The Boys is an American satirical superhero television series developed by Eric Kripke for Amazon Prime Video. It is based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.
๐ฌ Series Development
Initially intended to be a feature-length film trilogy, the comic book series adaptation began development in 2008. Due to creative differences, the project was left in development hell until 2016 when Cinemax announced it would be reworked as a television series.
Amazon Studios obtained the series from Sony Pictures Television in November 2017. Production started in May 2018 in Toronto, Canada.
๐ Release Timeline
The Boys premiered its first season of eight episodes on July 26, 2019. A second season premiered on September 4, 2020, with the third season following on June 3, 2022.
In June 2022, the series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on June 13, 2024. In May 2024, the series was renewed for a fifth and final season, which premiered on April 8, 2026.
๐ Shared Universe
As part of a shared universe, a spin-off web seriesโSeven on 7โpremiered on July 7, 2021. An adult animated anthology seriesโDiabolicalโpremiered on March 4, 2022, and a second live-action television seriesโGen Vโpremiered on September 29, 2023.
A prequel seriesโVought Risingโis in production and set to premiere in 2027.
๐ Awards
The Boys has received positive reviews throughout its run. The series has won four awards from 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series in 2021, and has won seven Critics’ Choice Super Awards and six Astra TV Awards.
๐ Plot Overview
The series is set in a universe where superpowered individuals work for Vought International. The story focuses on Hughie Campbell and Billy Butcher, who work together with the rest of the Boys against “The Seven”.
In the first season, Hughie is enlisted to join The Boys after his girlfriend is accidentally killed by A-Train. In the second season, The Boys try to adjust to a new normal in hiding while Homelander sets his sights on taking complete control.
In the third season, The Boys learn of a mysterious anti-Supe weapon, starting a war and chasing the legend of Soldier Boy. In the fourth season, The Boys work with the CIA to assassinate Victoria Neuman while Homelander consolidates his power.
๐ฅ Film Adaptation History
A film adaptation was in development between 2008 and 2016, initially at Columbia Pictures with Adam McKay directing. Paramount Pictures secured the rights in August 2012, but the film adaptation was cancelled in April 2016.
On November 8, 2017, Amazon Studios acquired the rights to the television adaptation. Amazon Studios committed to a run of at least five seasons.
๐ Season Renewals
A second season was announced on July 19, 2019. A third season was announced in 2020, and the fourth season was announced in June 2022.
On May 14, 2024, Amazon announced the series was renewed for a fifth season. On June 11, 2024, Kripke announced that the fifth season would serve as the final season.
๐ญ Cast
The series stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher, Chace Crawford, Laz Alonso, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, Elisabeth Shue, Colby Minifie, Aya Cash, Claudia Doumit, Jensen Ackles, Cameron Crovetti, Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Daveed Diggs.
| Season | Premiere Date | Episodes | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 26, 2019 | 8 | Series debut |
| 2 | September 4, 2020 | 8 | Stormfront introduced |
| 3 | June 3, 2022 | 8 | Soldier Boy introduced |
| 4 | June 13, 2024 | 8 | Victoria Neuman storyline |
| 5 | April 8, 2026 | 8 | Final season |