{{short description|American television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = American Gods logo.png
| genre                = {{plainlist|
* [[Fantasy drama]]
* [[Science fiction on television|Science fiction]]
}}
| based_on             = {{Based on|''[[American Gods]]''|[[Neil Gaiman]]}}
| developer            = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bryan Fuller]]
* [[Michael Green (writer)|Michael Green]]
}}
| showrunner           = {{Plainlist|
* Bryan Fuller (season 1)
* Michael Green (season 1)
* [[Jesse Alexander]] (season 2)
* [[Charles H. Eglee]] (season 3)
}}
| starring             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Ricky Whittle]]
* [[Emily Browning]]
* [[Crispin Glover]]
* [[Bruce Langley]]
* [[Yetide Badaki]]
* [[Pablo Schreiber]]
* [[Ian McShane]]
* [[Orlando Jones]]
* [[Mousa Kraish]]
* [[Omid Abtahi]]
* [[Demore Barnes]]
* [[Ashley Reyes]]
}}
| theme_music_composer =
| opentheme            = 
| endtheme             = 
| composer             = {{plainlist|
* [[Brian Reitzell]]
* Danny Bensi
* Saunder Jurriaans
* [[Andrew Lockington]]
}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 3
| num_episodes         = 26
| list_episodes        = 
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* Bryan Fuller
* Michael Green
* Neil Gaiman
* [[David Slade]]
* Stefanie Berk
* Craig Cegielski
* [[Adam Kane]]
* Christopher J. Byrne
* [[Scott Hornbacher]]
* Ian McShane
* Padraic McKinley
* Jesse Alexander
* Charles H. Eglee
* [[Anne Kenney]]
* [[Damian Kindler]]
* David Paul Francis
* [[Mark Tinker]]
}}
| location             = {{Plain list|
* [[Toronto]]
* [[Oklahoma]]
}}
| cinematography       = 
| editor               = 
| camera               = 
| runtime              = 52–63 minutes
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* Living Dead Guy
* J.A. Green Construction Corp.
* The Blank Corporation
* [[Fremantle (company)|Fremantle North America]]
* Starz Originals
* United Bongo Drums
}}
| network              = [[Starz]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2017|4|30}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2021|3|21}} 
}}

'''''American Gods''''' is an American [[fantasy drama]] television series based on [[Neil Gaiman]]'s 2001 [[American Gods|novel of the same name]] and developed by [[Bryan Fuller]] and [[Michael Green (writer)|Michael Green]] for the premium cable network [[Starz]]. Produced by [[Fremantle (company)|Fremantle North America]] and distributed by [[Lionsgate Television]], the [[American Gods season 1|first season]] premiered on April 30, 2017. Fuller and Green served as the [[showrunners]] for the first season and were replaced by [[Jesse Alexander]] for the [[American Gods season 2|second season]]. [[Charles H. Eglee]] served as showrunner for the [[American Gods season 3|third season]]. Gaiman served as an executive producer.

[[Ricky Whittle]] plays the series' lead Shadow Moon, who meets a strange man named Mr. Wednesday ([[Ian McShane]]) after being released from prison and soon becomes embroiled in a large-scale conflict between the Old Gods and the New Gods, who grow stronger each day. In May 2017, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on March 10, 2019. The following week, Starz renewed ''American Gods'' for the third season, which premiered on January 10, 2021. In March 2021, the series was canceled after three seasons.

The series, mainly the first season, received praise for its visual style and acting and received two nominations at the [[69th Primetime Emmy Awards]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design|Outstanding Main Title Design]] and [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects|Outstanding Special Visual Effects]]. It also received three nominations at the [[8th Critics' Choice Television Awards]], including Best Drama Series, Best Actor in a Drama Series for McShane, and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for [[Gillian Anderson]].<!-- References are not required in the lead if the content is cited in the article, per WP:CITELEAD -->

==Premise==
Only days before his scheduled release from prison, Shadow Moon is told that his wife has been killed in a car accident, and he is released early to attend the funeral. A series of events delay his trip home, during which time he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. Wednesday repeatedly offers Shadow a job, which he refuses until Wednesday reveals that the job waiting for him at home no longer exists. Shadow accepts the offer to become Wednesday's minder (driver/assistant/bodyguard).

Shadow finds himself in a hidden world where magic is real and a collection of "Old Gods" fear irrelevance in the face of the growing power of a collection of "New Gods", which include Technology and Media. In a grand plan to combat this deadly threat, Mr. Wednesday attempts to unite the Old Gods to defend their existence and rebuild the influence they have lost, leaving Shadow struggling to accept this new world and his place in it.

==Cast and characters==
===Main===
* [[Ricky Whittle]] as Shadow Moon, a former convict who becomes Mr. Wednesday's bodyguard.<ref name="Whittle" /><ref name="McShane" />
* [[Emily Browning]] as Laura Moon, Shadow Moon's wife and a [[revenant]].<ref name="Browning" />
*: Browning also portrays Essie MacGowan, an Irish woman whose belief in [[leprechaun]]s changes the course of her life.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNally |first=Victoria |date=June 15, 2017 |title=A Prayer for Mad Sweeney on American Gods, Explained |url=http://nerdist.com/prayer-for-mad-sweeney-american-gods-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612064857/http://nerdist.com/prayer-for-mad-sweeney-american-gods-explained/ |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |access-date=June 11, 2017 |website=[[Nerdist]]}}</ref>
* [[Crispin Glover]] as Mr. World,{{efn|name=season 3|During season 3, credited as main cast only when appearing in the episode.}} the New God of [[Globalization]] and the leader of the New Gods.<ref name="TuckerGlover" />
* [[Bruce Langley]] as the Technical Boy/Quantum Boy, the New God of Technology.<ref name="BadakiLangley" />
* [[Yetide Badaki]] as Bilquis, a goddess of love identified with the [[Queen of Sheba]].<ref name="BadakiLangley" />
* [[Pablo Schreiber]] as [[Mad Sweeney]] (seasons 1–2), a leprechaun in the employ of Mr. Wednesday; he has trouble coming to terms with losing his charm.<ref name="Schreiber" />
* [[Ian McShane]] as Mr. Wednesday, a con artist and the god [[Odin]].<ref name="McShane" />
* [[Orlando Jones]] as Mr. Nancy (main season 2; recurring season 1), the Ghanaian trickster god [[Anansi]]. He works as a tailor.<ref name="JonesBarnes" />
* [[Mousa Kraish]] as the [[Jinn]] (main season 2; recurring season 1), a mythic being of fire who, fearing for his safety, considers fleeing the United States.<ref name="LeachmanStormareObiKraish" />
* [[Omid Abtahi]] as Salim (main seasons 2–3; recurring season 1), an Omani migrant who is "one half of a pair of star-crossed lovers",<ref name="Abtahi">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=June 15, 2016 |title='American Gods': Omid Abtahi Joins Cast Of Starz Series |url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/american-gods-omid-abtahi-cast-starz-series-1201772239/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175148/https://deadline.com/2016/06/american-gods-omid-abtahi-cast-starz-series-1201772239/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=June 16, 2016 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> looking for a Djinn with whom he had a sexual encounter.
* [[Demore Barnes]] as Mr. Ibis (main seasons 2–3; recurring season 1),{{efn|name=season 3}} the keeper of stories past and present, the Egyptian god [[Thoth]].<ref name="JonesBarnes">{{Cite web |last=Stanhope |first=Kate |date=June 15, 2016 |title=Starz' 'American Gods' Adds 'Sleepy Hollow' Alum Orlando Jones |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-adds-orlando-jones-903208/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175141/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-adds-orlando-jones-903208 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>
* [[Ashley Reyes]] as Cordelia (season 3), a rebellious and tech-savvy college dropout who works for Mr. Wednesday as his new driver.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Dino-Ray |date=October 7, 2019 |title='American Gods' Adds Ashley Reyes As Series Regular, Herizen Guardiola To Recur |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/american-gods-ashley-reyes-series-regular-herizen-guardiola-recur-starz-neil-gaiman-1202754064/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222013633/https://deadline.com/2019/10/american-gods-ashley-reyes-series-regular-herizen-guardiola-recur-starz-neil-gaiman-1202754064/ |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |accessdate=December 18, 2019}}</ref>

;Notes
{{notelist}}

===Recurring===
* [[Gillian Anderson]] as the Goddess Media (season 1), the public face and "mouthpiece" of the New Gods.<ref name="Anderson" /> She appears in the form of famous personalities, including [[Lucille Ball]], [[Marilyn Monroe]], [[David Bowie]], and [[Judy Garland]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Liz Shannon |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Gillian Anderson Ruled 'American Gods': How the Many Faces of Media Were Chosen |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/06/gillian-anderson-american-gods-media-marilyn-monroe-david-bowie-1201846736/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175137/https://www.indiewire.com/2017/06/gillian-anderson-american-gods-media-marilyn-monroe-david-bowie-1201846736/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=July 1, 2017 |website=[[IndieWire]]}}</ref> Anderson left the series, so the role was redefined and renamed as New Media for the second season. 
* [[Cloris Leachman]] as [[Zorya#Evening Star|Zorya Vechernyaya]] (seasons 1–2), the Evening Star, the eldest of three sisters who watch the stars to guard against forgotten horrors.<ref name="LeachmanStormareObiKraish">{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Cameras roll as Starz and FMNA bring "American Gods" to life |url=http://www.fremantlemedia.com/cameras-roll-as-starz-and-fremantlemedia-north-america-bring-american-gods-to-life/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305015752/http://www.fremantlemedia.com/cameras-roll-as-starz-and-fremantlemedia-north-america-bring-american-gods-to-life/ |archive-date=March 5, 2017 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=[[Fremantle Media]]}}</ref>
* [[Peter Stormare]] as [[Czernobog]], Slavic god of darkness, death, and evil who suspects Mr. Wednesday's motives and is reluctant to lend his aid.<ref name="LeachmanStormareObiKraish" />
* [[Chris Obi]] as Mr. Jacquel (season 1), the Egyptian god of the dead, [[Anubis]].<ref name="LeachmanStormareObiKraish" />
* [[Betty Gilpin]] as Audrey (season 1), Robbie's wife and Laura's best friend.
* [[Beth Grant]] as Jack (season 1), the owner of the bar where Mr. Wednesday hires Shadow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Briers |first=Michael |date=October 17, 2016 |title=Beth Grant Reteams With Bryan Fuller For American Gods |url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/beth-grant-reteams-with-bryan-fuller-for-american-gods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175118/https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/beth-grant-reteams-with-bryan-fuller-for-american-gods/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=October 19, 2016 |website=We Got This Covered}}</ref>
* Kahyun Kim as the New Goddess New Media (season 2),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wigler |first=Josh |date=May 28, 2017 |title='American Gods': Gillian Anderson Discusses Her Many Media Roles |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-gillian-anderson-god-media-1008238 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175159/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-gillian-anderson-god-media-1008238 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=July 1, 2017 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> who is described as, "the goddess of global content and in this age, a cyberspace chameleon, who is also a master of manipulation".<ref name="June2018Deadline">{{Cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |last2=Ramos |first2=Dino-Ray |date=June 4, 2018 |title='American Gods' Casts Mr. Town, Sam Black Crow & New Media Roles For Season 2 On Starz |url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/american-gods-season-2-dean-winters-mr-town-devery-jacobs-sam-black-crow-kahyun-kim-new-media-starz-neil-gaiman-1202402680/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175146/https://deadline.com/2018/06/american-gods-season-2-dean-winters-mr-town-devery-jacobs-sam-black-crow-kahyun-kim-new-media-starz-neil-gaiman-1202402680/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
* [[Sakina Jaffrey]] as Mama-Ji (season 2), a waitress at the Motel America and the Hindu goddess of death and liberation, [[Kali]]. With her necklace of skulls, acerbic wit and free spirit, she is a match for any mighty god or man.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=May 10, 2018 |title='American Gods': Sakina Jaffrey Joins Season 2; Casting Search Underway For New Character |url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/american-gods-sakina-jaffrey-recur-season-2-casting-search-1202386932/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175119/https://deadline.com/2018/05/american-gods-sakina-jaffrey-recur-season-2-casting-search-1202386932/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2018 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
* [[Dominique Jackson (model)|Dominique Jackson]] as Ms. World (season 3), an incarnation of Mr. World.<ref name="S3FirstPhotos">{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=October 9, 2019 |title=American Gods season 3 drops first photo, adds Pose and Fifty Shades stars |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/09/american-gods-season-3-first-look-photo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215032535/https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/09/american-gods-season-3-first-look-photo/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |accessdate=December 18, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Blythe Danner]] as [[Demeter]] (season 3), Greek goddess of agriculture, harvest and fertility. Demeter has an unresolved romantic history with Wednesday.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chappell |first=Caitlin |date=January 24, 2021 |title=American Gods: What Is Demeter's Connection to Wednesday - & Why Does He Need Her? |url=https://www.cbr.com/american-gods-demeter-wednesday-connection/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129194606/https://www.cbr.com/american-gods-demeter-wednesday-connection/ |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=February 15, 2021 |website=Comic Book Resources}}</ref>
* [[Iwan Rheon]] as Liam Doyle (season 3), a leprechaun bartender Laura meets while on her quest for revenge against Wednesday.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grauso |first=Alisha |date=March 20, 2021 |title=American Gods: Doyle Could Be Mad Sweeney Reincarnated |url=https://screenrant.com/american-gods-doyle-mad-sweeney-leprechaun-reincarnated/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322052827/https://screenrant.com/american-gods-doyle-mad-sweeney-leprechaun-reincarnated/ |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=Screen Rant}}</ref>

===Notable guests===
* [[Jonathan Tucker]] as Low Key Lyesmith (season 1), a friend of Shadow from prison.<ref name="TuckerGlover" />
* [[Martha Kelly]] as [[Zorya#Morning Star|Zorya Utrennyaya]] (season 1, 3), the Morning Star, the middle silent sister of the Zorya.<ref name="Zorya sisters">{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Eleanor Bley |date=May 8, 2017 |title=American Gods mythology guide: Who are the Slavic Zorya sisters and what is their story? |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-05-08/american-gods-mythology-guide-who-are-the-slavic-zorya-sisters-and-what-is-their-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527055600/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-05-08/american-gods-mythology-guide-who-are-the-slavic-zorya-sisters-and-what-is-their-story |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |access-date=May 21, 2017 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref>
* [[Erika Kaar]] as [[Zorya]] Polunochnaya (season 1, 3), the Midnight Star, the youngest of the Zorya sisters, who sleeps during the day and only appears late at night. She guides Shadow and sets him on his path.<ref name="Zorya sisters" />
* [[Conphidance]] as Okoye (season 1), a scarred slave who leads a revolt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibbiani |first=William |date=March 12, 2017 |title=SXSW 2017 Interview – 'American Gods' Producers Bryan Fuller and Michael Green |url=http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/1229049-sxsw-2017-interview-american-gods-producers-bryan-fuller-michael-green |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208170000/http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/1229049-sxsw-2017-interview-american-gods-producers-bryan-fuller-michael-green |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |access-date=May 6, 2017 |website=[[CraveOnline]]}}</ref>
* [[Dane Cook]] as Robbie (season 1), Shadow's best friend who had an affair with Shadow's wife.<ref name="Cook">{{Cite magazine |last=Snetiker |first=Marc |date=July 15, 2016 |title=American Gods: Dane Cook lends a friendly hand |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/15/dane-cook-american-gods |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175142/https://ew.com/article/2016/07/15/dane-cook-american-gods/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>
* [[Corbin Bernsen]] as [[Vulcan (mythology)|Vulcan]] (season 1), who has renewed himself by binding himself to guns and those who worship them.<ref name="Vulcan&April2017">{{Cite magazine |last=Snetiker |first=Marc |date=December 22, 2016 |title=Meet Vulcan, American Gods' god of guns – exclusive |url=https://ew.com/tv/2016/12/22/meet-american-gods-vulcan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175143/https://ew.com/tv/2016/12/22/meet-american-gods-vulcan/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2016 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>
* [[Kristin Chenoweth]] as [[Ēostre|Easter]] (season 1), Germanic goddess of spring, fertility, and the dawn.<ref name="Chenoweth">{{Cite web |last=Trendacosta |first=Katharine |date=July 22, 2016 |title=Kristin Chenoweth Will Play Easter in American Gods |url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/kristin-chenoweth-will-play-easter-in-american-gods-1784156999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729050028/https://io9.gizmodo.com/kristin-chenoweth-will-play-easter-in-american-gods-1784156999 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=July 23, 2016 |website=[[io9]]}}</ref>
* [[Jeremy Davies]] as Jesus Prime (season 1), one of many versions to appear at the home of Easter.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Snetiker |first=Marc |date=September 1, 2016 |title='Lost' alum joins American Gods as Jesus |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/01/american-gods-jeremy-davies-jesus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175208/https://ew.com/article/2016/09/01/american-gods-jeremy-davies-jesus/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>
* [[Dean Winters]] as Mr. Town (season 2), a brutal and efficient agent tasked by the New Gods to find out what Shadow knows about Mr. Wednesday's plan.<ref name="June2018Deadline" />
* [[Devery Jacobs]] as Sam Black Crow (seasons 2–3), a fierce and confident college student who travels alone in their dusty pickup truck, picking up hitchhikers and photographing them. They are spiritually cynical for someone who claims to believe in so much.<ref name="June2018Deadline" /><ref name="Jacobs">{{Cite web |last=Radish |first=Christina |date=March 24, 2019 |title='American Gods' Season 2: Devery Jacobs on Bringing Sam Black Crow to Life |url=https://collider.com/american-gods-season-2-devery-jacbos-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175119/https://collider.com/american-gods-season-2-devery-jacbos-interview/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=Collider |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Andrew Koji]] as Mr. Xie (season 2), the CEO of a company in Silicon Valley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spence |first=Samuel |date=April 29, 2019 |title=American Gods season 2 finale explained: What happened at the end of American Gods? |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1120672/America-gods-season-2-finale-explained-ending-explained-what-happened-at-the-end-series |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175140/https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1120672/America-gods-season-2-finale-explained-ending-explained-what-happened-at-the-end-series |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |website=Express}}</ref>
* [[Danny Trejo]] as Mr. World (season 3)
* [[Marilyn Manson]] as Johan Wengren (season 3)

==Episodes==
{{Series overview
| color1    = #4B4748
| link1     = #Season 1 (2017)
| episodes1 = 8
| start1    = {{Start date|2017|4|30}}
| end1      = {{End date|2017|6|18}}

| color2    = #2B604F
| link2     = #Season 2 (2019)
| episodes2 = 8
| start2    = {{Start date|2019|3|10}}
| end2      = {{End date|2019|4|28}}

| color3    = #644586
| link3     = #Season 3 (2021)
| episodes3 = 10
| start3    = {{Start date|2021|1|10}}
| end3      = {{End date|2021|3|21}}
}}

===Season 1 (2017)===
{{main|American Gods season 1}}
{{:American Gods season 1}}

===Season 2 (2019)===
{{main|American Gods season 2}}
{{:American Gods season 2}}

===Season 3 (2021) ===
{{main|American Gods season 3}}
{{:American Gods season 3}}

==Production==
===Development===
In 2011, ''American Gods'' author [[Neil Gaiman]] stated at the [[Edinburgh International Book Festival]] that [[HBO]] had expressed an interest in adapting the novel into a television series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2011 |title=American Gods for HBO, Gaiman plans sequel |url=http://www.thebookseller.com/news/american-gods-hbo-gaiman-plans-sequel.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213141/http://www.thebookseller.com/news/american-gods-hbo-gaiman-plans-sequel.html |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=August 25, 2013 |website=The Bookseller}}</ref><ref name="EM">{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Mike |date=July 30, 2011 |title=HBO Performs Rumor Control on American Gods |work=[[Escapist Magazine]] |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111977-HBO-Performs-Rumor-Control-On-American-Gods |url-status=live |access-date=August 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230030703/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/111977-HBO-Performs-Rumor-Control-On-American-Gods |archive-date=December 30, 2017}}</ref>  In March 2013, Gaiman spoke of the project's progress at the Cambridge International Student Film Festival, and confirmed that the prospective series' opening episode would "contain new elements and details" while still remaining "a lot like the opening chapters of the book".<ref name="T.C">{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2013 |title=Neil Gaiman Updates Us on HBO's American Gods, Doctor Who, and More |url=http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/03/neil-gaiman-updates-us-on-hbos-american-gods-doctor-who-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818154311/http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/03/neil-gaiman-updates-us-on-hbos-american-gods-doctor-who-and-more |archive-date=August 18, 2013 |access-date=August 25, 2013 |website=Tor.com}}</ref> He also commented that the book would only make up the first two seasons of the show and that he was still working on the pilot script, as his first script was not close enough to his book for HBO's satisfaction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaefer |first=Sandy |date=June 30, 2013 |title=Neil Gaiman Offers ''American Gods'' TV Show Update; Teases New Story Material |url=https://screenrant.com/neil-gaiman-american-gods-tv-show-script/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424234557/https://screenrant.com/neil-gaiman-american-gods-tv-show-script/ |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=July 1, 2013 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> In November 2013, Gaiman announced on [[Reddit]] that the TV series was still in the works but no longer at HBO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaiman |first=Neil |title=An evening with Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer: Ask Us Anything. Go on. Go on you know you want to. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1qzpe3/an_evening_with_neil_gaiman_and_amanda_palmer_ask/cdi49ei |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326155756/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1qzpe3/an_evening_with_neil_gaiman_and_amanda_palmer_ask/cdi49ei/ |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |website=[[Reddit]]|date=November 19, 2013 }}</ref> In 2014, HBO's president of programming Michael Lombardo revealed that the project had been abandoned because they could not get the script right: "We tried three different writers, we put a lot of effort into it. Some things just don't happen".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marotta |first=Jenna |date=June 11, 2014 |title=HBO's Michael Lombardo on More Game of Thrones, the Future of MaddAddam, and Why American Gods Is a No-Go |url=https://www.vulture.com/2014/06/hbo-american-gods-what-happened.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323002100/https://www.vulture.com/2014/06/hbo-american-gods-what-happened.html |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=[[Vulture.com]]}}</ref>

In February 2014, [[Fremantle (company)|Fremantle Media]] acquired the rights to adapt the novel as a fantasy drama series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=February 3, 2014 |title=Fantasy Novel 'American Gods' Being Developed As Drama Series By FremantleMedia |url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/fremantlemedia-to-adapt-fantasy-novel-american-gods-as-drama-series-676381/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175122/https://deadline.com/2014/02/fremantlemedia-to-adapt-fantasy-novel-american-gods-as-drama-series-676381/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In July 2014, it was announced that [[Starz]] would be developing the series with [[Bryan Fuller]] and [[Michael Green (writer)|Michael Green]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=July 1, 2014 |title=Starz, Bryan Fuller Board Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/starz-bryan-fuller-board-neil-716142 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102109/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/starz-bryan-fuller-board-neil-716142 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2014 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Fuller stated that the series would be "[following] the events of the books but expanding those events, and expanding the point of view to go above and beyond Shadow and Wednesday".<ref name="fuller_aug29" /> Permission has been given for the series to incorporate elements from the book's companion, ''[[Anansi Boys]]''.<ref name="fuller_aug29" />  Fuller also confirmed that Gaiman is "very involved" with the production and expressed his hope that Gaiman would write an episode himself.<ref name="fuller_aug29">{{Cite web |last=Bibbiani |first=William |date=August 29, 2014 |title=Exclusive: How Involved is Neil Gaiman in the 'American Gods' TV Series? |url=http://www.craveonline.com.au/tv/articles/751337 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804090452/http://www.craveonline.com.au/tv/articles/751337 |archive-date=August 4, 2015 |access-date=September 5, 2014 |website=[[CraveOnline]]}}</ref>

On June 16, 2015, Starz officially announced that it had greenlit the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ge |first=Linda |date=June 16, 2015 |title=Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' Adaptation Gets Greenlight From Starz |url=https://www.thewrap.com/neil-gaimans-american-gods-adaptation-gets-greenlight-from-starz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175140/https://www.thewrap.com/neil-gaimans-american-gods-adaptation-gets-greenlight-from-starz/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2015 |title=American Gods TV adaptation begins casting search for lead character |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/16/neil-gaimans-american-gods-casting-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328192405/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/16/neil-gaimans-american-gods-casting-tv |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> During an interview with Neil Gaiman on June 24, 2016, he discussed plans for future seasons of the show beyond the first, should it be continued, and noting that the first season only covers the first third of the novel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Dana |date=July 13, 2016 |title=Everything* Neil Gaiman Knows About 'Good Omens' and 'American Gods' |url=http://observer.com/2016/07/everything-neil-gaiman-knows-about-good-omens-and-american-gods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715061411/http://observer.com/2016/07/everything-neil-gaiman-knows-about-good-omens-and-american-gods/ |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |website=Observer}}</ref> Gaiman stated in an interview in October 2018 that the plan was to make five seasons of the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Husband |first=Andrew |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Neil Gaiman Has A Plan For at Least Five Seasons Of American Gods |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/american-gods/276886/neil-gaiman-has-a-plan-for-at-least-five-seasons-of-american-gods |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175150/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/neil-gaiman-has-a-plan-for-at-least-five-seasons-of-american-gods/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2019 |website=Den of Geek}}</ref>

On May 10, 2017, the series was renewed for a [[American Gods season 2|second season]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Snetiker |first=Marc |date=March 11, 2017 |title=American Gods renewed for season 2 |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/05/11/american-gods-season-2-renewal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175125/https://ew.com/tv/2017/05/11/american-gods-season-2-renewal/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=May 11, 2017 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> On November 29, 2017, it was announced that Fuller and Green were departing the show and were to be replaced as showrunners for season two after having completed writing roughly half of the season's scripts.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=Andreeva |first2=Nellie |date=November 29, 2017 |title='American Gods': Michael Green & Bryan Fuller Exit As Showrunners Of Starz Series |url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/american-gods-michael-green-bryan-fuller-exit-showrunners-starz-series-1202216964/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916091644/https://deadline.com/2017/11/american-gods-michael-green-bryan-fuller-exit-showrunners-starz-series-1202216964/ |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> On February 2, 2018, [[Jesse Alexander]] was announced as co-showrunner for the second season alongside Gaiman,<ref name="Season2Showrunner">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=February 2, 2018 |title='American Gods' Hires New Showrunner For Season 2 |url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/american-gods-hires-showrunner-season-2-jesse-alexander-1202277410/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105221501/https://deadline.com/2018/02/american-gods-hires-showrunner-season-2-jesse-alexander-1202277410/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> however Alexander was removed in September 2018. With no showrunner, producing director Chris Byrne and [[line producer]] Lisa Kussner were left in charge.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |last2=Ryan |first2=Maureen |date=September 12, 2018 |title='American Gods' Sidelines New Showrunner Amid Delays and Frustrations (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-sidelines-new-showrunner-delays-frustrations-1140946 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175126/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-sidelines-new-showrunner-delays-frustrations-1140946 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Production began on the second season in April 2018, and with the season premiering on March 10, 2019.<ref name="S2Premiere">{{Cite magazine |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=April 30, 2018 |title=American Gods season 2 is coming in 2019 |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/04/30/american-gods-season-2-2019-neil-gaiman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175205/https://ew.com/tv/2018/04/30/american-gods-season-2-2019-neil-gaiman/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2018 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=December 5, 2018 |title=American Gods finally gets a season 2 premiere date |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/12/05/american-gods-season-2-premiere-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175142/https://ew.com/tv/2018/12/05/american-gods-season-2-premiere-date/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>

''American Gods'' was renewed for a third season on March 15, 2019, with [[Charles H. Eglee|Charles Eglee]] announced as the showrunner for the third season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=March 15, 2019 |title=It's Official! Starz Renews 'American Gods' For Third Season, Finds New Showrunner |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/american-gods-season-3-renewed-new-showrunner-1202576699/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317084135/https://deadline.com/2019/03/american-gods-season-3-renewed-new-showrunner-1202576699/ |archive-date=March 17, 2019 |access-date=March 16, 2019 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> The season consists of ten episodes,<ref name="Season2FinaleTalks">{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=April 28, 2019 |title='American Gods' Creator Neil Gaiman Talks Season 2 Finale, His Favorite Episode & Teases Season 4 Plans |url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/american-gods-spoilers-neil-gaiman-season-2-finale-1202603555/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175141/https://deadline.com/2019/04/american-gods-spoilers-neil-gaiman-season-2-finale-1202603555/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=September 13, 2019 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> and was scheduled to film between September 20, 2019, and March 6, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marc |first=Christopher |date=July 6, 2019 |title=Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' Season 3 To Shoot September–March in Toronto |url=https://hnentertainment.co/neil-gaimans-american-gods-season-3-to-shoot-september-march-in-toronto/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175145/https://hnentertainment.co/neil-gaimans-american-gods-season-3-to-shoot-september-march-in-toronto/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=September 13, 2019 |website=HNEntertainment}}</ref> The third season premiered on January 10, 2021.<ref name="S3Premiere">{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=October 27, 2020 |title='American Gods' Sets January 2021 Season 3 Premiere; Neil Gaiman Says "Story Back On Track" |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/neil-gaiman-election-american-gods-season-3-premiere-date-starz-1234603852/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175214/https://deadline.com/2020/10/neil-gaiman-election-american-gods-season-3-premiere-date-starz-1234603852/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=October 27, 2020 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>

By April 2019, Gaiman and Eglee had begun to plan a fourth season.<ref name="Season2FinaleTalks" /> On March 29, 2021, Starz canceled the series after three seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=March 29, 2021 |title='American Gods' Canceled at Starz; No Season 4 But Maybe A TV Movie |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/american-gods-canceled-no-season-4-starz-neil-gaiman-1234724166/ |access-date=March 29, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>

===Writing===
Fuller stated that he wanted the Old Gods to be portrayed as gritty and rustic to "demonstrate the well-worn aspects of their religion and the consequences of going without faith for so long", while the New Gods are portrayed as slick and updated with their technology to illuminate "how valuable and pertinent they are, in their own religions."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radish |first=Christina |date=April 30, 2017 |title='American Gods' Creators Bryan Fuller & Michael Green on Adapting Neil Gaiman's Beloved Novel |url=https://collider.com/american-gods-bryan-fuller-michael-green-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175152/https://collider.com/american-gods-bryan-fuller-michael-green-interview/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2017 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref>

===Casting===
On January 28, 2016, [[Ricky Whittle]] was cast as the lead character, Shadow Moon.<ref name="Whittle">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Joanna |date=January 28, 2016 |title=American Gods Author Neil Gaiman on Why Casting The 100s Ricky Whittle as Shadow Is So Vital |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/01/american-gods-ricky-whittle-shadow-the-100-neil-gaiman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175212/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/01/american-gods-ricky-whittle-shadow-the-100-neil-gaiman |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref> On March 2, 2016, it was announced that [[Ian McShane]] had been cast as Mr. Wednesday.<ref name="McShane">{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=March 3, 2016 |title=Ian McShane to Star in 'American Gods' for Starz |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ian-mcshane-star-american-gods-872269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175204/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ian-mcshane-star-american-gods-872269 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> It was later announced on March 17, 2016, that [[Emily Browning]] would play Laura Moon, Shadow's wife.<ref name="Browning">{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=March 17, 2016 |title=Starz's 'American Gods' Casts Its Laura Moon |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-casts-laura-moon-876567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320140234/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-casts-laura-moon-876567 |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |access-date=March 16, 2016 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> On March 23, 2016, it was announced that [[Sean Harris]], [[Yetide Badaki]] and [[Bruce Langley]] would play the respective roles of Mad Sweeney, Bilquis and Technical Boy.<ref name="BadakiLangley">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=March 23, 2016 |title=Starz's 'American Gods' Casts Sean Harris As Mad Sweeney, Yetide Badaki As Bilquis & Bruce Langley As Technical Boy |url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/american-gods-mad-sweeney-sean-harris-bilquis-yetide-badaki-technical-boy-bruce-langley-1201725013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175148/https://deadline.com/2016/03/american-gods-mad-sweeney-sean-harris-bilquis-yetide-badaki-technical-boy-bruce-langley-1201725013/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=April 5, 2016 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> On April 14, 2016, [[Jonathan Tucker]] and [[Crispin Glover]] were cast as Low Key Lyesmith and Mr. World.<ref name="TuckerGlover">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=April 14, 2016 |title='American Gods': Jonathan Tucker & Crispin Glover Cast in Starz Adaptation |url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/american-gods-jonathan-tucker-crispin-glover-cast-starz-adaptation-1201737830/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175159/https://deadline.com/2016/04/american-gods-jonathan-tucker-crispin-glover-cast-starz-adaptation-1201737830/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> On May 6, 2016, it was announced that Sean Harris had departed the series after a week of filming for personal reasons and the role of Mad Sweeney was being recast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 6, 2016 |title='American Gods': Starz Series To Recast Mad Sweeney Role, Changes DP |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/american-gods-starz-series-mad-sweeney-role-recast-dp-change-1201750737/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175204/https://deadline.com/2016/05/american-gods-starz-series-mad-sweeney-role-recast-dp-change-1201750737/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2016 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> On May 11, 2016, it was announced that [[Pablo Schreiber]] would take over the role of Mad Sweeney.<ref name="Schreiber">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 11, 2016 |title=Pablo Schreiber To Play Mad Sweeney In 'American Gods' Starz Series, Joins Indie 'Thumper' |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/pablo-schreiber-cast-mad-sweeney-american-gods-starz-thumper-1201752004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175208/https://deadline.com/2016/05/pablo-schreiber-cast-mad-sweeney-american-gods-starz-thumper-1201752004/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=May 12, 2016 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In June 2016, it was announced that [[Gillian Anderson]] would portray Media.<ref name="Anderson">{{Cite web |last=Slezak |first=Michael |date=June 3, 2016 |title=Gillian Anderson Joins American Gods |url=http://tvline.com/2016/06/03/gillian-anderson-cast-american-gods-media-starz-bryan-fuller/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604135754/http://tvline.com/2016/06/03/gillian-anderson-cast-american-gods-media-starz-bryan-fuller/ |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |access-date=June 3, 2016 |website=[[TVLine]]}}</ref>

In December 2019, [[Orlando Jones]] stated that he had been fired from ''American Gods'' in September. He alleged that the new showrunner, Charles Eglee, decided that his character, Mr. Nancy, sends "the wrong message for black America".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=December 14, 2019 |title=Orlando Jones says he was fired from American Gods, Mr. Nancy sent 'wrong message' |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/12/14/orlando-jones-american-gods-fired/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175152/https://ew.com/tv/2019/12/14/orlando-jones-american-gods-fired/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> In response, a spokesperson for the series stated that Jones' contract was not renewed because Mr. Nancy does not appear in the part of the book on which the season 3 episodes are based.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Ryan |date=December 14, 2019 |title=American Gods Explains Orlando Jones Exit, Vows to Remain 'One of the Most Diverse Series on TV' in Season 3 |url=https://tvline.com/2019/12/14/american-gods-orlando-jones-leaving-season-3-statement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175210/https://tvline.com/2019/12/14/american-gods-orlando-jones-leaving-season-3-statement/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=TVLine}}</ref>

===Opening titles===
The opening sequence was created by production studio Elastic and depicts a [[totem pole]] covered with the juxtaposition of symbols, icons, and forms from religions, modern life, and pop culture. Fuller stated that a totem was chosen to represent both the United States' original faith system, Native American spirituality, and "as something that gave a cohesive quality to all these disparate ideas". Creative director Patrick Clair said he was not interested in depicting every god featured in the novel, so he just tried to make "deities inspired by gods across all manner of different religions – but messed up in ways that we found to be interesting, sticky, sort of sexy, challenging, dirty, wrong, but hopefully interesting," such as a crucified astronaut, a [[sphinx]] built out of an [[Aibo]], and a [[Menorah (Hanukkah)|Menorah]] with electric sockets and [[DIN connector]]s in its branches. The overall aesthetic aimed for the "really modern, occasionally very tacky, vision of the underbelly of America", with the designers taking reference from strip club decoration and making the backgrounds using textures of vinyl, fake leather, and concrete surfaces. [[Brian Reitzell]] composed the theme music, which according to Fuller, represented "male and female energy coming in at different places as part of representations of divinity".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Neil |date=June 21, 2017 |title=Patrick Clair on creating American Gods' iconic title sequence |url=https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/motion-graphics/patrick-clair-on-creating-american-gods-iconic-title-sequence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119021545/https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/motion-graphics/patrick-clair-on-creating-american-gods-iconic-title-sequence/ |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=January 16, 2021 |website=Digital Arts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Justin W. |date=April 18, 2017 |title=Design/Dissect: 'American Gods' Main Titles |url=http://brief.promax.org/article/design-dissect-american-gods-main-titles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122023219/http://brief.promax.org/article/design-dissect-american-gods-main-titles |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The Daily Brief}}</ref>

==Release==
===Marketing===
The first trailer for the series was released on July 22, 2016, at [[San Diego Comic-Con]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Brian |date=July 22, 2016 |title=American Gods Trailer Brings Neil Gaiman's Book to Life |url=http://tvweb.com/american-gods-trailer-starz-series-neil-gaiman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725180555/http://tvweb.com/american-gods-trailer-starz-series-neil-gaiman/ |archive-date=July 25, 2016 |access-date=July 23, 2016 |website=TVweb}}</ref>

===Broadcast===
''American Gods'' premiered on Sunday each week in the U.S. on the [[Starz]] app, before airing the same day on Starz at 9:00&nbsp;pm Eastern. Each episode became available internationally on [[Amazon Video]] the day after the U.S. broadcast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaworski |first=Michelle |date=April 24, 2017 |title=You can watch 'American Gods' without cable—here's how |url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/how-to-watch-american-gods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175157/https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/shows/american-gods/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2017 |website=DailyDot}}</ref>

==Reception==

===Critical response===
<!--If you update any of the below scores, then update the "accessdate" of the reference as well!-->
The first season of ''American Gods'' received largely positive reviews from critics. On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], it has a 92% rating with an average score of 8.15 out of 10 based on 272 reviews with the consensus stating: "''American Gods'' opens with a series of wildly ambitious gambits – and rewards viewers' faith with a promising first season whose visual riches are matched by its narrative impact."<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Gods: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_gods/s01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523162818/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_gods/s01/ |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], it has a score of 77 out of 100 based on 36 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Gods: Season 1 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-gods/season-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175157/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-gods/season-1 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2017 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

The second season received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 61% rating with an average score of 6.05 of 10 based on 106 reviews, with the consensus stating: "''American Gods'' retains its bombastic style but loses its divine inspiration in a derivative second season that, after a change in show-runners and even some crucial cast members, feels like a false idol."<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Gods: Season 2 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_gods/s02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175156/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_gods/s02 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> On Metacritic, it has a score of 47 out of 100 based on 9 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Gods: Season 2 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-gods/season-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175207/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-gods/season-2 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season has a 79% rating with an average score of 6.9 out of 10 based on 19 reviews, with the critical consensus stating, "Though it's unlikely to bring anyone back into the fold, ''American Gods''{{'}} tighter focus and strong performances may be enough for fans still holding out hope for a solid finish."<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Gods: Season 3 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_gods/s03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119065136/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_gods/s03 |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |accessdate=January 25, 2021}}</ref> On Metacritic, it has a score of 69 out of 100 based on 4 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Gods: Season 3 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-gods/season-3 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width:99%;"
|-
! width="4%"| Year
! width="15%"| Award
! width="25%"| Category
! width="30%"| Nominee(s)
! width="9%"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" width="4%"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| rowspan="3" align="center"| 2017
| rowspan=2|[[69th Primetime Emmy Awards|Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design|Outstanding Main Title Design]]
| Patrick Clair, Raoul Marks, Devin Maurer and Jeff Han
| {{nom}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Main Title Design – 2017 |url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2017/outstanding-main-title-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175213/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2017/outstanding-main-title-design |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=[[Emmys.com]] |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}}</ref>
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects|Outstanding Special Visual Effects]]
| Kevin Tod Haug, David Stump, Jeremy Ball, Bernice Charlotte Howes, Jessica Smith, Josh Carlton, Pierre Buffin, James Cooper and Aymeric Perceval <small>(for "The Bone Orchard")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Special Visual Effects – 2017 |url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2017/outstanding-special-visual-effects |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175203/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2017/outstanding-special-visual-effects |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=[[Emmys.com]] |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}}</ref>
|-
| [[Black Reel Awards]]
| Outstanding Guest Performer: Drama Series
| [[Orlando Jones]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 30, 2017 |title=Meet the Nominees |url=http://blackreelawards.com/meet-the-nominees/#jp-carousel-1914 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626143522/http://blackreelawards.com/meet-the-nominees/#jp-carousel-1914 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=[[Black Reel Awards]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="7" align="center"| 2018
| rowspan=3|[[8th Critics' Choice Television Awards|Critics' Choice Awards]]
| Best Drama Series
| ''American Gods''
| {{nom}}
| align="center" rowspan=3|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Pete |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Critics' Choice Awards Nominations: 'The Shape Of Water' Leads With 14; Netflix Tops TV Contenders |url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/critics-choice-awards-nominations-the-shape-of-water-dunkirk-this-is-us-netflix-1202220528/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601204304/https://deadline.com/2017/12/critics-choice-awards-nominations-the-shape-of-water-dunkirk-this-is-us-netflix-1202220528/ |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
|-
| Best Actor in a Drama Series
| [[Ian McShane]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
| [[Gillian Anderson]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Satellite Awards]]
| Best Television Series – Genre
| ''American Gods''
| {{nom}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pond |first=Steve |date=November 29, 2017 |title='Dunkirk,' 'The Shape of Water' Lead Satellite Award Nominations |url=https://www.thewrap.com/dunkirk-the-shape-of-water-lead-satellite-award-nominations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220091839/https://www.thewrap.com/dunkirk-the-shape-of-water-lead-satellite-award-nominations/ |archive-date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=3|[[44th Saturn Awards|Saturn Awards]]
| [[Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Television Series|Best Fantasy Television Series]]
| ''American Gods''
| {{nom}}
| align="center" rowspan=3|<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNary |first=Dave |date=March 15, 2018 |title='Black Panther,' 'Walking Dead' Rule Saturn Awards Nominations |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/saturn-awards-nominations-2018-black-panther-walking-dead-1202727752/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023438/http://variety.com/2018/film/news/saturn-awards-nominations-2018-black-panther-walking-dead-1202727752/ |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McNary |first=Dave |date=June 27, 2018 |title='Black Panther' Reigns at Saturn Awards, 'Better Call Saul' and 'Twin Peaks' Top TV Field |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/saturn-awards-2018-black-panther-better-call-saul-twin-peaks-1202860077/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628081451/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/saturn-awards-2018-black-panther-better-call-saul-twin-peaks-1202860077/ |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=June 28, 2018 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television|Best Actor on Television]]
| [[Ricky Whittle]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Television DVD Release|Best DVD or Blu-ray Television Release]]
| ''American Gods: Season One''
| {{won}}
|-
| align="center"|2019
| [[45th Saturn Awards|Saturn Awards]]
| [[Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Television Series]]
| ''American Gods''
| {{nom}}
|align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mancuso |first=Vinnie |date=July 16, 2019 |title='Avengers: Endgame', 'Game of Thrones' Lead the 2019 Saturn Awards Nominations |url=https://collider.com/saturn-awards-nominations-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716042350/http://collider.com/saturn-awards-nominations-2019/ |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |website=Collider}}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://www.starz.com/us/en/series/31151/}}
* {{IMDb title|tt1898069|American Gods}}

{{Neil Gaiman}}
{{Bryan Fuller}}
{{Michael Green}}
{{Starz Shows}}

[[Category:2010s American drama television series]]
[[Category:2020s American drama television series]]
[[Category:2017 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2021 American television series endings]]
[[Category:American deities]]
[[Category:American fantasy drama television series]]
[[Category:American Gods (TV series)| ]]
[[Category:Celtic mythology in popular culture]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Gay-related television shows]]
[[Category:Fiction about human–zombie romance]]
[[Category:Religious drama television series]]
[[Category:Saturn Award–winning television series]]
[[Category:Serial drama television series]]
[[Category:Slavic mythology in popular culture]]
[[Category:Starz original programming]]
[[Category:Television shows about fairies]]
[[Category:Television shows about magic]]
[[Category:Television series based on Egyptian mythology]]
[[Category:Television series based on multiple mythologies]]
[[Category:Television series based on Norse mythology]]
[[Category:Television series based on works by Neil Gaiman]]
[[Category:Television series by Fremantle (company)]]
[[Category:Television series created by Bryan Fuller]]
[[Category:Television shows based on British novels]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Oklahoma]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Toronto]]
[[Category:Zombies in television]]