The story
Fussy angel Aziraphale and laid-back demon Crowley have spent millennia on Earth as rival representatives of Heaven and Hell, and have grown rather fond of the place – and of each other. When they learn that Armageddon is imminent, the unlikely friends join forces to find the Antichrist and stop the end of the world, while witches, witchfinders and the forces above and below pursue agendas of their own.
Why it matters
A co-production between Amazon and BBC Studios, Good Omens premiered in full on Prime Video months before BBC Two broadcast it, a clear sign of streamers co-funding and launching big British dramas. Conceived and marketed as a limited series, it was later renewed and ran to three series, led by Michael Sheen and David Tennant.
Notable facts
- All six first-series episodes were released on Prime Video on 31 May 2019; BBC Two aired them weekly from 15 January to 19 February 2020. (source)
- Neil Gaiman took on the adaptation after receiving a letter from Terry Pratchett, written to be sent after his death, urging him to finish the project. (source)
- Although the first series was conceived and marketed as a limited series, it was renewed in June 2021. (source)
- After Gaiman left the production in October 2024 following sexual assault allegations, the planned six-episode final series was cut to one 90-minute episode. (source)