American Gods cancelled: Fans ‘heartbroken’ over premature end to series

American Gods has been cancelled by network Starz – and there’s an outcry among fans who feel the series has ended too abruptly.

The move comes just one week after the third season finale of Neil Gaiman’s novel adaptation. The episode saw Ricky Whittle’s Shadow Moon seemingly killed after a vigil at the mythical Tree of Life for his apparently dead and estranged father, Mr Wednesday/Odin, played by Ian McShane.

This was a crucial point in Gaiman’s book, and would have set up the fourth season with Wednesday taking advantage of Shadow Moon’s sacrifice for his own resurgence in the battle against the New Gods.

“Everyone at Starz is grateful to the dedicated cast and crew, and our partners at Fremantle who brought author and executive producer Neil Gaiman’s ever-relevant story to life that speaks to the cultural climate of our country,” a network spokesperson told Deadline in a statement.

Whittle posted a photo of his character with the caption: “Gods don’t die unless they’re forgotten,” in reaction to the news.

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Many fans were disappointed, feeling that there are many questions still left unanswered in the show’s plot.

One fan tweeted: “They hook us in to these adaptions. Break them down into seasons. Then just let go with very little thought to those watching and committed to the run. It’s like someone gave you a book and ripped out the last few chapters. All about the numbers, ain’t it?”

“Now we’re never gonna what the f*** happened! Thanks a lot Starz,” added another.

A third said: “This is NOT good news. At least one more season to fully wrap it up would have been perfect.”

“I’m completely heartbroken,” posted a fourth. “You have been the best TV show ever made @americangodsus.”

“I hope you guys get to finish the story,” added another. “The season 3 finale was awesome, but possibly the most frustrating way possible to end the series.”

It is being reported that there could be an event season or television movie to properly wrap up the show.

American Gods starred Whittle, McShane, Emily Browning, Crispin Glover, Bruce Langley, Yetide Badaki and more.

The show ran from 2017 to 2021, earning two Emmy nominations during its run: one for Outstanding Main Title Design and another for Outstanding Special Visual Effects.