This comic book adaptation isn't just for fantasy fans

Ruth Negga and Dominic Cooper star in Preacher, the horror-comedy wowing critics

(Alfonso Bresciani/AMC/Sony Pictures Television)

Though a TV show featuring an outlaw preacher with superpowers and an Irish vampire may seem a little niche, Preacher's impressive cast, exciting plot and stylised visuals have seen it showered in good reviews since it debuted in 2016. Despite this, there’s been little buzz about the show on social media, leading many viewers to declare it one of the most underrated things on television.

As season 3 arrives on Amazon Prime, here’s what you need to know about the series – including why those quick to dismiss the fantasy genre should give it a go.

Who’s in it?

London-born actor Dominic Cooper – best known for his roles in The History Boys and Mamma Mia – plays the titular character, Jesse Custer, a preacher who returns to the small town in which he grew up to take over his late father’s church. He stars alongside the academy-award nominated Ruth Negga, whose performance as unapologetic assassin Tulip O’Hare runs the gamut from charismatic and tough to vulnerable. Completing the trio is Joseph Gilgun as Cassidy, an Irish vampire who joins the pair on their supernatural exploits.

Seth Rogen, the actor/writer/director behind both Superbad and Pineapple Express, produces the show.

What’s it about?

On top of an outlaw priest, an Irish vampire and a bazooka-wielding heroine, there are two angels (Fiore and Deblanc), trying to return Genesis – the spirit possessing Jesse – back to where it belongs in Season 1. In Season 2, we join the gang on a road trip to find God – literally, he’s gone missing from heaven. Despite the frequently surreal absurdity, the show explores the lead character’s guilt about his dead father, complicated relationships and big, often humorous, questions about religion.

Preacher S3 is now available on Prime Video

Why should I watch it?

It’s unlike anything else on television. Though violent, profane and, at times, controversial, the series is an exhilarating thrill-ride into territories unknown, all with a cinematic panache to rival its big-screen comic-book counterparts. Despite its supernatural subject matter, the fantastic cast and unpicking of American culture offers something to viewers of all tastes. As long as you’re not squeamish, that is.

How can I watch it?

Catch seasons 1 and 2 (both 10 episodes long) on Amazon Prime now.

When’s it out?

The first episode of season 3 premiered on Amazon Prime on 25 June, and new episodes will come to the platform every Monday.

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