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
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  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. M0NST3R_G4MING
    Apr 30, 2019
    0
    0/10 - The show "American Gods" is really garbage.

    Extremely slow and confusing story, everything is oversexualized and very strange animations. That's what you can expect in American Gods. To be honest, I expected a lot after the first trailer and was very disappointed. The story rarely really gets to the point and that makes it very difficult to understand. Especially if you start    0/10 - The show "American Gods" is really garbage.

    Extremely slow and confusing story, everything is oversexualized and very strange animations. That's what you can expect in American Gods. To be honest, I expected a lot after the first trailer and was very disappointed.
    The story rarely really gets to the point and that makes it very difficult to understand. Especially if you start with the series without any previous knowledge of the comics. The story might actually be very interesting. Interesting strands are often torn, but they are only executed bad and it ends in an incomprehensible story. The story only becomes more or less "good" at the end of the season.
    And as I have already mentioned, what bothers me about the series is the exaggerated use of nude scenes. In almost every episode there are some nude scenes, which wouldn't even have been necessary. That's very confusing.
    And I really don't like the animations. The animations really didn't represent the atmosphere well and in my eyes they even destroyed the atmosphere a lot. Through the combination of the very strange animations and the incomprehensible storytelling I had this "What the hell" moment throughout the whole show.

    Conclusion: I really can't recommend "American Gods". It's the worst show I've ever seen and I'll avoid the 2nd season. I won't do that to myself again. I can't recommend it to you either!    … Expand
  4. raporgi
    Apr 23, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. slow boring and incoherent its just full of boring gay/interracial sex. takes too phooking long to go anywhere and the narrative is just padded out and uninteresting.… Expand
  5. MLR
    Apr 12, 2019
    3
    I really enjoyed Season One, but as in any book someone is trying to convert into an infinite series, they have "deviated from the source material" in season two into meandering subplots about lynching blacks, oppression and social justice, and it is becoming clear the series is just treading water. You have these really fine actors standing around with nothing to say but pablum. A wasteI really enjoyed Season One, but as in any book someone is trying to convert into an infinite series, they have "deviated from the source material" in season two into meandering subplots about lynching blacks, oppression and social justice, and it is becoming clear the series is just treading water. You have these really fine actors standing around with nothing to say but pablum. A waste of talent. Anyway, after episode 5 I canceled my Starz subscription, I am out. I wish they had just filmed the book and made a great mini-series.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. rox_roli
    Jun 22, 2018
    4
    The original idea from Gaiman's book was of course great, but the rest is simplistic and puerile. Come on! Vikings are for the slaughtering, Black people for sape, slavery and fertility, Slavs for gipsy fortune-telling... and they still are better than Modern Gods, just empty, silly caricatures of what people is supposed to worship nowadays. And the hero: a shallow bodyguard who pales nextThe original idea from Gaiman's book was of course great, but the rest is simplistic and puerile. Come on! Vikings are for the slaughtering, Black people for sape, slavery and fertility, Slavs for gipsy fortune-telling... and they still are better than Modern Gods, just empty, silly caricatures of what people is supposed to worship nowadays. And the hero: a shallow bodyguard who pales next to Mr Wednesday; Shadow Moon doesn't ask questions, because nobody is interested in explaining anything, given that whole series is nothing but a 8-hours set-up, a first act. But the worst is without any doubt Shadow's wife, Laura Moon... a stupid, annoying zombie nobody cares for. Helas, she is one of the main protagonists… Expand
  8. SchnitzelPoof
    Feb 14, 2018
    3
    This show is so bad, it makes me support the new Gods. It only gets 3 points due to Mr. Wednesday.
    I read the book years ago, and enjoyed it. Now, I couldn't have missed the point so badly, so I'm left to conclude that the writers have re-interpreted the entire story through their distorted view of the world.
    Just rename it to anti-American Gods, and save the rest of us normal people the effort.
  9. exota
    Feb 13, 2018
    3
    I loved the idea of this show . the CGI and acting is well done , but the story leaves me indifferent . i'm not intrigued or eager to see the next episode ( i'm at episode 2 and i already want to stop watching) . very disappointing . Still congrats to the actors and the CGI people , they're the stars of this show , the writers should be replaced for next season though. From HBO i alwaysI loved the idea of this show . the CGI and acting is well done , but the story leaves me indifferent . i'm not intrigued or eager to see the next episode ( i'm at episode 2 and i already want to stop watching) . very disappointing . Still congrats to the actors and the CGI people , they're the stars of this show , the writers should be replaced for next season though. From HBO i always expect good acting , good images , and yes a little bit too much gratuitous sex so i expected all that . what i didn't expect was the poor storyline… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. jaasieljunior
    Dec 3, 2017
    5
    Quando American Gods foi anunciada pelo canal Starz, houve uma grande expectativa e marketing para que a série se desse bem na TV. Mas , de fato , isso não ocorreu . A série demora para prender o espectador e alguns episódios são extremamente cansativos (sim,mais de 52 min por episódio).A história é interessante,mas o enredo e os personagens deixam a desejar.
  13. pineapplethief
    Nov 19, 2017
    3
    I really hoped this show would be great, but I was really disappointed. It's just average. Don't believe people stomping 10's for this one. I've read the book, I've watched tons of tv series, and unfortunately have to conclude that Fuller produced something that is both lacking the punch of the original book and is in fact worse than average tv series.
    1. Story. Writing and story for 1    I really hoped this show would be great, but I was really disappointed. It's just average. Don't believe people stomping 10's for this one. I've read the book, I've watched tons of tv series, and unfortunately have to conclude that Fuller produced something that is both lacking the punch of the original book and is in fact worse than average tv series.
    1. Story. Writing and story for 1 season is just aweful, incoherent, not-happening and generally boring, one of the worst really. Hell, some sitcoms have better story compared to American Gods. Nothing of note happening in ENTIRE episodes (and those are full hour long), boring dialogues about nothing, concluding to nothing, and changing nil in characters afterwards. Story is trying to develop in all different directions at the same time and fails miserably. Long miniseries before most of the episodes which show you backstory of different gods and such are also a mixed bag - some are good, some boring, and many serve no purpose whatsoever. Sometimes I felt it's just a filler to hit one hour mark.
    2. Visuals. A mixed bag really. Director of photography did some of the most beatiful shots I've seen, and some CGI is really well done, while some other CGI effects seem to be done by eight-grader and are embarassingly bad. Gore and blood is certainly overdone in some moments, not in cool, sketchy, comic-ly way, but just in plainly bad one. Lots of nudity, which is done nicely except for one scene. Nudity if fine by me, those were fun moments actually.
    3. Acting. I must say, Shadow Moon is amazingly dumb in the series, for a character who read tons of books. He literally has no clue what's happening for most of the season, although there are a LOT of hints (like supernatural **** happening) given to him, and is overall a very blank, boring and non-protagonist character. Basically he just does nothing and understands almost nothing in THE ENTIRE SEASON. Seriously! Most other actors also underdeliver, although I can't blame them with such directing and script, with a pleasant exception of Mr. Wednesday, played Ian McShane. He's probably the reason I watched first season till the end.
    Seriously, I failed to relate to any and one of the characters in episode in any way, except for one taxi passenger in one of the mini-series.
    4. Music and sound design. Mixed bag too, some effects are good, others seem to come from 80'ties and are done by someone who has no idea and really kick you out of the flow. Music is okay, opening music is great, otherwise it's pretty forgettable.
    5. Opening in the beginning of the each episode, with subtitles and stuff - really the best one I saw in the tv series.    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. hgdownunder
    Nov 1, 2017
    5
    I love the book, but the show, er, no. The acting is great but the pace is tooooooo slow. I cannot believe we haven't even got to Wisconsin by the end of season 1. There is too much meaningless style like the slightly slow motion extreme close-ups of candles/matches.

    Contrast this interpretation with the excellent Leftovers, similarly based on a book. First season was essentially    I love the book, but the show, er, no. The acting is great but the pace is tooooooo slow. I cannot believe we haven't even got to Wisconsin by the end of season 1. There is too much meaningless style like the slightly slow motion extreme close-ups of candles/matches.

    Contrast this interpretation with the excellent Leftovers, similarly based on a book. First season was essentially the story from the book. I wondered where we could possibly go with it, but wow, it kept getting better and better.    … Expand
  16. 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.
  17. Phix105
    Sep 4, 2017
    0
    This has to be one of the worst shows I've seen in years. The story is a mess and lacks any fluidity. There is about 10 minuets in each episode worth watching. I must director think that very long pauses between words is very dramatic. It's not! The pacing of the story is horribly slow.
  18. msml
    Aug 20, 2017
    6
    Mind bending, but ultimately not as engaging as the first five episodes. Probably because i binged. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh perspective on religion. SPoiler; beware of odin
  19. 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.
  20. Whatdaphuck
    Aug 8, 2017
    0
    I watched this **** based on my brother telling me about it. This is the biggest load of crap ever written, produced, filmed and broadcasted. Even as Gods, blacks are reduced to a reject from a Pimps and Hoes convention. Mr. Nancy, a **** tailor, sounds like he just jumped of the train from the State of Blaxploitation. Beloise or whatever she's called is portrayed as a homeless whore whoI watched this **** based on my brother telling me about it. This is the biggest load of crap ever written, produced, filmed and broadcasted. Even as Gods, blacks are reduced to a reject from a Pimps and Hoes convention. Mr. Nancy, a **** tailor, sounds like he just jumped of the train from the State of Blaxploitation. Beloise or whatever she's called is portrayed as a homeless whore who sucks souls through her vagina. The Jinn of the Islamic religion is reduced to a homo. And let us not forget the Black flunky for the white cracker devil god oden, Shadow Moon. Stupid name aside, this idiot is of course a convict. I mean naturally because he is black he deserves prison. Not only that, he is grieving over a woman who died sucking another man's dick. There is not enough love in the world to forgive some **** like that. When you watch this on demand as I did, because I don't watch stars, they run interviews from the producers trying to explain what it is that they are wanting to convey via their stories. They try to sound as if they are making some great statement about the world and race relations and other social issues as if they are offering some great point of view of it all. All this **** does it maintain the ideas that white gods are the natural curators of life and everything in it past, present and future and all other gods are subservient to them. Case in point, the white gods, although not believed in or worshipped have all prospered in the new age of Athieism, while the Black Gods are their servants. This show is total crap, no one of African descent should watch this.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. OnyxShadow
    Jul 29, 2017
    6
    American Gods is such a mixed bag. This may be the only time I can remember a show seeming to have too much material to fill a season. Most shows have too little meaningful story and are spread so very thin. That makes it all the more bizarre that much of the only eight episodes is spent on characters that don't become at all relevant (at least in the first season). For example, you couldAmerican Gods is such a mixed bag. This may be the only time I can remember a show seeming to have too much material to fill a season. Most shows have too little meaningful story and are spread so very thin. That makes it all the more bizarre that much of the only eight episodes is spent on characters that don't become at all relevant (at least in the first season). For example, you could skip the second to the last episode accidentally and not even know you did because what happens is so trivial.

    On the other hand, the show is run by Bryan Fuller so of course the visuals are stunning (even when they don't particularly have a purpose). The show is packed with some incredibly talented actors who all give top-notch performances. The characters are mostly fascinating and full of depth (yes, even the ones the show does nothing with). When the show is actually focused on the key plot elements it is some of the best TV out there.

    It is alternatingly disappointing and brilliant.    … Expand
  23. moviestalker
    Jul 17, 2017
    3
    First off, I liked the premise, which is why I've watched season one *hoping* all loose ends would lead somewhere... Well, all I can say is: No they don't.
    American Gods not only is an incredibly slow paced show it also - for whatever reason - decides to tell the story of characters who will have ZERO influence on the story of season one, for example Bilquis and the Genie. In case you    First off, I liked the premise, which is why I've watched season one *hoping* all loose ends would lead somewhere... Well, all I can say is: No they don't.
    American Gods not only is an incredibly slow paced show it also - for whatever reason - decides to tell the story of characters who will have ZERO influence on the story of season one, for example Bilquis and the Genie. In case you don't know who Bilquis is, you're out of luck as the show never bothers introducing most of the gods we meet.
    Now let's talk about the "Main character" of the show, if you can even call him that ... I could live with the fact that he has a name you'ed normally expect to see in a cheap anime, but what really makes me dizzy is how completely indifferent he appears to be about the stuff that happens around him and only once in a while bothers asking what on earth is actually going on. He has numerous opportunities to ask the other gods he meets about who they really are, but decides against it. Pretty much every single character in this show is more interesting that Shadow moon.
    I don't understand why this boring show get's praised so much. Maybe mediocrity is something to strive towards nowadays? After watching this mess I truely believe it is.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. dell221
    Jul 9, 2017
    0
    American Gods is God awful. i gave this show a try and it got worse and worse. Someone told me this show was good but there is no **** way this show is good. worst show I've seen all year. The critics gave this show a good ratting but i can't agree with this at all. Its not funny not much action just straight weird. this show can take some pointers from preacher and ash vs evil. thats howAmerican Gods is God awful. i gave this show a try and it got worse and worse. Someone told me this show was good but there is no **** way this show is good. worst show I've seen all year. The critics gave this show a good ratting but i can't agree with this at all. Its not funny not much action just straight weird. this show can take some pointers from preacher and ash vs evil. thats how you make a show funny and good at the same time. the only thing that is some what good about the show is the dead wife. everything else is just so un focused. they have way to many stories and they don't explain anything at all. they need 13 eps to try to tie things together. 8 eps wasn't close to enough.… Expand
  27. wantedtolikebut
    Jul 5, 2017
    0
    Update: 06/23: "American Gods" is cringe-worthy, cliche-ridden faux surrealism. It's such an awful show. Not even deliciously horrible. Just an exhibition of bad taste. The fact that this show has a score of 77, and "Twin Peaks: The Return" has a score of 74, is a JOKE. Update 5/24: Yeah, that's it for me. Done with this show. There are so many problems. But the casting of Ricky WhittleUpdate: 06/23: "American Gods" is cringe-worthy, cliche-ridden faux surrealism. It's such an awful show. Not even deliciously horrible. Just an exhibition of bad taste. The fact that this show has a score of 77, and "Twin Peaks: The Return" has a score of 74, is a JOKE. Update 5/24: Yeah, that's it for me. Done with this show. There are so many problems. But the casting of Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon is the main issue. It makes me think of how good Tom Hardy is in "Taboo" which is a great show no one is watching. "American Gods" is a terrible show everyone is watching. Welcome to America where the Gods are bad storytellers. ....................................................... Last night's episode was unbelievably pretentious. And it has nothing to do with the subject matter--that I love. It's that the execution is poor. A mess. From some bad casting to sophomoric direction... I think I'm done with this show. ..........................................................................."American Gods" is off to a rocky start for me. I am surprised by its weaknesses--the directing and the visual effects, particularly. In the two episodes I watched so far there are more gratuitous Extreme Close-Ups than in a student film. An ECU of a match strike doesn't lend specificity, it lends tedium. The digital effects are inconsistent, and downright tacky at moments. I borderline hate the show opening. For me a great show open tells a short story in an innovative, concise visual style. Take the open for HBO's "Westworld" for example -- that's a stunning open. "American Gods" open is an unfocused mess. Some choices are inspired--Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday, Gillian Anderson as Lucille Ball, for example. Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon has yet to grab me. Two episodes in, that's a bit concerning. I'll keep giving this a try though. I want to like it.… Expand
  28. TribeSpearMan
    Jul 5, 2017
    3
    Still dont know if this is a comedy trying to take itself seriously or something serious trying to be funny. Its attempts at esoteric storytelling through its fractured editing (while bold) serves no purpose and comes off as rather silly.
    I think the best part of this show is the parodies that it will inevitably spawn.
    Visually it is quite intriguing and fun. Im hoping that it gets    Still dont know if this is a comedy trying to take itself seriously or something serious trying to be funny. Its attempts at esoteric storytelling through its fractured editing (while bold) serves no purpose and comes off as rather silly.
    I think the best part of this show is the parodies that it will inevitably spawn.

    Visually it is quite intriguing and fun. Im hoping that it gets some form of dialogue in the future along with a plot to back up the visual aspects because its got potential. Hopefully people dont judge the source material too hard from watching the show.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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