Published in 1990, Good Omens, written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, was a cult classic of the fantasy genre. Packed with dry British humour, this odd yet delightful read follows two unlikely long-time friends, the demon Crowley and angel Aziraphale as they attempt to stop the Apocalypse against the wishes of Heaven and Hell.

The massive success of the book, including over five million books sold worldwide, meant that expectations were very, very high for this screen adaptation. With Neil Gaiman on the creative team, it was clear that Amazon Studios, the studio behind the show, was serious about this adaptation and wanted to explore its full potential.

How Did It Change?

There were two major aspects of this adaptation that required change: elements that work well in book format but not on screen, and the dated feel of the book.

To address the former, something which ends up being the make-or-break of an adaptation, the showrunners did several things. The most notable of these was the voice-over commentary from God – much of the charm of the original novel came from the style of narration, something which is very hard to transfer over. The voice-over managed to preserve the tone of the book, while not overshadowing the actors, perhaps one of the best parts of the adaptation.

Because of when it was published, Good Omens shows its age through cultural references and general out-of-date technology. Your average teenager is likely to know what voicemail is, but the very specific Ansaphone references are likely to go over their heads. However, the age is again one of the things that add to the charm of this classic, so the show traps you in a little bubble where you’re so busy thinking about the Apocalypse that it really doesn’t matter how dated the technology is.

What plot deviation there is helps build the story up very well. This deviation occurs in two main parts of the plot: the introduction of Aziraphale and Crowley, and the ending. In the original novel, the story begins with the birth of the Anti-Christ, the signal that the Apocalypse was coming; the adaptation instead starts at the very beginning, with the meeting of Aziraphale and Crowley. We see a lot more of the development of their friendship, and their bond has a stronger foundation throughout the rest of the show. This lends itself well to the ending, which was satisfyingly different to the book, and leaves the show on a different yet very enjoyable note.

Was It Done Well?

Good Omens was undeniably a successful adaptation; it’s been nominated for several awards including a Hugo, and garnered many thousands of viewers. There’s even the potential for a second season, and Neil Gaiman revealed that he and co-author Terry Pratchett plotted a second novel that never got written. But does this shows success mean that it was a good adaptation?

Perhaps because one of the original authors was involved, it remain remarkably faithful in terms of plot to the source material towards the beginning, with deviation mainly towards the end of the six-episode series. This had both its pros and cons: seeing a good book brought to life by talented actors is always a fantastic thing, and David Tennant dancing on a pin is the scene we never knew we needed, but some fans have said that the show is a little too similar, so there’s not quite enough excitement.

Good Omens is undeniably one of the better book adaptations in terms of faithfulness, and can definitely be called successful due to the acclaim it has received. Original fans and newbies alike can watch the show and enjoy it for the comedic moments, the heartfelt scenes and the general lovable chaos. It’s got longevity too, with an influx of content-creating and consuming fans on platforms such as Tumblr and Twitter, so overall it can definitely be concluded to be a solid adaptation of a solid book.

What did you think of the adaptation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Euphoria

A no-nonsense, yet hilarious and engaging take on the real problems teenagers face today. Euphoria doesn’t shy away from the tough topics – from depression, bullying, and pressure to be virginal and yet not a prude to drug abuse, social media scares, and the struggle to find yourself in a world that is trying hard to tear you down. The series manages to turn every episode into a can’t stop-won’t stop watching experience, not to mention the soundtrack that will take over your playlists. Zendaya shines as the series’ protagonist but the broader cast is as diverse and fantastic as they come. Definitely recommend binging this in one go! – Mimi Koehler

The Dragon Prince

Created by some of the people behind Avatar the Last Airbender, this show has some of the greatest storytelling and animation currently airing. The Dragon Prince showcases an incredibly diverse cast of characters as they try to journey through a fantasy land to take home a baby Dragon to its mother and prevent a war. I’m in love with this show – Julia Fleur

The Umbrella Academy

Based on the graphic novel by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, Netflix has produced a series which is fantastic. Following 7 adoptive siblings with unique powers, The Umbrella Academy follows its own rules, while not taking itself too seriously. Trained by their adoptive father to become a superhero group who fights crime, they must face their social and mental issues as adults, after their father’s death. I guess I have watched this extraordinary family at least four times alone in the first half of 2019. It is amazing on every level possible and the cast is great, which leaves you greatly entertained. – Isabella Stocka

Dark, witty, and action-packed, The Umbrella Academy has everything! Gerard Way’s original family of superheroes came to life thanks to Netflix and did not disappoint. With memorably poignant scenes and an outstanding soundtrack, I couldn’t be more excited for the second season. Good luck choosing you favourite character (although Klaus will most definitely win your heart first)! – Ankara

The Politician

The humour of Glee meets the teenage darkness of 13 Reasons Why. In this witty dramedy about a high school student election, we follow Payton Hobart in his ambition to one day become the president of the United States. It is incredibly entertaining to see these teenagers take a high school student government election so seriously. There’s a lot of hijinks and scheming that makes for a lot of fun, but behind its light façade reveals the kind of pressure to be great that teens are under today. It’s hilarious and entertaining with shockingly real moments. The entire first season of The Politician can be found on Netflix. – Gabby Gamez

Carnival Row

I’ve been missing a good fantasy series! Carnival Row is set in a Victorian-inspired world with some intriguing characters and creatures, all the while touching on topics that are relevant to today’s world. While I was a little disappointed with some parts of the plot being somewhat obvious, the series features a very talented cast and I’m even more intrigued to see where the series goes in season 2. – Elise Dumpleton

Workin Moms

Season 3 of this show dropped earlier this year and I have been bingeing the whole thing on Netflix recently. It follows people just trying to balance work and a family after having a child. Whilst it’s not always laughs, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and I think all of the actors are great. I am not even a parent but this show gives me a good giggle with all the silly bits and it’s a great pick me up. Catherine Reitman writes, produces, and stars in the show and she is wonderful. – Sarah C

Pennyworth

If you always wanted to know more about Batman’s butler, this is the show you have to watch. Alfred is a young man who has returned from war and plans to run a security service. When his path crosses Thomas Wayne’s, he found himself intertwined in a different profession. Pennyworth shows the audience an original story of everyone’s favourite butler. – Isabella Stocka

Good Omens

The long-awaited television adaptation (as it has been successfully adapted previously for radio by the BBC) of Neil Gaiman and Sir Terry Pratchett’s much-loved novel. Written and adapted by Gaiman himself, it manages to be brilliantly faithful to the source material while adding some new characters and elements that enhance and add to the story. The production design and effects are wonderfully idiosyncratic, the score is great (particularly the opening theme and its “left in the car and turned into a rock anthem” counterpart for the ending theme) and so is the cast, no matter how small or incidental the part. But the beating heart is the duo of Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Aziraphale and Crowley. The whole series plays like a love letter to the book and to the late Sir Terry Pratchett (to whom there are also a couple of nice Easter Eggs that pay homage). – Carolyn Percy

Chernobyl

Produced by HBO, this historical drama miniseries tells the heart-breaking and devastating story of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. This five-part series is led by Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, and Emily Watson. Chernobyl tells the story of how the disaster occurred, the people involved in the disaster, and the lesser known stories of the people that responded to the disaster; the firefighters, the physicists, the volunteers, and the teams of miners who were tasked with digging a tunnel under the destroyed reactor. It is largely based on the book “Voices of Chernobyl” which was written by the Belarusian Nobel Laureate Svetlana Alexievich, who was at the time of the disaster a journalist living in Minsk, the capital of the then Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.

This miniseries, while a clear dramatisation, is hard hitting and presents the devastating result of not only the reactor explosion but the destructive secrecy and corruption of the reactor management and the Government in the aftermath. The series depicts the simplified truth, ensuring the viewer does not require a degree in nuclear physics to understand the implications of the explosion and the actions of the people involved. Chernobyl is dedicated to all who sacrificed and suffered and is hard hitting, gritty and leaves you with an understanding of the question: “What is the cost of lies?” – Ellie King

The Good Place

If you haven’t started this show yet, what the fork are you doing, man? The fourth and final season premiered back in September and though many fans are incredibly sad to say goodbye, it is proving to be a fantastic end so far. The show makes you root for every character and believe they can be better people while also making you laugh out loud at every turn. The show really pushes boundaries and makes you reconsider what a sitcom can be, and it absolutely excels. – Gabby Gamez

Jane the Virgin

Family drama slots together with high-octane capers in this gloriously diverse show about a young woman who is accidentally artificially inseminated during a routine check-up. The first four seasons follow Jane’s life through the trials of coping as a pregnant virgin and then eventually as a mother. Season 5 is an incredible conclusion to the heartwarming (and often heart-wrenching series, successfully wrapping up each storyline in its usual chaos and humour. From Jane’s dream of being an author to her final romantic decision, the show celebrates love in all its forms; it’s about chasing dreams and being kind, motherhood and family. – Tom Hitchen

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

I could watch this show on repeat and never get sick of it. What more could you want from a show than catchy tunes about procrastination, textmergencies, wanting to go to the zoo, and mental illness? Following Rebecca Bunch’s journey to West Covena to rekindle an old flame ends in weird antics and absurd songs. There are points where you question everyone’s sanity but the phenomenal cast makes it effortless to still love every individual despite their odd flaws . A perfect balance of humour, heart and relatabilty makes this my favourite show ever. – Emma Knight

What was your favourite 2019 TV show? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Nerd Daily’s Favourite 2019 TV Shows appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

According to The Nice And Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, (the world’s only completely accurate book of prophecies) the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. The End of the World is coming, which means a fussy Angel named Aziraphale and a loose-living Demon named Crowley who’ve become overly fond of life on Earth are forced to form an unlikely alliance to stop Armageddon. But they have lost the Antichrist, an 11-year-old boy unaware he’s meant to bring upon the end of days, forcing them to embark on an adventure to find him and save the world before it’s too late.

“I first read Good Omens as a teenager and it’s been one of my favourite stories ever since,” said Michael Sheen, who plays the angel Aziraphale. “To be part of the team entrusted with bringing it alive on screen is a bit of a dream come true to be honest. To work alongside Neil, who I think is one of the greatest storytellers of all time, is incredibly exciting. And, just like the rest of the world, I’m a huge fan of David Tennant’s (who plays Crowley) so I relish trying to save it with him.”

In a statement, Neil Gaiman said: “Almost 30 years ago Terry Pratchett and I wrote the funniest novel we could about the end of the world, populated with angels and demons, not to mention an 11 year-old Antichrist, witch-finders and the four horsepeople of the Apocalypse. It became many people’s favourite book. Three decades later, it’s going to make it to the screen. I can’t think of anyone we’d rather make it with than BBC Studios, and I just wish Sir Terry was alive to see it.”

The series began filming in September 2017 for over six months and it was filmed in parts of London, Oxfordshire, and South Africa.

Good Omens stars Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex), David Tennant (Doctor Who), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Adria Arjona (Emerald City), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Jack Whitehall (Bad Education), Michael McKean (Better Call Saul), and Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri)

With six episodes, Good Omens will be available May 31st on Amazon Prime Video in over 200 countries.

Will you be watching Good Omens? Or have you watched it already? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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Neil Gaiman, co-author of Good Omens and now showrunner, joined the Amazon Prime Showcase panel at San Diego Comic-Con and brought forth some news about the new series including a behind-the-scenes featurette and the voice of God.

The upcoming series is based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, which ees The End of the World is nigh. This means a fussy Angel and a loose-living Demon who’ve become overly fond of life on Earth are forced to form an unlikely alliance to stop Armageddon. But they have lost the Antichrist, an 11-year-old boy unaware he’s meant to bring upon the end of days, forcing them to embark on an adventure to find him and save the world before it’s too late.

After a teaser for Season 2 of The Tick, the focus was turned to Gaiman’s upcoming Good Omens and naturally attendees assumed they would be treated to a trailer. However, a voice came down from the heavens and the voice of God belonged to none other than Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri). “Do not show any footage, we have talked about this,” the voice said.

Gaiman responded with, “If i don’t show them something, there will be riots. There will be blood on the floor, possibly mine.” Thankfully, the voice of God relented and allowed a one and a half-minute long featurette to be shown which featured concept art, behind the scenes action, and interview with actors Michael Sheen, David Tennant, and Jon Hamm. In addition to this featurette, attendees were also treated to a short scene between Sheen and Tennant, who play angels Aziraphale and Crowley, about how Tennant’s character fell from heaven. After the end of the videos, McDormand’s voice spoke once more. “You’ve earned a place in Heaven,” she said. “I’ll have my people talk to your people.”

During the panel, Gaiman relayed how he managed to nab the recently Oscar-winning Frances McDormand. Apparently she had called Gaiman to borrow his house in Scotland, and Gaiman jokingly “blackmailed” her that she could have the house if she played God, as he knew from the star the role had to be played by a woman.

The series stars Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex), David Tennant (Doctor Who), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Adria Arjona (Emerald City), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter), Jack Whitehall (Bad Education), and Michael McKean (Better Call Saul).

The six-part adaptation will premiere on Amazon Prime Video in 2019.

Are you excited to see this adaptation come to life? Tell us in the comments below!

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This year also seems as though the online video services such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu will be stepping up and producing a variety of series, along with many more in the works for later this year and future years.

Read on to find out what you should be watching this year and tell us in the comments below what you’re most excited for!

Altered Carbon

February 2 / Netflix
Based on the classic cyberpunk noir novel by Richard K. Morgan, Altered Carbon is an intriguing story of murder, love, sex, and betrayal, set more than 300 years in the future. Society has been transformed by new technology: consciousness can be digitized; human bodies are interchangeable; death is no longer permanent. Starring Joel Kinnaman (The Killing), Hiro Kanagawa (The Man In The High Castle), Jame Purefoy (The Following), Kristin Lehman (The Killing), and Chris Conner (American Crime Story).

Grown-ish

January 3 / Freeform / TRAILER
In a spin-off from Black-ish, the new series is a contemporary take on the current issues facing both students and administrators in the world of higher education. Yara Shahidi portrays Zoey – Dre and Rainbow’s popular, entitled, stylish and socially active 17-year-old daughter — as she heads off to college and quickly discovers that not everything goes her way once she leaves the nest. Starring Yara Shahidi (Black-ish), Trevor Jackson (Black-ish), Jordan Buhat, Emily Arlook (The Good Place), and Francia Raisa (The Secret Life of the American Teenager).

A Discovery of Witches

2018 / Sky One
Based on the best-selling books series, it follows a history professor who is a powerful witch at Oxford named Diana. She’s trying to suppress her magic until she meets Matthew Clairmont, a handsome geneticist and mysterious vampire. The pair begin developing their relationship while investigating a strange manuscript found in the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Starring Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four), Matthew Goode (The Good Wife), Alex Kingston (Doctor Who), Valarie Pettiford (The Blacklist), Lindsey Duncan (The Leftovers), and Edward Bluemel (House Finch).

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

January 17 / FX / TRAILER
The new season will explore the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace, who was killed on the steps of his home in Miami Beach by serial murderer Andrew Cunanan, who killed five other people that year. He committed suicide on a house boat eight days after killing Versace. Starring Darren Criss (Glee), Penelope Cruz (Murder on The Orient Express), Edgar Ramírez (The Girl on The Train), Ricky Martin, and Max Greenfield (New Girl).

Castle Rock

2018 / Hulu
Based on the stories of Stephen King, the anthology series will intertwine characters and themes from the fictional town of Castle Rock. Starring André Holland (Moonlight), Melanie Lynskey (Togetherness), Bill Skarsgård (IT 2017), Jane Levy (Suburgatory), Terry O’Quinn (The Blacklist: Redemption), and Scott Glenn (The Defenders).

Lost In Space

2018 / Netflix
A new drama series based on the 1960s sci-fi classic, stranded light years from their destination, the Robinson family must come together to survive. Starring Toby Stephens (Black Sails), Taylor Russell (Falling Skies), 

Instinct

March 11 / CBS
Based on the novel by James Patterson, Dr Dylan Reinhart is a gifted author and university professor. As he is also a former CIA operative, he is lured back to his old life when the NYPD needs his help to stop a serial killer who is using Dylan’s first book as a tutorial. Starring Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), Bojana Novakovic (Satisfaction), Michael B. Silver (Suits), Naveen Andrews (Sense8) and Whoopi Goldberg.

Counterpart

January 21 / STARZ / TRAILER
A mysterious world hidden beneath the surface of our everyday existence where Howard Silk is a lowly cog in the bureaucratic machinery of a Berlin-based United Nations spy agency. Starring J.K Simmons, Olivia Williams (The Sixth Sense), Harry Lloyd (The Theory of Everything) and Nicholas Pinnock (Captain America: The First Avenger).

Good Girls

February 26 / NBC
When three suburban moms get tired of trying to make ends meet, they decide it’s time to stick up for themselves by robbing the local grocery store. Starring Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Retta (Parks and Recreation), and Mae Whitman (Parenthood).

Krypton

March 21 / Syfy / TRAILER
Krypton follows Superman’s grandfather — whose House of El was ostracized and shamed — as he fights to redeem his family’s honour and save his beloved world from chaos. Starring Cameron Cuffe (The Halycon), Georgina Campbell (King Arthur: Legend of The Sword) and Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones).

The Resident

January 21 / FOX
A new medical drama that rips back the curtain to reveal the truth of what really happens, both good and bad, in hospitals across the country. Starring Matt Czuchry (Gilmore Girls), Emily VanCamp (Revenger), Manish Dayal (Halt and Catch Fire), Bruce Greenwood (Mad Men), and Shaunette Renée Wilson (Billions).

Siren

March 29 / Freeform / TRAILER
Set in a coastal town known for its legend of once being home to mermaids. When the arrival of a mysterious girl proves this folklore all too true, the battle between man and sea takes a very vicious turn as these predatory beings return to reclaims their right to the ocean. Starring Alex Roe (The 5th Wave), Eline Powell (Game of Thrones), Fola Evans-Akingbola (An American Exorcism) and Rena Owen (Star Wars II & III).

Cloak and Dagger

2018 / Freeform
Two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers, which are mysteriously linked to one another. Starring Oliva Holt, Aubrey Johnson, JD Evermore (Rectify), Gloria Reuben (Falling Skies) and Andrea Roth (Rogue).

Maniac

2018 / Netflix

The series revolves around the fantasy worlds of two patients of a mental institution. Starring Emma Stone (La La Land), Jonah Hill (21 Jump Street), Sonoya Mizuno (La La Land), Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), and Julia Garner (Ozark).

9-1-1

January 3 / FOX
The new procedural drama explores the high-pressure experiences of police officers, paramedics and firefighters who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. Starring Angela Bassett (American Horror Story), Peter Krause (The Catch), Connie Britton (Nashville), and Kenneth Choi (American Crime Story).

Good Omens

2018 / Amazon
Based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s satirical book, it follows an angel and a demon who team up to stop the apocalypse along with an 11-year-old Antichrist and a doom-saying witch. Starring David Tennant (Doctor Who), Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and Adria Arjona (Emerald City).

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