Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the Amazon Prime series, Good Omens, quickly gained a cult following after debuting in May of 2019. Contained in this story of looming Armageddon are explorations of grief, friendship, good and evil, the Bible, Milton, God and what it means to be human. This book provides thirteen essays that center on various aspects of the show, including theology, fan culture, female gaze, textual elements and more. Also examining Gaiman's sense of obligation to Pratchett, as well as the relationship between Good Omens and the hit series Supernatural, these essays provide a critical analysis of the show and its prominent themes.

This volume analyzes Jewish tropes in popular science fiction ranging from Star Trek and Marvel to other prominent franchises. Sometimes the representation is subtle and thought-provoking; however, at other times, it is limited to cliche and oversimplification of characters. . The essays in this collection examine the representation of Jewish characters in films and franchises including Superman, Lord of the Rings, The Mandalorian, The Twilight Zone and more to shed light on the broad range of representations of the Jewish experience in ways popular science fiction and fantasy.

A captivating exploration of the television phenomenon that is Supernatural, with insights into characters, plots, and the show's impact on pop culture. When Supernatural first aired on the CW in 2005, it was dismissed by many for being "pretty guys fighting demons." Yet Supernatural persisted for 15 seasons to become the anchor of the network's line-up and the longest running genre series in US television history. In Supernatural: A History of Television's Unearthly Road Trip, Erin Giannini delves into the phenomenon of this cult series and its devoted fan base. Covering all 15 seasons, including the series finale that aired in 2020, this book examines the show's predecessors, characters, major storylines, and fan activism. It also revisits creator Eric Kripke's road to creating the series, draws surprising and revealing connections between the show and other series, and discusses the ways Supernatural responded to social and industry changes throughout its long run. Supernatural was the little show that could for 15 years, persisting beyond its original network's lifespan and surviving the departure of its creator and showrunner, in no small part due to its loyal fans. Inspired by shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and going on to influence many shows that followed, Supernatural offers insight into how a series can adapt and grow to become a mainstay of primetime television.

Joss Whedon may be primarily known for his numerous films and television series that feature villainous vampires, angry gods, and even bloggers who wish to rule the world, but what connects much of his work is the constant presence of a particular type of antagonist: the corporation. In this study of Whedon's work, from his early days as story editor for Roseanne to his relationship with Marvel, I trace his use of corporate culture as the primary antagonist under which all of his protagonists struggle, from the fast food horrors in Buffy and Roseanne, to the corporate-funded technology used in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers films, followed by an extensive case study of the multifaceted (and difficult to defeat) Rossum Corporation in Dollhouse. The proliferation of corporate actors allows Whedon and his team to provide explicit sociopolitical commentary on a real world in which corporations wield enormous control.

Pobody's nerfect" - or whatever the saying might be! As humans we are constantly worried about how our actions may come back to haunt us. The Good Place (2016-2020) is a high-concept American sitcom that brought light to the dark topic of the afterlife, and the show tackled this worry head-on. Although it had a life span of only four seasons, The Good Place made a lasting impact on American television culture and garnered many accolades for producer Michael Schur (also producer of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Author Erin Giannini argues that the show redefines the classic sitcom structure by mixing the genres of fantasy and comedy, while simultaneously teaching the viewers the importance of character development through the analysis of moral and ethical principles. Giannini also analyzes the "not so in your face" political commentary seen in The Good Place, as this show took place during a tumultuous time in American politics. Television studies scholars and fans of the show will enjoy Giannini's analysis of The Good Place as they read about the show's laughs and twists and turns.