Despite some troubles behind the camera, Starz has finally set a Season 2 premiere date for its adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods.”
In a tweet on Wednesday, Starz said that “American Gods” will make its long-awaited return on March 10. The season will consist of eight episodes.
Prepare for the second coming of #AmericanGods. Season 2 premieres March 10 on @STARZ. pic.twitter.com/1mOeeYrmPH
— American Gods US (@americangodsus) December 5, 2018
The show, which last aired in June of 2017, has been beset with behind-the-scenes drama that has delayed production.
In September, it was reported that “American Gods” showrunner Jesse Alexander, who took over the Starz drama in February after original showrunners Michael Green and Bryan Fuller exited the series, is no longer working on the show. At the time, both Starz and studio Fremantle had declined to comment specifically on Alexander’s showrunner status, with both saying in separate statements that the show remains on track for the second season.
Creators and ex-showrunners Fuller and Green departed “American Gods” after the first season, with Alexander taking their place. Gaiman also serves as executive producer. Starz hasn’t given a straight answer about why the duo left the series, with network chief Chris Albrecht saying at the Television Critics Association press tour in January, “They were not fired, nor did they quit.”
Along with the showrunner shakeup, “American Gods” has seen casting changes going into its sophomore year, with Gillian Anderson (who played Media) replaced by Kahyun Kim (who will play New Media), and the addition of Dean Winters as Mr. Town, who works with Mr. World (Crispin Glover) to find out what Shadow (Ricky Whittle) knows about Mr. Wednesday’s (Ian McShane) plan. Devery Jacobs also joined the cast as Sam Black Crow, a college student who is spiritually cynical for someone who claims to believe in so much. She lives life confidently, selling the chainsaw art she carves by the roadside for extra money.
Kristin Chenoweth also confirmed she will not return for the second season of “American Gods.” The actress, who played Easter in the first season, revealed in an interview with TVLine that she would be departing the series out of solidarity with original showrunner Bryan Fuller.