The Boys (2019 — 2024)

The Boys (2019–2024) is an American satirical superhero television series developed by Eric Kripke for Amazon Prime Video. Based on Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s comic book of the same name, it follows a team of vigilantes as they combat superpowered individuals who abuse their abilities. The show premiered its first season of eight episodes on July 26, 2019, followed by a second season on September 4, 2020, and a third season on June 3, 2022. In addition to its renewal for a fourth season in June 2022, the series has expanded into a shared universe with multiple spin-offs: web series Seven on 7 premiered in July 2021, animated anthology Diabolical in March 2022, and live-action series Gen V in September 2023. Since its debut, The Boys has been praised for its writing, storyline, humor, special effects, and performances from the cast (including standout portrayals from Urban as Billy Butcher and Starr as Homelander). The show has even earned six Emmy nominations (including Outstanding Drama Series) in 2021.

The Boys takes place in a world where superpowered individuals, also known as ‘Supes’, are celebrated as heroes and employed by Vought International. However, behind their heroic public image, many Supes are corrupt and selfish. The series focuses on two opposing groups: the Boys, a team of vigilantes determined to take down Vought and its corrupted superheroes, and the Seven, Vought’s elite superhero team overseen by executive Madelyn Stillwell. The Boys are led by the ruthless Billy Butcher, who holds a deep hatred for all Supes, while the Seven are led by the narcissistic and unpredictable Homelander. As the story begins, Hughie Campbell joins forces with the Boys after his girlfriend is tragically killed in an incident involving a member of the Seven. At the same time, Annie ‘Starlight’ January becomes part of the Seven after realizing the harsh reality behind her idols. Other members of the Seven include disillusioned Queen Maeve, drug-dependent A-Train, insecure Deep, enigmatic Black Noir, and supremacist Stormfront. On the other side, tactical planner Mother’s ‘M.M.’ Milk, silent but fierce Kimiko, and weapons expert Frenchie complete the ranks of the Boys.