Watch American Gods

American Gods is a visually stunning and thought-provoking show that aired on Starz from 2017 to 2021. Based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, American Gods follows Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), a man who is released from prison early after the death of his wife Laura (Emily Browning). On his journey home, he meets the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane), who offers him a job as his bodyguard.

As the show progresses, Shadow discovers that Mr. Wednesday is actually the Norse god Odin, and that there are countless other gods and goddesses living among us. These deities draw their power from the adoration of their followers, but as modern society turns away from the old beliefs, their power is waning. This sets the stage for a looming conflict between the old gods and the new.

One of the strengths of American Gods is its extensive and diverse cast of characters, including gods from various mythologies, ancient and modern. Crispin Glover delivers a creepy and unforgettable performance as Mr. World, the enigmatic leader of the New Gods. Yetide Badaki plays Bilquis, an ancient goddess of love and sex, who feeds on the worship of her lovers. Pablo Schreiber embodies the imposing and charismatic leprechaun Mad Sweeney, who finds himself wrapped up in Mr. Wednesday's schemes.

The themes of the show are deep and complex, exploring the nature of belief, faith, and identity. American Gods is a meditation on what it means to be human, and what we make of ourselves when stripped of the comforts of our gods. At its core, the show is about the ways in which we tell ourselves stories to make sense of our place in the world, and how those stories can both elevate and destroy us.

Visually, American Gods is a feast for the eyes. The show employs jaw-dropping cinematography, stunning special effects, and intricate set design to bring the various gods and their worlds to life. Each episode is a masterclass in creating a mood, from the eerie and unsettling sequences of the dead goddess Easter (Kristin Chenoweth) to the hedonistic bacchanal hosted by Bilquis.

The show has been praised for its diversity and representation, with characters of various races, sexualities, and gender identities in prominent roles. American Gods never shies away from portraying sex and violence, and often uses these themes to underline the power dynamics at play between the gods and their followers.

In conclusion, American Gods is a fascinating and ambitious show that offers a unique take on the nature of power and belief. With a talented cast, gorgeous visuals, and thought-provoking themes, it is not to be missed by fans of myth and fantasy. Despite the show's premature cancellation, it remains a must-watch for anyone interested in what happens when the gods walk among us.

American Gods is a series that ran for 3 seasons (27 episodes) between April 30, 2017 and on Starz