Good Omens will soon arrive on Amazon Prime, but what can people expect from the upcoming adaptation? The six-part TV series is co-produced by BBC Studios and tells the story of a demon and angel who discover they’d rather live on Earth than deal with the fiery apocalypse.
Created by Neil Gaiman, Amazon’s Good Omens TV show is based on his 1990 book, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch. For the Amazon series, Michael Sheen plays an angel named Aziraphale, and David Tennant stars as Crowley, an earth-dwelling demon. Together, Aziraphale and Crowley represent heaven and hell, respectively. In supporting roles, Jon Hamm stars as as the Archangel Gabriel, Frances McDormand is the voice of God, and Benedict Cumberbatch serves as the voice of Satan.
Related: First Good Omens Trailer is Devilishly Good Fun
Gaiman wrote the original Good Omens book with Terry Pratchett, and their comedic narrative focuses on Satan’s son as well as the ultimate battle between good and evil. Since Good Omen’s source material was released nearly 30 years ago, fans can expect some changes for the Amazon series – but first they’ll have to wait until it releases this spring.
WHEN DOES GOOD OMENS RELEASE ON AMAZON?
Good Omens is scheduled to releases on Amazon Prime on May 31 – this coming nearly two-and-a-half-years after the series was first green-lit. Given the scope of Good Omens‘ story, it makes sense that Gaiman and company would take their time. Good Omens‘ May 31 release date has significance because that’s the deadline to qualify for Emmy Awards consideration. If Good Omens were to release one episode per week, then the series premiere most likely would’ve been moved ahead, in order to meet a loophole requirement for “hanging episodes.” This applies to shows that air the bulk of their season episodes before June 1. Since the entirety of Good Omens season 1 will release on May 31, all episodes will be eligible for Emmy consideration.
WHAT WILL GOOD OMENS’ STORY BE?
The basic premise of Amazon Prime’s Good Omens TV show is the same as the book; however, the race and gender of various characters have been changed, and Hamm’s Gabriel is entirely new. Gaiman wisely altered the original story for 2019 audiences, allowing for more diversity and narrative flexibility. The primary focus will still be on Crowley and Aziraphale; Good Omens will feature new plot points to emphasize Crowley and Aziraphale’s long-term relationship. Specifically, episode 3 will show how the characters evolve over time, using famous historical events as the narrative backdrop. As a whole, Good Omens will detail why Crowley and Aziraphale became so attached to Earth and how their perspectives change from century to century.
COULD GOOD OMENS SEASON 2 HAPPEN?
According to Gaiman, Good Omens isn’t intended to have a second season, much like Netflix’s Maniac. Before Pratchett passed away, he wrote a note detailing that he wanted to see a TV adaptation, and Gaiman’s production of Good Omens season 1 fulfills a promise made to his late friend. It’s true that Starz managed to flesh out Gaiman’s 450-page novel American Gods for a scheduled three seasons of television. Unfortunately for Good Omens fans, it doesn’t seem likely that Amazon will take the same approach. Then again, maybe Gaiman will decide that Crowley and Aziraphale have more work to do, but only time will tell.
