Long-suffering “Good Omens” fans stirred once again this February when the third season, consisting of one movie-length episode, had its release date set for May 13, 2026. Conversations grew more tense when series creator and co-author of its source material, Neil Gaiman, posted an update on Feb. 2 after a year and a half-long hiatus.

“Once I was done with making television, I went back to something else I love even more: writing,” Gaiman wrote in the post. “It’s looking like it’s going to be the biggest thing I’ve done since ‘American Gods.’”

Usually such rumblings would excite a fanbase, especially considering the massive cliffhanger Season 2 left off with in July 2023. But feelings towards the Amazon Prime original series have largely soured since five women came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Gaiman. 

The allegations began with a tell-all from the former nanny of Gaiman’s son, who filed a lawsuit against Gaiman and his ex-wife for rape and human trafficking. Fans no longer want to support the series with views or dollars. Many plan to watch the conclusion in the way they deem most ethical: piracy.

Digital piracy, or the illegal copying or distributing of copyrighted material using the internet, is not without potential consequences, like having personal data sold, getting computer viruses, receiving fines for hundreds or thousands of dollars and even potential jail time are all risks. Yet many decide to take their chances in order to avoid lining the pockets of the infamous and sometimes morally bankrupt moneymakers in charge.

How much could Gaiman realistically make from the legal viewership of the “Good Omens” finale? He is no longer an executive producer on the show but did contribute to some of the episode’s writing, according to Variety. It’s unclear if he will receive residuals for this season, but he will likely continue to receive these additional payments for rewatches of the two previous seasons due to his writer, producer and showrunner credits.

It’s not just the money that matters. Any large number of streams on the series would confirm that Gaiman and his works are still viable. It would give him permission to step back into the public eye, would signal that merchandise deals could start rolling again and new shows could be greenlit. The court of public opinion would pardon him with clicks and praise.

Some find it difficult to cut their personal ties to a certain piece of media and withhold their wallets from these creators. After all, how much damage can be caused by watching a few episodes or buying some merch?

J.K. Rowling, the controversial “Harry Potter” author, used her fortune to found the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, a group offering legal funds to those “fighting to retain women’s and girls’ sex-based rights in all aspects of life” — code for the vehement exclusion and villainization of transgender women. 

Rowling has played no small part in the rising transphobia in the U.K., where potentially life-saving puberty blockers have recently been rendered completely inaccessible to trans youth. Those special edition hardbacks and Gryffindor scarves that fans continue purchasing are directly funding transphobic efforts.

I read “Good Omens” when I was 15 and watched the series right after. It immediately became my favorite book and show. I was swept up in the witty writing, the delightful characters and the dry yet hopeful tone. The balance of apocalyptic stakes with a relentlessly odd and cozy atmosphere amazed me. It both satisfied my craving for an explosive and thrilling plot and my desire to study the characters and reflect on their motivations and relationships. 

The show was even more exciting. The first season covered the plot of the entire book, while the second focused on an entirely new story with the same central characters, further exploring their history and relationships. The book hinted at a queer relationship, while the show agonizingly confirmed it. The representation is complex, charming and nerve-wracking all at once. 

These chapters and episodes have taken hold of my life and transformed me into a different and better person. I’ve been biting my nails over this finale for years. And I don’t intend to spend a single penny on it. My curiosity and satisfaction mean nothing. The potential harm Gaiman could continue to cause if he regains popularity and financial support easily outweighs the importance of the potential joy I could gain over watching that finale. 

There are certainly other avenues to avoid giving money to corrupt individuals. You can always watch with a friend — though that would require that friend to be spending the money you’re avoiding. You can go to the library to use Hoopla or rent DVDs — though popular titles may have a long hold list, and will still generate an increased demand and buzz. So it’s a rough spot to be in any way it shakes out.

I can’t ask you to commit an illegal act. But what I can tell you is that, come May 13, signing into an Amazon account is the very last thing I’ll be doing.