What do you think?
Rate this book
The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book
Neil Gaiman’s complete original scripts for the highly anticipated six-episode original series, adapted from the classic novel he wrote with Terry Pratchett.
First published nearly thirty years ago, the novel Good Omens has sold more than five million copies worldwide and is beloved by Gaiman and Pratchett fans alike. Collected here are Neil Gaiman’s original scripts for the Good Omens television series, offering readers deeper insight into Gaiman’s brilliant new adaptation of a masterwork.
A tale of good and evil and the end of the world, Good Omens stars Michael Sheen as the angel Aziraphale; David Tennant as the demon Crowley; and Jon Hamm as the archangel Gabriel, as well as Anna Maxwell Martin, Josie Lawrence, Adria Arjona, Michael McKean, Jack Whitehall, Miranda Richardson, and Nick Offerman.
First published nearly thirty years ago, the novel Good Omens has sold more than five million copies worldwide and is beloved by Gaiman and Pratchett fans alike. Collected here are Neil Gaiman’s original scripts for the Good Omens television series, offering readers deeper insight into Gaiman’s brilliant new adaptation of a masterwork.
A tale of good and evil and the end of the world, Good Omens stars Michael Sheen as the angel Aziraphale; David Tennant as the demon Crowley; and Jon Hamm as the archangel Gabriel, as well as Anna Maxwell Martin, Josie Lawrence, Adria Arjona, Michael McKean, Jack Whitehall, Miranda Richardson, and Nick Offerman.
485 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2019
596 people are currently reading
10231 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
April 27, 2023
”I don’t suppose that anywhere in the nine circles of Hell there’s such a thing as a rubber duck?”
June 18, 2019
“Don’t think of it as dying. Think of it as leaving before the rush.”
I mean this is the script of the Good Omens mini series which got released last month and this script is only going to make any sense if you've seen it. This is still one of my favorite books to this date and I loved the television adaptation of this, so it's no surprise that I gave into this.
It's still about armageddon.
And there is a hell hound!
This series focuses more on the relationship between Crowley and Aziraphale and you can see them growing closer throughout 6000 years of history. I most definitely preferred it this way. You can say whatever you want but Crowley and Aziraphale are in love.
So y'all need to give this show a chance if you haven't already, then read the book and then you can listen to the 2013 audio adaptation (it's a true gem), and when you're done with all that you can give this script a chance. It will be worth it. Armageddon is funnier than you think.
↠ Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, LGTB
↠ Rating: 5 stars
Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Last.fm
May 21, 2019
I think I smiled while reading the whole thing.
July 25, 2019
Reading the script book for the Good Omens TV series has increased my respect for the whole team (especially the director and the actors), who created the series, even more.
*Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge prompt “Genre explorer: Read a book from a genre you've never read before.”
*****
So… I did say I was obsessed, didn’t I?
Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more into Good Omens, Neil Gaiman goes ahead and publishes the script book for the TV series.
(Yeah, yeah, I know it's been out a while. I’m 30 years late to the Good Omens party anyway, so whatever.)
I will read this very soon and I actually have the perfect excuse for it: I have been struggling to find a new genre (that I actually want to read) for the Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge prompt “Genre explorer: Read a book from a genre you've never read before.” I have never read a TV or movie script before, so there you go! Works out perfectly.
*Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge prompt “Genre explorer: Read a book from a genre you've never read before.”
*****
So… I did say I was obsessed, didn’t I?
Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more into Good Omens, Neil Gaiman goes ahead and publishes the script book for the TV series.
(Yeah, yeah, I know it's been out a while. I’m 30 years late to the Good Omens party anyway, so whatever.)
I will read this very soon and I actually have the perfect excuse for it: I have been struggling to find a new genre (that I actually want to read) for the Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge prompt “Genre explorer: Read a book from a genre you've never read before.” I have never read a TV or movie script before, so there you go! Works out perfectly.
February 28, 2022
1. Neil Gaiman is so freaking funny
2. I definitely did not act out scenes as i read 😔
3. I love how you can tell the emphasis and embellishments the actors added!! the actors!! are amazing!!
4. crowley is an anxiety disaster™️ here and we stan
5. I'M STILL MAD WE DIDN'T GET THE BOOKSHOP OPENING SCENE. WHY COULDN'T WE HAVE THE BOOKSHOP OPENING SCENE. CROWLEY BROUGHT CHOCOLATES AND YOU JUST TOOK AWAY HIS CHANCE TO GIVE THEM TO AZZY?? ALSO I WANTED TO SEE
6. sassy aziraphale supremacy.
2. I definitely did not act out scenes as i read 😔
3. I love how you can tell the emphasis and embellishments the actors added!! the actors!! are amazing!!
4. crowley is an anxiety disaster™️ here and we stan
5. I'M STILL MAD WE DIDN'T GET THE BOOKSHOP OPENING SCENE. WHY COULDN'T WE HAVE THE BOOKSHOP OPENING SCENE. CROWLEY BROUGHT CHOCOLATES AND YOU JUST TOOK AWAY HIS CHANCE TO GIVE THEM TO AZZY?? ALSO I WANTED TO SEE
6. sassy aziraphale supremacy.
July 2, 2019
I’ve always loved reading scripts, from screenplays to playscripts, I just love reading the actual, objective text.
Of course Neil Gaiman can’t stay completely neutral - this script book has a lot of little annotations and comments which are both hilarious and sweet and add to the atmosphere of the story. So many scenes make more sense when you read what the actual intend was. Also some parts where left out or cut from the series so it’s lovely to know whatelse was there.
However, keep in mind there are two editions of this book and only the one sold by Waterstones has the deleted scene where Crowley brings chocolate to Aziraphale for his opening of the bookshop a century ago and plays a ruse on Gabriel to avoid them bringing Aziraphale back to heaven. Why it’s not in the Amazon etc version of the book I have no idea, Neil even refers to the scene in the foreword so it seems an odd omission.
But nomatter, there’s the delete four other horsemen scene and a lovely foreword by Neil, and a lot of little extra info and gems that make this a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Of course Neil Gaiman can’t stay completely neutral - this script book has a lot of little annotations and comments which are both hilarious and sweet and add to the atmosphere of the story. So many scenes make more sense when you read what the actual intend was. Also some parts where left out or cut from the series so it’s lovely to know whatelse was there.
However, keep in mind there are two editions of this book and only the one sold by Waterstones has the deleted scene where Crowley brings chocolate to Aziraphale for his opening of the bookshop a century ago and plays a ruse on Gabriel to avoid them bringing Aziraphale back to heaven. Why it’s not in the Amazon etc version of the book I have no idea, Neil even refers to the scene in the foreword so it seems an odd omission.
But nomatter, there’s the delete four other horsemen scene and a lovely foreword by Neil, and a lot of little extra info and gems that make this a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
January 23, 2024
Am I surprised I love this? No.
Will I think about this 24/7 everyday for the rest of my days? Yes.
Will I think about this 24/7 everyday for the rest of my days? Yes.
September 14, 2019
I enjoyed reading every moment of this script book. It is like watching the tv show with little moments that are added in.
You get brief moments that are not in the show that adds to the story.
My favorite moments are in episode 3 where it shows the long history between Crowley and Aziraphale. And the scene set in Paris during the French Revolution is my favorite. It shows Azitaphale at his finest. He comes into the middle of a revolution dressed in finery because he wants crepes.
I am a huge fan of the series and this book adds more to the tale
Anyone who has enjoyed the amazing tv show or the original book will love this book.
You get brief moments that are not in the show that adds to the story.
My favorite moments are in episode 3 where it shows the long history between Crowley and Aziraphale. And the scene set in Paris during the French Revolution is my favorite. It shows Azitaphale at his finest. He comes into the middle of a revolution dressed in finery because he wants crepes.
I am a huge fan of the series and this book adds more to the tale
Anyone who has enjoyed the amazing tv show or the original book will love this book.
January 31, 2020
Boom! I am lost to the Good Omens fandom and have been reading nothing but Good Omens fanfic since this one...
August 18, 2023
(an ominous version of buddy holly’s ‘everyday’ starts playing…)
August 8, 2023
When I came across this script book I was thrilled; reading scripts is one of my favourite things, and this one includes scenes that were deleted or never shot.
I found reading this script book, with its scripts to all 6 episodes of season 1’s Good Omens, as enjoyable as watching it and reading the novel Good Omens (Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman) .
I also liked how these scripts added more information to scenes that weren’t obvious when watching it.
Aside for the mix of drama, comedy and social commentary, what makes the show for me is the wonderful dynamics between two very, very, very old friends, Crowley and Aziraphale, this alone was worth visiting in a different form.
I found reading this script book, with its scripts to all 6 episodes of season 1’s Good Omens, as enjoyable as watching it and reading the novel Good Omens (Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman) .
I also liked how these scripts added more information to scenes that weren’t obvious when watching it.
Aside for the mix of drama, comedy and social commentary, what makes the show for me is the wonderful dynamics between two very, very, very old friends, Crowley and Aziraphale, this alone was worth visiting in a different form.
July 15, 2019
I absolutely loved this - it was devilishly good! It made me as happy as Aziraphale dancing a gavotte.
If you've read Good Omens, you should read/watch this too as it has additional details. Terry Pratchett would be so proud of how amazing Neil Gaiman's scripts are.
If you've read Good Omens, you should read/watch this too as it has additional details. Terry Pratchett would be so proud of how amazing Neil Gaiman's scripts are.
April 30, 2023
Companion books to movies and TV shows are always a bit of a dice roll when it comes to their quality. While they're usually filled with interesting anecdotes and tons of pictures, they have a habit of feeling little more than a fluff piece used as advertisement for that film/TV series. Luckily, this isn't the case with either of the two books released as tie-ins for Amazon Prime and BBC's recent adaptation of Good Omens. Both books - a traditional companion and a book featuring all of Neil Gaiman's scripts for the series - are excellent reads, managing to be both informative and worthwhile reads even for those who know everything there is to know about the series and its creation.
Oftentimes, these days, script books end up being more disappointing than they should be. The biggest fun of a script book is getting to read the scenes that didn't make the final cut of the film/tv series and, too often, many modern script books are edited to match the final cut of the film instead of the final shooting draft of the script (looking at you Fantastic Beasts screenplays). This, thankfully, isn't the case with The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book. This script book features the scripts exactly as they were at the end of filming - plus a few scenes that were cut prior to filming!
Gaiman, who has previous experience writing scripts for film and TV, manages to craft a series of incredibly well-written scripts. As he says in his introduction, the stage directions for these scripts are unlike that one might find in the average film/TV script as they're filled with jokes and notes to the director and that's typically something most screenwriters avoid. But that's the thing that makes these scripts so enjoyable. Through these unusual stage directions, Gaiman's authorial voice shines the brightest. Even without them, though, these scripts are deeply enjoyable. It's amazing how well-written they are and how utterly faithful they are to Gaiman and Pratchett's original book.
Script books aren't for everyone and this one won't be for those who don't like reading scripts. This isn't a novel; that novel already exists and can be read by anyone at any time. But for those of us who enjoy reading scripts, this book is a gift. It's beautifully written, well-formatted, and filled with deleted scenes and super enjoyable stage directions. I recommend this book solely for the deleted scenes and the opportunity at seeing how Gaiman initially envisioned some of the scenes that ended up slightly differently in the final broadcast show.
Overall, The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book is a wonderful collection of all six scripts for this adaptation. Gaiman clearly has experience writing screenplays (from his multiple TV and film projects) and it shows in the construction of these scripts. It's super nice having the scripts to go along with the show and the deleted scenes make the book a must-have for fans.
Oftentimes, these days, script books end up being more disappointing than they should be. The biggest fun of a script book is getting to read the scenes that didn't make the final cut of the film/tv series and, too often, many modern script books are edited to match the final cut of the film instead of the final shooting draft of the script (looking at you Fantastic Beasts screenplays). This, thankfully, isn't the case with The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book. This script book features the scripts exactly as they were at the end of filming - plus a few scenes that were cut prior to filming!
Gaiman, who has previous experience writing scripts for film and TV, manages to craft a series of incredibly well-written scripts. As he says in his introduction, the stage directions for these scripts are unlike that one might find in the average film/TV script as they're filled with jokes and notes to the director and that's typically something most screenwriters avoid. But that's the thing that makes these scripts so enjoyable. Through these unusual stage directions, Gaiman's authorial voice shines the brightest. Even without them, though, these scripts are deeply enjoyable. It's amazing how well-written they are and how utterly faithful they are to Gaiman and Pratchett's original book.
Script books aren't for everyone and this one won't be for those who don't like reading scripts. This isn't a novel; that novel already exists and can be read by anyone at any time. But for those of us who enjoy reading scripts, this book is a gift. It's beautifully written, well-formatted, and filled with deleted scenes and super enjoyable stage directions. I recommend this book solely for the deleted scenes and the opportunity at seeing how Gaiman initially envisioned some of the scenes that ended up slightly differently in the final broadcast show.
Overall, The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book is a wonderful collection of all six scripts for this adaptation. Gaiman clearly has experience writing screenplays (from his multiple TV and film projects) and it shows in the construction of these scripts. It's super nice having the scripts to go along with the show and the deleted scenes make the book a must-have for fans.
January 3, 2020
Honestly? I read the original book last year and it was … okay- some parts made me laugh but it was nothing amazing or ground breaking for me- maybe it was because I watched the tv show first - but I liked that version much more than I liked the original book.
So when this book came out I of course needed to get it and read it- I am not a huge fan of script books - heck besides this one I've only read The cursed child and I really enjoyed this one.
The chemistry between the main two characters is amazing and each actor is perfect for their role.
Whilst I absolutely despised Shadwell in the original book he was all right in this one. Since I've watched the series before hand I saw every scene play out in my head as I read- aside from the deleted scenes that is.
I wish that we got that montage of Crowley trying to fall asleep - that would have been so awesome, and whilst we lost the other four horseman that were easily my favourite part in the original book we at least got that last deleted scene with them - that was both lovely and sad to read.
Oh and I also just adored all the funny remarks and notes Neil added to this book - it made me laugh even harder -
All in all it's a nice and easy read and it's a good one at that. Can't wait to reread this one in the future!
So when this book came out I of course needed to get it and read it- I am not a huge fan of script books - heck besides this one I've only read The cursed child and I really enjoyed this one.
The chemistry between the main two characters is amazing and each actor is perfect for their role.
Whilst I absolutely despised Shadwell in the original book he was all right in this one. Since I've watched the series before hand I saw every scene play out in my head as I read- aside from the deleted scenes that is.
I wish that we got that montage of Crowley trying to fall asleep - that would have been so awesome, and whilst we lost the other four horseman that were easily my favourite part in the original book we at least got that last deleted scene with them - that was both lovely and sad to read.
Oh and I also just adored all the funny remarks and notes Neil added to this book - it made me laugh even harder -
All in all it's a nice and easy read and it's a good one at that. Can't wait to reread this one in the future!
Want to read
August 24, 2019me, after watching aziraphale and crowley interact for five (5) minutes on screen: maybe true love *is* real
August 13, 2019
After finishing the tv show earlier this year, I wanted to reread the book because it’s one of my all time favorites. But I picked this edition up on a whim at work the other day and decided that I’d read (or reread?) it in a slightly different way.
The characters are so memorable, and the story is truly incredible. I remember when I read the book for the first time, it was right around the time that I was getting into Doctor Who, and I pictured David Tennant as Crowley because he was my favorite character. So reading this and watching the tv show with such a fantastic cast lead by Tennant and Michael Sheen was incredible, and exactly how I could’ve wanted it when I first read the book.
Good Omens is a fantastic book, one of the best I have ever read. The tv script was slightly different than the book in a couple of different ways, but neither was really bad. The first way was the subtle differences between the book and the show/script. There were a few bigger ones towards the end that I won’t get into, but it made the reading experience slightly different which I liked. And the second was more impactful in a way, and that was Gaiman’s stage directions. There were a couple of them that said “if Terry were alive, he’d want...”, which made you really think about how Gaiman was doing this as much for his friend as himself. I’d say definitely read the book if you haven’t read the book and you’re choosing between both of them, definitely go for the book. But reading this on top of the book is a great call.
The characters are so memorable, and the story is truly incredible. I remember when I read the book for the first time, it was right around the time that I was getting into Doctor Who, and I pictured David Tennant as Crowley because he was my favorite character. So reading this and watching the tv show with such a fantastic cast lead by Tennant and Michael Sheen was incredible, and exactly how I could’ve wanted it when I first read the book.
Good Omens is a fantastic book, one of the best I have ever read. The tv script was slightly different than the book in a couple of different ways, but neither was really bad. The first way was the subtle differences between the book and the show/script. There were a few bigger ones towards the end that I won’t get into, but it made the reading experience slightly different which I liked. And the second was more impactful in a way, and that was Gaiman’s stage directions. There were a couple of them that said “if Terry were alive, he’d want...”, which made you really think about how Gaiman was doing this as much for his friend as himself. I’d say definitely read the book if you haven’t read the book and you’re choosing between both of them, definitely go for the book. But reading this on top of the book is a great call.
July 12, 2019
2000,000 People signed a positions saying this was Blasphemous , it is all most at the end why, one word does it.But as I HATE SPOILERS if want to find out read the book.
Two cut scenes both very funny but can see why they ended up on the cutting room floor.
Love the Buddy Holly songs hope they make the show & the next book I read helped this book.TV Companion by Matt Whyman all photos & background info.This script book should be read first then the TV non fiction book.
I do not think anybody but David (Doctor Who) Tennant could been Crowley as plays the part as cross between The Dark Doctor & The Master.
Two cut scenes both very funny but can see why they ended up on the cutting room floor.
Love the Buddy Holly songs hope they make the show & the next book I read helped this book.TV Companion by Matt Whyman all photos & background info.This script book should be read first then the TV non fiction book.
I do not think anybody but David (Doctor Who) Tennant could been Crowley as plays the part as cross between The Dark Doctor & The Master.
June 13, 2019
What happens when your favorite book gets a spectacular adaptation and you watch said adaptation five times in two weeks?
Obviously, you buy the script book.
A fun read to get some of the insights of what Neil Gaiman originally intended from the mini-series. There are things I wish had been kept in, some that I’m glad were ultimately changed, but I mostly love seeing how the actors interpreted the dialogue and actions.
But best of all?
The stage directions are hilarious. Also, Mr. Gaiman, your man-crush on Jon Hamm is showing. 😉
Obviously, you buy the script book.
A fun read to get some of the insights of what Neil Gaiman originally intended from the mini-series. There are things I wish had been kept in, some that I’m glad were ultimately changed, but I mostly love seeing how the actors interpreted the dialogue and actions.
But best of all?
The stage directions are hilarious. Also, Mr. Gaiman, your man-crush on Jon Hamm is showing. 😉
October 23, 2021
I love it and I want season 2 NOW
August 29, 2022
crowley 🤝 me
would risk it all for aziraphale
would risk it all for aziraphale
August 6, 2019
Read for the 2019 Popsugar challenge: a book becoming a movie in 2019 (honestly, this is just an excuse for me to gush about the TV show).
Some of you are familiar with my infinite love for Good Omens, so when Neil announced that it was going to be turned into a TV show, I was over the moon. I must say that after the casting had been announced and up to the moment I saw the show, I had been quite anxious. I didn't like that Aziraphale's hair was such a bleached blonde or even Crowley's red. xD
But now, having seen the glory that is the show, I can rest well: it's the best book adaptation I have ever seen. Even better than the book, to be honest. I love that Aziraphale and Crowley get such a prominent place, and I love that I can tag this with lgbtqa, because, as the great Neilman said, it is a love story. I have never been more grateful than for the first half of episode 3 which illustrates the amazing relationship between these two. My expectations for love stories are so damn high right now, don't think anything will ever beat an angel and a demon being idiots in love for 6000 years and then saving the world together while also adopting the Antichrist.
My only complaint is that the version I got doesn't have the Crowley brings flowers for Aziraphale scene, which honestly, big shame. BUT I did buy it with Neil's signature on it, and then I met the lovely Michael Sheen who also signed it :D
Some of you are familiar with my infinite love for Good Omens, so when Neil announced that it was going to be turned into a TV show, I was over the moon. I must say that after the casting had been announced and up to the moment I saw the show, I had been quite anxious. I didn't like that Aziraphale's hair was such a bleached blonde or even Crowley's red. xD
But now, having seen the glory that is the show, I can rest well: it's the best book adaptation I have ever seen. Even better than the book, to be honest. I love that Aziraphale and Crowley get such a prominent place, and I love that I can tag this with lgbtqa, because, as the great Neilman said, it is a love story. I have never been more grateful than for the first half of episode 3 which illustrates the amazing relationship between these two. My expectations for love stories are so damn high right now, don't think anything will ever beat an angel and a demon being idiots in love for 6000 years and then saving the world together while also adopting the Antichrist.
My only complaint is that the version I got doesn't have the Crowley brings flowers for Aziraphale scene, which honestly, big shame. BUT I did buy it with Neil's signature on it, and then I met the lovely Michael Sheen who also signed it :D
October 15, 2019
Reading this in script form is delightful, especially since you get Neil Gaiman’s side notes such as, “The plants are terrified. I have no idea how to show they are terrified.” (I’m paraphrasing, but you get the gist.)
July 14, 2019
oh I love this tv show so much.
April 1, 2023
I bought this script book after rewatching the Good Omens TV Show (my favorite show), not realizing I had already read it in e-book form before. Well, it's nice to have a physical copy, and this one has all the deleted scenes in it so I enjoyed it a lot.
Would recommend for any fans of the show, they small differences + deleted scenes are very interesting. It's also a good way to refresh your mind for season 2 in a few months.
Would recommend for any fans of the show, they small differences + deleted scenes are very interesting. It's also a good way to refresh your mind for season 2 in a few months.
February 2, 2021
This is honestly one of the funniest things I have ever read.
“he’s delirious, Sarge”
“I’m not. I know who I am. I’m people covered in fish.”
“he’s delirious, Sarge”
“I’m not. I know who I am. I’m people covered in fish.”
Read
April 20, 2025Gaiman can fuck off into the sun. Kudos to Michael Sheen and David Tennant for creating their versions of these characters who will live in my heart forever. Gaiman can fuck off into the sun.
August 7, 2023
sobbing screaming crying throwing up love this universe more than anything love these characters more than anything was a pleasure to annotate think i put about 100 in because i never shut up WAAAAAHAAAHAAAHAAAHAA im so emotional this was well and truly my post S2 therapy
“I like to think none of this would have worked out if you weren’t, at heart, just a little bit, a good person.”
“Or if you weren’t, deep down, just enough of a bastard to be worth knowing. Cheers. To the world.”
“To the world.”
Neil Gaiman you are a saint but behave from this point onwards i’m watching you…
“I like to think none of this would have worked out if you weren’t, at heart, just a little bit, a good person.”
“Or if you weren’t, deep down, just enough of a bastard to be worth knowing. Cheers. To the world.”
“To the world.”
Neil Gaiman you are a saint but behave from this point onwards i’m watching you…
January 13, 2021
I love this shitty show so much and this is just perfect. One of the deleted scenes. Why deleted. It‘s perfect!!
July 20, 2022
enjoyed this so much. only thing i'm fuming about is the deleted scenes, my god.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews