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Lord, there are more possibilities!
Whether it’s the trippy characters, the mythological scenario, or the multiple journeys in different dimensions, there really is no other series like American Gods. Although the story is pretty far from the books, there is something memorable about Starz’s supernatural thriller.
If you’re done observing and looking for more, don’t worry! We searched the archives and prevented you from finding anything like our top ten.
To make it easier for scrim readers, we’ve added the similarities they have.
Of course, we’ve also included a handy link for all the series we’ve reviewed, so you can read our thoughts on the series and see if it’s something you want to waste your time on.
Without further ado, we present ten television shows that should whet your appetite if you’ve been watching American Gods.
Hannibal
Convergence – Dissipative Atmosphere
If you’re looking for a deliciously dark thriller that catches your eye, now is the time.
The story of Hannibal revolves around two main characters: cannibal and calculator speaker Hannibal and criminal profiler Will Graham. It’s interesting to note that Will can see the attacks as they occur, which gives him the advantage of being on the field.
Each episode has a different case, but the main story focuses on a particular murder that these two characters have in common.
Mads Mikkelsen does an incredible job in portraying Hannibal Lecter and the chemistry between the two main characters is enough to create a unique offering in the detective drama genre.
Read our thoughts on Hannibal in our full season review here!
Ugly penny
Conventions – Eclectic signs and mythology
Set in Victoria London, The Penny Dreadful combines bloody horror and mystery in an atmospheric series. The story is essentially about explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunman Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein and psychic Vanessa Ives working together to combat supernatural threats.
It’s a simple premise, but where this show excels is in the plot and acting. Everything about Penny Dreadful exudes charisma, and despite a slow start in the first season, she quickly became a real force in the world of horror.
It’s also well produced, with nicely dressed sets and well-rounded characters. It’s worth a look.
Ecclesiastes
Conventions – violence and signs
Based on the comic book series of the same name, Preacher is a well-written, bloody and violent film worth watching. The premise is a preacher who enlists the help of a vampire and his ex to find God.
Only the story goes much further than that. It takes some patience to get started, as many different characters are presented and they seem to jump around at random. Either way, if you can stand the sound, it should certainly quench the divine American thirst. Over four seasons, this series quickly became one of the CMA’s best originals.
Dirk Gently Holistic Detective Agency
Probability is a supernatural mystery
Based on the books of the same name, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a frantic, funny and intelligent series with a great mystery at its heart.
The series revolves around an eccentric and enthusiastic amateur named Dirk, who is not noticed by anyone. Todd embarks on a supernatural, time-changing adventure to solve a strange mystery.
Dirk begins as a comedy and quickly evolves into a charming and genuinely engaging dramatic comedy that doesn’t get crazier and crazier until the second season. If you’re in the mood for a fantastic adventure, with stunning visuals that will get you fired up, crazy antics and hearty laughs along the way, then this might be the show for you.
Read our thoughts on Dirk Gently in our full season review here!
Utopia (2013)
Equality – violence and secrecy
Not to be confused with last year’s indifferent Amazon Prime reboot, the original British series Utopia is a beautiful hedonistic journey into the strange and wonderful.
The vibrant colors, somber atmosphere, and impeccable storyline are great for making the most of this cult hit. For those who don’t know: The story revolves around a group of people who meet online to discover an original comic book that seems to have more to offer than the ink and words on the page. Unfortunately, they are relentlessly pursued by an organization known as Network, which is desperately trying to appropriate the novel.
Although the second season ends on an unresolved note, there is enough in this gem to keep it appealing and worth the investment of time.
Double Tips
Parable – Sound and Horror
Twin Peaks is one of those must-have classics from the ’90s that you’ll carry with you long after the credits roll. A simple but surprisingly effective story about an unusual FBI agent investigating the murder of a young woman – in the even more unusual town of Twin Peaks.
It’s one of those rare gems that completely changed the landscape of the small screen when it came out in 1990, and shows what could be accomplished with horror in this way.
There are some really scary moments along the way, like the nightmarish montage of the Lonely Soul episode.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you should. It’s one of the best series out there.
Legion
Conventions – images and history
Legion is a complex science fiction series that exists somewhere in the strange space of the X-Men universe. It is also one of the most unusual and amazing shows you will see in the near future.
The show is about a super mutant named David Haller. This disturbed young man spends his time in an institution after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
What follows is an unforgettable journey that makes Legion one of the best series to be inscribed on the small screen. It also ends with a decent conclusion, making it a must-read for American Gods fans.
You can read our thoughts on Legion in our full season reviews here!
Viking
Resemblance – violence and a comprehensive history
Following the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok, Vikings takes a fascinating and often brutal look at the lives of history’s first horsemen.
Full of dramatic tension and (for the most part) conscious of historical accuracy, Vikings deals with a great mixture of fact and fiction. This creates a methodical and interesting journey through the lives of the infamous warriors of the North.
Although the last few seasons have taken some liberties with this realism and the intrigue is off the table for the end of the last season, there is still cause for celebration.
Read our thoughts on the Vikings in our full season review here!
Balances
similarities – mystery, sound and themes
If thematic depth is your forte, it’s definitely worth looking at the leftovers. The story takes place over three seasons and takes place right after a world event called Sudden Departure.
This unexplained event leads to the disappearance of 140 million people, or 2% of the world’s population to be exact.
Then the major religions perished, paving the way for the rise of various sects. The most famous is the Guilty Remnant.
The story starts here and gets more and more exciting and interesting as it goes along. We’re not going to spoil anything else here, but suffice it to say that the remains should definitely be on your radar.
Good Omen
Simplicity – Gods and Mystery
Terry Pratchett’s books have a very special sense of humor that is sometimes hard to translate on the big or small screen. Thankfully, in 2019, Amazon Studios rolled up their sleeves and opened their checkbook to deliver a very funny and unusual drama in Good Omens.
With plenty of tasteful religious humor and a story that reaches its climax at the end, Good Omens mixes a mythological tale about the gods and Christianity with some of Pratchett’s signature humor. Oh, and there’s a nice patch in there too!
Although the tone is different from American Gods, the compelling story should be enough to keep you hooked for a while.
You can read our thoughts on Good Omens in our full season reviews here!
So we have ten television programs that are alternatives to the American gods.
What do you think of our selection? Don’t you agree? Are there any glaring omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
Click here to see more TV series recommendations!
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