American Gods Season 2: Release Date & Story Details

American Gods season 2 in on the way, although you can expect a few changes to the Starz show this year.

The TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman's critically acclaimed novel made its debut on Starz in April 2017 (and on Amazon Prime internationally). Starring Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon, and Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday, American Gods was surreal, confusing, and very well-received. Understandably, the show was picked up for a second season, although the production has been hit by a series of delays, most notably the departure of former showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green.

Watch: American Gods Season 2 Trailer Re-Introduces You To The Old Gods

Now, though, American Gods is finally ready to return, with the long-awaited second season hitting Starz on March 10. With new characters, new showrunners and even more complicated storylines, here's what to expect from American Gods season 2.

American Gods Season 2 Premieres In March (After A Delay)

Ian McShane and Ricky Whittle in American Gods Seaso 2 Starz

American Gods returns to Starz in the U.S. on Sunday, March 10, with episodes again releasing internationally on Amazon Prime. The show was picked up for a second season way back in May 2017, but filming didn't begin until April 2018. Production was delayed due to the departure of showrunners Fuller and Green, plus actress Gillian Anderson. The two-year wait between seasons hasn't worried writer Neil Gaiman though, who rightly points out that it takes a while to get good episodes, adding that everyone would rather have a great season than get it quicker.

Given the complexity of Gaiman's original novel, it's easy to see that translating it to TV would take a while. It was rumored that Green and Fuller quit over budget and direction, with the production company reportedly concerned how much the second season would cost to make. Jesse Alexander is the new showrunner, having previously worked with Fuller on Hannibal and Star Trek: Discovery. It is rumored he's brought the show back more in line with its source material.

What We Know About American Gods Season 2's Story

American Gods season 1 took audiences about a fifth of the way through the original novel, so there's still plenty of material for a second season (and more). In fact, Whittle has said the show could potentially go on for years.

Season 1 came to an end with the old Gods beginning to assemble at House on the Rock, with American Gods season 2 picking up about 30 minutes later. Odin (or Mr. Wednesday) is still trying to bring all the old Gods back together to fight against the new God uprising. However, the exact details of season 2 remain under wraps, and although it'll essentially follow the book, the season will allow for deeper exploration of the storylines and themes that Gaiman created in his novel. Storylines in the next portion of the book include Mad Sweeney's downfall, Mr. Wednesday disappearing, and Shadow becoming Mike Ainsel.

American Gods Season 2's Cast

Whittle and McShane are both back as Shadow and Wednesday, respectively, and Emily Browning returns as Shadow's dead wife, Laura. Also confirmed for American Gods season 2 are Bruce Langley as Technical Boy, Orlando Jones as Mr. Nancy, Pablo Schreiber as Mad Sweeney, and Crispin Glover as Mr. World. Yetide Badaki is also back as the sex goddess Bilquis, who plays a pivotal role in season 2. New cast members include Devery Jacobs as Sam Black Crow, Dean Winters as Mr. Town, and Kahyun Kim as New Media, following the departure of Gillian Anderson as Media. Another character you won't be seeing in American Gods season 2 is Easter, played by Kristin Chenoweth. Gaiman said he had never planned for her to be in season 2, but that Easter will return in the future.

Will American Gods Be Renewed For Season 3?

American Gods season 2 may not have hit our screens yet, but a third season is reportedly very likely to be greenlit. The report also claims that Starz are now searching for a suitable showrunner for season 3, and one who can keep to the budget and time constraints they dictate. If season 2 covers the same amount of the book as season 1 did, that would lead to five seasons of American Gods in total, although Gaiman thinks six or more seasons are needed.

American Gods season 2 will air Sundays on Starz from March 10.