Starz has officially renewed American Gods for a third season just one week after the premiere of season two. The network also announced that there will be yet another new showrunner for season three, replacing Jesse Alexander in the role.
American Gods, based on the book of the same name by popular author Neil Gaiman, premiered back in 2017 to stellar reviews. This was mostly credited to the ambitious writing style of creators Bryan Fuller and Michael Green. Due to some behind-the-scenes troubles involving budgetary concerns, however, both Fuller and Green left American Gods. Alexander soon stepped into the role long enough for filming on the series' second season to take place, but he was essentially fired from the role late last year due to further behind-the-scenes problems. While the second season of American Gods has received a more mixed response compared to the first thus far, Starz is apparently unswayed and has seen fit to renew the show early into its sophomore outing.
Related: American Gods Season 2 Review: A Dizzying Premiere Is Almost Worth The Wait
According to Variety, Starz has officially renewed American Gods for a third season. Also announced is Charles 'Chic' Eglee taking over showrunning duties for season 3. Gaiman, who serves as an executive producer on the show, released a statement praising Eglee's involvement in the show and thanking the network for having faith in the property. He said:
"I’m thrilled American Gods has been renewed for a third season, and even more thrilled that I’m getting to work on it with Chic Eglee. Chic is the best partner-in-crime. We’ve been working for weeks now on the shape of the season and I’m delighted that he gets to carry the American Gods torch on to glory."
Considering the mixed reception of season 2 thus far (it currently sits at a 53 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to season 1's 92 percent), its early renewal for season 3 may come as a surprise for some, especially considering that only one episode has currently aired to audiences. It's also more than a little troubling that American Gods has now gone through three showrunners so early into its life cycle. There may be some fan concern that the series will continue to suffer tonal shifts, much like it has from season 1 to 2, which could potentially further alienate those who watched for its unique ambition, as well as Fuller and Green's writing style.
At this point in time, however, fans seem to still be embracing American Gods (season 2's audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is at a healthy 90 percent), and ratings for the premiere were more than solid for a Starz show. And while there's only one book to draw story from, season 2 continues to steer the show further from the source material, making multiple seasons from Starz highly likely. As long as the audience is there, it seems the network will be in the American Gods business for the foreseeable future.
More: American Gods Season 2 Character Guide: Meet The New Gods
Source: Variety