Good Omens, based on the book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, tells the story of the rise of the Antichrist leading to The End Times, which is stopped by an Angel and a Demon. The Angel named Aziraphale (played by Michael Sheen) is one who can be naughty and conversely, Crowley the Demon (David Tennant) can be kind. In Season 2, which drops on Prime Video today, we follow Aziraphale and Crowley, having lost their positions in heaven and hell, going through more adventures in the human world… and other realms.

Part of the show’s strong ensemble cast and playing characters of importance are actors Maggie Service and Nina Sosanya (who, interestingly, play characters named Maggie and Nina, respectively). t2 connected with the duo over a video call to know more.

What’s been the lasting impact of the characters that each of you have played in Good Omens that has stayed with you beyond the set?

Maggie Service: The way we meet them at the start and then at the end is quite different and we can’t give too much away.Nina Sosanya: The response in Season One was fantastic and our characters had a separate fanbase. I come back in Season 2 playing a different character, but since it’s with Maggie Service, that has had a lasting impact. It’s been lovely.Maggie: It’s so joyful that Neil (Gaiman, who serves as creator and showrunner) chose to reincarnate us in such a way. It’s been a real gift.

What do you think worked for Season One in such a big way?

Maggie: I think it creates a universe where the other is allowed, and more than that, there is space for it. It kind of explains that the universe is huge and however you are and feel, there is space for you within it.Nina: It’s hugely creative and it’s very warm, you know. There is nothing cynical about the show. It’s witty, it’s funny, it’s kind of profound every now and then. The warmth that it has endears it to a lot of people.

Have you discovered any new aspects of yourselves as actors after being a part of this show?

Maggie: Before Good Omens, I had never had the opportunity to work on such a character arc. For a full character to go over a series and have an arc like that is new for me. To get to do that within the realm of Good Omens is a real treat.Nina: It’s quite a rare thing to have a journey for a character like the ones we have had.Maggie: And to have parts named after us! (Laughs) It’s extraordinary...Nina: And weird!

What do you think it is about the fantasy genre — with its many sequels, prequels, remakes and spinoffs — that makes it so valued?

Nina: The fantasy novel has always been popular and beloved. I think it (fantasy on screen) taps into that readymade audience that already enjoys investing in whole worlds. It’s just so rich because creativity and imagination can run riot.Maggie: Even though we have an Angel and a Demon, the show always throws up the question of what is good and what is bad. Even though they may be otherworldly creatures, there are always questions for us humans to connect with and ask ourselves.Nina: In fantasy and sci-fi, even if you are on other planets and in different dimensions, it’s always about the human condition at the end of the day.Maggie: And then there is the extra bonus of escapism on top of that.Nina: Fantasy is not particularly bound by the trends of the day. It can cross decades and cultures as well.

Growing up, did you have any favourites in the genre?

Maggie: There was always an amazing fantasy show around Easter time. I would always look forward to it and that made me realise how much I loved fantasy. There was always the excitement of what world would I get to go into next.Nina: As a kid, I was a lot into The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit. There was a brilliant adaptation of The Lord of the Rings on the radio that I would listen to sometime during the late ’80s. I would read a lot of the novels written by Piers Anthony and Anne McCaffrey. The Belgariad series by David Eddings was a favourite.Maggie: I had The Belgariad on cassette! (Laughs)

Taking off from the title of the series, do the two of you believe in omens, good or bad?

Maggie: If I see a fox crossing my path, I know I am about to make the right decision.Nina: I don’t have any, really. I don’t believe in luck. I just believe that what happens just happens.