Neil Gaiman's track record in book-to-screen adaptations is a sureshot guarantee of 'Good Omen's success

The adaptation of Gaiman's last book, 'American Gods', was received well by critics and audiences alike

PUBLISHED APR 27, 2019

It may be a while before we finally get to watch Neil Gaiman's 'Good Omens' on the screen, but the Amazon Prime Video show is already an anticipated one for the season! There is so much to look forward to in the May 31 premiere of the show. From a devilishly good cast to it being a limited series.

(L-R) Actors David Tennant and Jon Hamm, and director Douglas Mackinnon take part in a Q&A following the premiere the Good "Omens: The Nice and Accurate" SXSW Event during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at ZACH Theatre on March 09, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images)

But what makes the show most exciting is Gaiman's previous success with 'American Gods'. Although he didn't serve as the showrunner for 'American Gods', Gaiman was executive producer. The first season was received positively by critics. It has an average score of 8.12 out of 10 on Rotten Tomatoes. The second season was met with mixed reviews from critics. The score on Rotten Tomatoes fell to 5.83 out of 10.

Even so, fans have no doubts that 'Good Omens' will be a worthwhile show. "I just finished 'Good Omens' [book] and it was so good! There was never a dull moment... I can't wait until the TV show! Originally, I was hesitant [about] reading it, but I'm so glad I did. Counting down the days until the show," wrote Reddit user 'Amongthestarz'.

Others suggest keeping the book as a companion to the series. "I would suggest watching the show before or alongside the books," says Reddit user 'Werewomble'. "Gaiman said that the show will have surprises for book readers so spoilers aren't a problem, but keeping the two variations on the story apart maybe," 'Werewomble' says.

(L-R) Neil Gaiman and Michael Sheen of the television show ‘Good Omens’ speak during the Amazon Prime Video Session of the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on February 13, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Getty Images)

Pointing out that the casting in 'American Gods' was unmatched, another Reddit user 'DoctorTargaryen' says, "Ian McShane was so good as Mr Wednesday. I always pictured him as a younger Anthony Hopkins-type in my head, but McShane overtook that easily."

One issue fans often have with the book-to-screen adaptation is the wrong casting. But Gaiman's fans aren't worried about that.

'Good Omens' is a co-production between Amazon Prime and BBC Two. The show will be a six-part series directed by Douglas Mackinnon and written by Gaiman - who is also the showrunner.