Dominic Cooper stars in "Preacher"

There is no such thing as typical television anymore. While traditional dramas and sitcoms are still key landmarks on the prime-time landscape, the rise of cable giants has produced TV series that push boundaries in ways network shows cannot.

One of those boundary-pushing series is AMC's "Preacher," and it returns with a two-night event beginning Sunday, June 25, and continuing Monday, June 26, on AMC. Dominic Cooper ("Captain America: The First Avenger," 2011) stars as West Texas preacher Jesse Custer, who's on a mission to find God -- literally -- in the drama, which has garnered a reputation for its stunning visuals, offbeat comedy and thrilling horror.

Based on the '90s DC Vergito comic book series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, "Preacher" was created by Seth Rogen ("Knocked Up," 2007), Sam Catlin ("Breaking Bad") and Evan Goldberg ("Superbad," 2007), and picked up by AMC in September 2015. Its 10-episode first season premiered in May 2016 and proved so popular that an expanded 13-episode second season was announced before the end of June that year.

AMC executive Charlie Collier had high praise for the series when the renewal was announced: "What Sam, Seth, Evan and the entire creative team have achieved in bringing Garth Ennis' graphic novel to the screen is extraordinary," Collier said. "We look forward to more time with these unforgettable characters, be it in heaven, hell, Texas or beyond."

In the series, a disillusioned Custer has been possessed by a mysterious entity known as Genesis, which gives him the power to compel others to do exactly what he wants. Known as "the Word of God," the power forces listeners to obey Custer's commands, so long as they can hear and understand them. Armed with the Word and deadly hand-to-hand combat skills thanks to his sordid and violent past, the preacher sets out to find God and make him answer for his actions. The entity Genesis is apparently the product of a union between an angel and a demon, giving it elements of both good and evil.

This season, "Preacher" follows Custer as he embarks on an epic road trip with his allies, who include Tulip O'Hare, played by Academy Award nominee Ruth Negga ("Loving," 2016). A fan favorite, Tulip is Custer's gun-toting, highly capable ex-girlfriend. Custer's best friend is a charismatic Irish vampire named Cassidy, portrayed by English actor Joseph Gilgun ("Misfits"). Ian Colletti ("Jimmy," 2013) also returns as Eugene Root, a young man with a disfigured face. Throughout season 1, and presumably season 2, Custer and his friends must elude a bounty hunter with god-like powers known as The Saint of Killers (Graham McTavish, "Outlander").

Trailers for season 2 have fans excited about catching a glimpse of Herr Starr, a villainous character from the comics who works for The Grail, a sinister organization out to get Custer. However, producers have been keeping mum about who will play this season's big bad. With a large portion of the regular cast wiped out by the end of last season thanks to a massive explosion that destroyed Annville, Texas, there are several new cast members hopping on board for season 2.

Ruth Negga as seen in "Preacher"

The general consensus among fans and critics is that actor Pip Torrens ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens," 2015) will play Herr Starr, but nothing official has been released to confirm the casting. Other new regular cast members include "Game of Thrones" alum Noah Taylor and Julie Ann Emery ("Fargo"). Also, Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless"), Ronald Guttman ("The Hunt for Red October," 1990) and Justin Prentice ("13 Reasons Why") have landed recurring roles in season 2. 

As with other comic book adaptations, "Preacher" has fans wondering whether the TV show will follow the source material or deviate from it as other series such as "The Walking Dead" and "Game of Thrones" have done. As the group ventures further afield this season, it seems as if the show is about to take a cue from the comics, which were known for hopping around from place to place as Custer searched for God. This season whisks viewers to New Orleans and even Sin City as Custer continues his quest. He and his friends end up entangled in a battle spanning heaven, hell and many points in between.

New locations have the potential to add even more thrills to a program that's already doing well. More than two million viewers tuned in to the pilot, and the drama held fairly steady throughout its first season. AMC's latest comic book adaptation was among the top cable dramas of 2016 -- part of a list that included ratings juggernauts "Game of Thrones," "The Walking Dead" and "Fear the Walking Dead."

Season 1 proved popular enough to spawn "Talking Preacher," a live after-show hosted by Chris Hardwick, in which guests discuss the night's episode. Viewers can tune into "Talking Preacher" immediately following each new episode.

Highly praised for its visuals, "Preacher" has earned a number of industry accolades, including nominations for the American Society of Cinematographers Awards and the Art Directors Guild Awards. The show is also up for a coveted Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Television Series, but fans will have to wait until the awards ceremony June 28 to find out if the quirky horror comedy-drama is a winner.

In the meantime, don't miss the season premiere of "Preacher," airing Sunday and Monday, June 25 and 26, on AMC.