American Gods

:

Season 1
  • Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 30, 2017
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 355 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 355
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 355
  3. Negative: 48 out of 355
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. vishalgoradia27
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    With Bryan Fuller on its helm, I expect only great things out of the series. A beautiful medley of psychedelic visuals and phenomenal acting, this series is going to be a blast to watch each week. With a pedigree of the cast (So much street cred here), I don't see them doing wrong.

    But I do believe the people who are not familiar with Bryan's work might feel a little alienated at first;    With Bryan Fuller on its helm, I expect only great things out of the series. A beautiful medley of psychedelic visuals and phenomenal acting, this series is going to be a blast to watch each week. With a pedigree of the cast (So much street cred here), I don't see them doing wrong.

    But I do believe the people who are not familiar with Bryan's work might feel a little alienated at first; and to those people I say - stick through it if you want a truly fantastic overall experience. I can definitely see this show becoming my new Hannibal.    … Expand
  2. jpatric
    Jul 29, 2017
    7
    American Gods contains the potential to develop into a great series but only if it rids itself of the issues inherent in the presentation of its pilot season.

    Unfortunately, the first episode throws you into a collage of confusing and entangled plots which only fully materialize themselves after the viewer gets halfway through the season. The series plays with absurd, black comedy in    American Gods contains the potential to develop into a great series but only if it rids itself of the issues inherent in the presentation of its pilot season.

    Unfortunately, the first episode throws you into a collage of confusing and entangled plots which only fully materialize themselves after the viewer gets halfway through the season. The series plays with absurd, black comedy in order to lighten the overall mood of the story-which itself is rather dark and, at times, a depressing reflection on a collective psyche burdening humanity as a whole.

    The protagonist, Shadow Moon, is a well-developed and relatable character who is introduced to Mr. Wednesday, a powerful and enigmatic figure who attempts to guide both Shadow and the viewer through extensive lore established by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman attempted to accurately convey American culture through the gods and various idols people choose to devote their entire lives pursuing, but this message isn't exactly explicit until-like I said-halfway through the story.

    The female lead is well-acted but poorly developed into a character the writers are desperately trying to make the viewer not hate. But truthfully, her actions throughout the story communicate a very selfish individual who still ends up incredibly privileged despite literally being the most destructive companion Shadow could entertain. Because they've already painted her in such a negative light, even the actor most likely can't salvage such a bad first impression.

    The biggest issue with American Gods is the fact that it's been condensed into few too many episodes to properly do justice to the source, but it still has the potential to move beyond initial awkward mishaps by dedicating more episodes to creating better exposition in the next season. The first two episodes are generally incoherent, but the time dedicated to Shadow's backstory just barely manages to retain a viewer's interest. Not a bad choice, by any means, but disappointing because it could've achieved something much greater in its ambition.

    Thanks for your time.    … Expand
  3. Maxmurdock
    May 28, 2017
    10
    This adaptation from the novel by Neil Gaiman its what fans have been waiting for. Everything about this show is great. It is without a doubt the greates tv show of the year so far
  4. Skeletor71
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    This was almost exactly what I wanted after reading the book. I started reading it after I heard Ian McShane was going to be in it. Which is also what I did with Pillars of the Earth. Some parts were a bit long, but other than that it was solid.
  5. JorgeLestre
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    Bryan Fuller brings insanely addictive and colorful characters that indulge in an even crazier narrative. It's early to tell where it leads, but the show itself sure knows how to make an entrance.
  6. Psychopompadour
    May 3, 2017
    10
    So far, it's the perfect update of one of my favorite books. The show is amazingly cast and acted, with as much surrealism and symbolism as the original source material. To those who say its too weird, I say this is NOT made for you. its made for me so I really have no choice but to give it the 10 I feel it deserves for getting out of that box.
  7. smodcast
    May 20, 2017
    8
    I'm not sure where this show is headed, but 3 episodes in, I'm wholly invested in its premise. Visually, there's few like it on television. Off Kilter, weird and unhinged. Not for the faint of heart.
  8. laeknir45
    May 28, 2017
    7
    Really nice visuals, even elegant at times. But four episodes in, I'm still left wondering what is happening with the plot. There's nothing here to really "grab" you, as it's more like a series of disconnected art films which are nicely done but still too vague to draw me in fully. I am familiar with the basic themes of the original graphic novel, so I get that this is meant to be aReally nice visuals, even elegant at times. But four episodes in, I'm still left wondering what is happening with the plot. There's nothing here to really "grab" you, as it's more like a series of disconnected art films which are nicely done but still too vague to draw me in fully. I am familiar with the basic themes of the original graphic novel, so I get that this is meant to be a build up to a war between the "Old" Gods and the "New" Gods, but there's nothing so far suggesting such a war is necessary. Many of the older gods seem dangerous to humans, quite ready to kill and absorb their "faithful" (often through really overdone sex scenes), whereas the new gods have only really attacked Shadow after he chooses to remain on the side of Mr. Wednesday. It's also punctuated by totally disconnected "shorts" with various individuals who interact with god X or Y for no real reason other than to showcase the god in some way. The show has a lot of potential to make some kind of commentary on fervent belief, or the lack thereof (particularly with the risen dead atheist girl), but there's much more of a focus by the director on wanting to set scenes with very specific dark moods/atmospheres rather than actually exploring any plot or characterization. And oddly, considering that the gods apparently depend on belief for their power, you don't see a lot of humans displaying strong belief. I have the unfortunate feeling that this will continue near to the end, where a lot of plot-point reveals will take place and ultimately not be very effective.… Expand
  9. Sirwootalot
    May 2, 2017
    9
    This show is every bit as psychedelic, mystical, and engrossing as the book it is based on, with flourishes of laughably absurd hyper-violence and every ounce of Gaiman's biting sardonic humor shining through in the dialogue. The only major change so far is of setting; much of the show is clearly filmed in Oklahoma, even though the setting is supposed to be the upper MidwestThis show is every bit as psychedelic, mystical, and engrossing as the book it is based on, with flourishes of laughably absurd hyper-violence and every ounce of Gaiman's biting sardonic humor shining through in the dialogue. The only major change so far is of setting; much of the show is clearly filmed in Oklahoma, even though the setting is supposed to be the upper Midwest (Indiana/Illinois/Wisconsin/Minnesota).… Expand
  10. AthanasiosT
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Incredible tv show, based on a wonderful Gaiman's book. Visuals, photography and FX are terrific. Actors and book characters perfectly combined. For me, by far the best you can watch this summer.
  11. oaktoad
    Jul 15, 2017
    7
    Overall worth watching if you have read the books and I am curious how the story will continue...
    The Good:
    *Casting- most characters feel right even if not exactly how I picture them *Expansion of Book Characters/New Characters- expanded Mad Sweeney involvement is great and although I wasn't hoping for the expanded role of Laura (especially after ep.4). Vulcan is great. *Themes and    Overall worth watching if you have read the books and I am curious how the story will continue...
    The Good:
    *Casting- most characters feel right even if not exactly how I picture them
    *Expansion of Book Characters/New Characters- expanded Mad Sweeney involvement is great and although I wasn't hoping for the expanded role of Laura (especially after ep.4). Vulcan is great.
    *Themes and overall storytelling
    The Bad:
    *Overuse of special effects and buckets of blood- Overall I get it but it makes for some pretty hokey moments that detract greatly from the overall feel of the show
    Then Ugly:
    The Music- at times it is fine but more than not the music/scoring feels out of place or just grating. Sometimes it feels like they had a song in mind but did not have the money for rights and just made something crappier to go over it ( it feels like tried to cross 'immigrant song, tribal music and the blue man group into the opening theme and it is generally un-listenable). The overuse of ornette colman like free jazz generally feels wrong.    … Expand
  12. TheIneffableG
    Jun 9, 2017
    8
    Writing: American Gods is an exciting show for me, but is ultimately very post-modernist. If you don't care for the post-modernist art and fiction, you're going to have a miserable time. The book was a story of mysteries, most of which were never answered and left up to the reader, but the show is actually explaining itself a lot more. I get the feeling from negative reviews that it's notWriting: American Gods is an exciting show for me, but is ultimately very post-modernist. If you don't care for the post-modernist art and fiction, you're going to have a miserable time. The book was a story of mysteries, most of which were never answered and left up to the reader, but the show is actually explaining itself a lot more. I get the feeling from negative reviews that it's not speaking slowly enough as it spells out the plot.

    Visuals: American Gods is indulgently stylistic, and ultimately may not age well for it. But for this moment in time, I enjoy the spin Bryan Fuller put on everything.

    Caveat: This show is not for people with short attention spans or enjoy good guys fighting bad guys for easily understood prizes It's about messy broken people and their messy broken gods in a messy broken country.    … Expand
  13. FastestKnight
    May 13, 2017
    9
    "A hundred years later, you are **** A hundred years after that, **** A hundred years after you get free, you're still getting **** outta jobs and shot at by police. You see what I'm saying?".

    Nuff said.
  14. Existentialman
    May 8, 2017
    10
    I'm hooked after watching the first two episodes. This show has the potential to be the Game of Thrones. Like GOT is has a great mix of sexuality, violence and fantasy. This is an adult show and doesn't shy away from the sex scenes. I applaud them for that. Not every show has to be PG-13. If that discourages you from watching then this probably isn't the right show for you.
    American    I'm hooked after watching the first two episodes. This show has the potential to be the Game of Thrones. Like GOT is has a great mix of sexuality, violence and fantasy. This is an adult show and doesn't shy away from the sex scenes. I applaud them for that. Not every show has to be PG-13. If that discourages you from watching then this probably isn't the right show for you.
    American Gods could be the next Game of Thrones, or it could be the next Lost. That depends on where the story is headed and if all the weirdness has a genuine purpose. If there is no point to all strangeness then, like Lost, I'll end up being disappointed. If the quality continues then this could be the supernatural equivalent of 2001: A space odyssey, a poetic tale which that inspires discussion on all sorts of important topics.    … Expand
  15. luis_matador_1
    Aug 8, 2017
    7
    I like the characters and the story, but the serie is very confused, with not very good pace. Have few action, but when have, its very good. So...yeah, American Gods have potencial, but the first season not convinced me 100%, but i apreciate-it.
  16. marcmyworks
    Jun 22, 2017
    8
    American Gods is a visual wonderland with a great story. The whole season does feel like the prologue to something even bigger and more visceral. Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Media is the highlight and she deserves to win many awards for her performance.
  17. LatinCritic13
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    Seeing American Gods for the first time was a blast man! The acting, cinematography, dark humor, direction, diversity, production design, sound effects, script, symbolism, and the gorgeous visual effects truly made this show stand out on STARZ. When you look at the show's quality, you will be extremely satisfied with the use of visuals that the crew behind American Gods made. This show isSeeing American Gods for the first time was a blast man! The acting, cinematography, dark humor, direction, diversity, production design, sound effects, script, symbolism, and the gorgeous visual effects truly made this show stand out on STARZ. When you look at the show's quality, you will be extremely satisfied with the use of visuals that the crew behind American Gods made. This show is colorful based on philosophy and tone. As you watch American Gods for the first time, expect for some hiccups along the way when it comes to following along the story of this show. The story can be complicated to follow at first, but it will be understandable in the end. Expect for some real life related gems along the way if you know what I mean. There isn't anything dull I had to say about this show. Everything in this show handled real well when adapting the best selling novel of Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Like I say, this show is GORGEOUS, and it is easily the most obvious winner for best visual effects and production design at the Emmy Awards. If the Emmy Awards can't comply with that, something is wrong with the television academy not choosing the right winners. STARZ truly has a show for us to watch on their premium TV network. This show is the 'Game of Thrones' on STARZ. I just don't understand why there isn't a lot of people watching this show on STARZ while most people watch other shows on different networks. I only wish that there will be more than 3 million viewers watching this on the next season. Overall, this is a great and questionable show to watch.… Expand
  18. eva3si0n
    Jul 11, 2017
    8
    So far it is one of the best series of 2017. American Gods has the unique unique style, it concerns not only pictures, but also a soundtrack and art style. To shortcomings, and he one and very big - prolixity of actions. All action begins in 6-7 series. And many shown has no relation to the main plot, and at times on it left almost all series. But acting of Ian McShane is excellent, itSo far it is one of the best series of 2017. American Gods has the unique unique style, it concerns not only pictures, but also a soundtrack and art style. To shortcomings, and he one and very big - prolixity of actions. All action begins in 6-7 series. And many shown has no relation to the main plot, and at times on it left almost all series. But acting of Ian McShane is excellent, it just drags on itself(himself) series.… Expand
  19. drlowdon
    Dec 18, 2017
    8
    Based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name American Gods focuses on Shadow Man who, after being released from prison, is approached by a mysterious stranger calling himself Mr Wednesday and finds himself involved in a war between the Old Gods and the New Gods.

    American Gods will likely be a little too strange for some people's tastes but showrunners Bryan Fuller (Dead Like Me,    Based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name American Gods focuses on Shadow Man who, after being released from prison, is approached by a mysterious stranger calling himself Mr Wednesday and finds himself involved in a war between the Old Gods and the New Gods.

    American Gods will likely be a little too strange for some people's tastes but showrunners Bryan Fuller (Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies) and Michael Green (Logan, Bladerunner 2049) have really done justice to the source material to create a show that is both visually and narratively unique making for one of the most interesting new shows of 2017.    … Expand
  20. Kenmei
    Jun 23, 2017
    8
    I feel that some of the bad rap that this show gets is mostly from those who haven't read the book. While it's true that the show and book are not totally the same, you'll get alot more out of this series by either having read the book or watching it with someone who has. The reasoning being that the story is very dense and can be very hard to follow. That however cannot defend the veryI feel that some of the bad rap that this show gets is mostly from those who haven't read the book. While it's true that the show and book are not totally the same, you'll get alot more out of this series by either having read the book or watching it with someone who has. The reasoning being that the story is very dense and can be very hard to follow. That however cannot defend the very poor pacing of the story, as their focus on some of the side characters, even dedicating whole episodes to their backstory, really detracts from the journey of Shadow and Mr. Wednesday. The story is at its best when it has a singular focus on those two and how they interact with the various people they meet. It starts to go off the rails when it loses its focus and tries to get more backstory to other people, almost unnecessarily at times.
    This is not a show I can recommend to everyone. With a longer, hopefully more focused, season 2 coming eventually to help explain things better, this first season feels like an incomplete mishmash of characters that surround the main two. However the story and especially dialogue, even for those harder to follow parts, is very well done and well written. It's just buried in a seemingly endless sea of exposition and backstory. For those truly interested, I'd recommend reading the book between now and then. It really will add so much to your viewing experience if you do so.    … Expand
  21. CineAutoctono
    Oct 14, 2017
    8
    "American Gods" was from the first episode a strong, surreal and surprising series, the scenarios are great, the story is very good and the characters are very good, there is not so much to thank a good series like this.
  22. sVc
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    So far I've been a little disappointed. I want to like this more, especially since Bryan Fuller is the guy steering the ship, but I haven't really been excited by what I've seen. I've read the book and I'm having the same issue with the tv shows as I did with that. Nothing really seems to gel. There's so much of the book and the show that I do actually like but it seems like such aSo far I've been a little disappointed. I want to like this more, especially since Bryan Fuller is the guy steering the ship, but I haven't really been excited by what I've seen. I've read the book and I'm having the same issue with the tv shows as I did with that. Nothing really seems to gel. There's so much of the book and the show that I do actually like but it seems like such a messy dynamic; like the puzzle pieces just won't go together. I'm certainly not one to shy away from confusing or complicated plots/stories (Legion & The Leftovers are two of my favorite shows) but there needs to be a way for the scenes to work better together. And to make sense, just a little bit. The acting is excellent. Gillian Anderson blew me away in the 3 minutes she was on screen. And I can think of many scenes, on their own, that I have really liked and been impressed by. But together as a whole structure is not doing it for me. I'm going to watch the entire season no matter what; I want this to be another must see show. But if I can't be in awe when I watch a vagina swallow a whole human person, then there's a problem!

    After watching the entire first season, I've pushed my review up to an 8 (if I could, it would be more like 7.5). I was highly impressed and captivated with the finale. And there are so many scenes that are so awesome to watch on their own. Plus, each actor has done a phenomenal job. I still say it could do a better job of explaining itself as to what exactly the overall point of the story actually is. Because the whole concept of the book/tv show is a very interesting one. And I feel like if you read a really good re-capper after watching it, you'll probably understand it a lot better. If you haven't read the book, I'd think you'd be completely lost. Those things should be taken into consideration. But as it stands, I'm a fan and will continue to watch it come season 2.    … Expand
  23. Dubeau
    Apr 6, 2019
    8
    I really like the story and the actors in this one. The actors are very high caliber acting, but this season is all about back stories and a lot of origin stuff. The main story move at a slow pace and isn't resolve in the end. Which is a bit frustrating, since 8 episodes seems too short for the scope that has taken the main plot. The FX are very good. I like the craziness and the music isI really like the story and the actors in this one. The actors are very high caliber acting, but this season is all about back stories and a lot of origin stuff. The main story move at a slow pace and isn't resolve in the end. Which is a bit frustrating, since 8 episodes seems too short for the scope that has taken the main plot. The FX are very good. I like the craziness and the music is an integral part of the shows. Lots of sex and nudity, but justified in the context of the story. I give it a 78%. Not to miss and different from the usual mini-series.… Expand
  24. Kieselsteinchen
    Nov 10, 2017
    10
    Have you ever thought what would happen if some “old” greek, nordic or roman Gods had a tee party with Jesus? Or what Thor the god of thunder does in his free time? Yes? Well then American Gods is just perfect for you.

    American Gods is a TV series, consisting of one season with 8 episodes. The Drama-Fantasy series features famous actors like Ricky Whittle (Shadow Moon), Emily Browning    Have you ever thought what would happen if some “old” greek, nordic or roman Gods had a tee party with Jesus? Or what Thor the god of thunder does in his free time? Yes? Well then American Gods is just perfect for you.

    American Gods is a TV series, consisting of one season with 8 episodes. The Drama-Fantasy series features famous actors like Ricky Whittle (Shadow Moon), Emily Browning (Laura Moon) and golden Globe winner Ian McShane (Wednesday). The whole series is based on the eponymous book by Nail Gaiman.

    The story is great in my opinion. To keep it short: Shadow Moon, a prisoner only has a few more days until he can return to his Wife. Just days before his official release he gets told that he can leave earlier.....and that his wife dies in a car crash. He leaves without any hope on the airport he meets Wednesday and that where things start to get crazy. In the following days he will meet an antisocial Goblin, a couple of murderous gods and his own fate.

    Although the series got a great meta score and good ratings it may not be for everyone, its still a fantasy series, don't worry there are no dragons or dwarfs running around neither are there orcs, but it has some more explicit scenes. This is what gives the series an FSK 18+    … Expand
  25. luke100
    Jan 11, 2018
    9
    Its slow tempo might not suit everyone, but the amazing visuals from Bryan Fuller (Hannibal's creator proves his eye for tempting shots gets sharper with every episode) and the way it smartly and understandably expands on the already amazing novel deserves some of the highest praise.
  26. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 4, 2022
    7
    I expect only great things out of the series. A beautiful medley of psychedelic visuals and phenomenal acting, this series is going to be a blast to watch each week. With a pedigree of the cast (So much street cred here), I don't see them doing wrong.

    American Gods contains the potential to develop into a great series but only if it rids itself of the issues inherent in the presentation    I expect only great things out of the series. A beautiful medley of psychedelic visuals and phenomenal acting, this series is going to be a blast to watch each week. With a pedigree of the cast (So much street cred here), I don't see them doing wrong.

    American Gods contains the potential to develop into a great series but only if it rids itself of the issues inherent in the presentation of its pilot season.

    Unfortunately, the first episode throws you into a collage of confusing and entangled plots which only fully materialize themselves after the viewer gets halfway through the season. The series plays with absurd, black comedy in order to lighten the overall mood of the story-which itself is rather dark and, at times, a depressing reflection on a collective psyche burdening humanity as a whole.

    The protagonist, Shadow Moon, is a well-developed and relatable character who is introduced to Mr. Wednesday, a powerful and enigmatic figure who attempts to guide both Shadow and the viewer through extensive lore established by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman attempted to accurately convey American culture through the gods and various idols people choose to devote their entire lives pursuing, but this message isn't exactly explicit until-like I said-halfway through the story.

    The female lead is well-acted but poorly developed into a character the writers are desperately trying to make the viewer not hate. But truthfully, her actions throughout the story communicate a very selfish individual who still ends up incredibly privileged despite literally being the most destructive companion Shadow could entertain. Because they've already painted her in such a negative light, even the actor most likely can't salvage such a bad first impression.

    The biggest issue with American Gods is the fact that it's been condensed into few too many episodes to properly do justice to the source, but it still has the potential to move beyond initial awkward mishaps by dedicating more episodes to creating better exposition in the next season. The first two episodes are generally incoherent, but the time dedicated to Shadow's backstory just barely manages to retain a viewer's interest. Not a bad choice, by any means, but disappointing because it could've achieved something much greater in its ambition.    … Expand
  27. geewah
    Mar 30, 2021
    7
    An ambitious show that on the whole is pulled off reasonably well.
    At times the story does fall flat and can't keep up with the visual splendor Fuller is trying to create.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best TV Season of 2017
17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
18
#18 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Lorraine Ali
    May 1, 2017
    80
    The result is a wonderfully eclectic mix of gory bloodlust and fairy whimsy, ethereal beauty and tenement apartment realism. Special effects are masterfully used throughout American Gods to thrust viewers into alternate dimensions or let us know something otherworldly is about to happen. And when American Gods does get all supernatural, it’s beautiful.
    Read full review
  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    May 1, 2017
    100
    The conscientious visual style that Fuller honed on “Hannibal” achieves riotous new heights of sensuality in this series. Green, a DC Comics veteran whose television credits include serving as an executive producer on “Heroes,” aids in harmonizing the story’s surfeit of histories and personalities into an intelligible and spellbinding structure.
    Read full review
  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    May 1, 2017
    60
    The eight-episode show fantasia of ancient mythology and Americana is gorgeously conceived, vastly imaginative, and ludicrously over the top. It also unfortunately falls sway to the worst, most self-indulgent excesses of prestige television, namely terrible pacing, prodigal violence, and a thuddingly unsubtle score that often feels better suited to a high-budget porn film.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »