Starz cancels American Gods after three seasons

The Hollywood Reporter

The troubled Neil Gaiman fantasy drama won't be renewed for a fourth season after last week's Season 3 finale. According to The Hollywood Reporter's Lesley Goldberg, Starz "is in talks with producers Fremantle for a potential event series or movie that would wrap up the story based on Gaiman's novel of the same name." Starz said of the cancelation in a statement: "American Gods will not return for a fourth season. 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." Goldberg reports that the cancelation was based on American Gods' lackluster ratings, with Season 3 down 65% from Season 1. As Goldberg notes, American Gods has been a "magnet for trouble" with four showrunners in three seasons.  Original showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green were pushed out over creative and budget clashes, while co-stars Kristin Chenoweth and Gillian Anderson followed them out the door.