The Boys

A ragtag group of ordinary men, calling themselves "The Boys," set out to expose and dismantle a world where superpowered celebrities are controlled by corporations and protected by PR. Led by the hard-edged Billy Butcher, the team uses street smarts, violence, and surveillance to confront heroes who abuse power while the public adores them. Hughie, torn between conscience and revenge after a personal tragedy, learns how dirty the fight can get. The show mixes black humor, brutal action, and soap-opera style intrigue as allegiances shift, secrets surface, and the crew tries to hold dangerous icons to account without becoming what they oppose.

Released in 2019 on Amazon Prime Video, the series was developed for TV by Eric Kripke and adapted from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic. It stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, and Jessie T. Usher, and quickly became a flagship title for the streaming platform.

The series has attracted attention from major awards bodies, earning multiple nominations including Emmy consideration and Critics' Choice mentions. Recognition has come largely in technical and performance categories, noting its production design, effects, makeup, and standout acting from the principal cast.

Its sharp, ruthless satire and frequent shock moments made the show a talking point in pop culture, spawning memes, fan theories, and heated conversations about the superhero genre. Iconic sequences and the show's willingness to push boundaries helped it stand out in a crowded market and influenced how audiences expect adult-focused superhero stories to look and sound.

Critics and viewers have largely praised the show, reflected in a strong vote average around 8.4/10. Reviewers often highlight its dark humor, moral ambiguity, and critique of celebrity and corporate power, while noting its graphic violence and tonal swings are deliberate choices that drive its commentary on fame, accountability, and the corrosive nature of unchecked authority.