The Boys is an American satirical superhero drama series developed by Eric Kripke for Amazon Prime Video. Based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the show follows a team of vigilantes as they take on corrupt superpowered individuals, known as “Supes,” who exploit their abilities for personal gain. These Supes operate under Vought International, a powerful corporation that manipulates public perception to portray them as heroes.
The series features an ensemble cast including 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, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Originally intended as a film trilogy, The Boys underwent a lengthy development process, beginning in 2008 with Adam McKay attached as director. However, creative differences stalled production, leaving the project in development limbo. It was revived in 2016 when Cinemax announced plans to adapt it as a television series. Eric Kripke was brought on as showrunner, with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg serving as executive producers. Amazon Studios acquired the series from Sony Pictures Television in November 2017, and filming began in May 2018 in Toronto, Canada.
The show premiered on July 26, 2019, with an eight-episode first season. Subsequent seasons followed on September 4, 2020 (Season 2) and June 3, 2022 (Season 3). The fourth season, announced in June 2022, premiered on June 13, 2024. In May 2024, Amazon renewed The Boys for a fifth and final season, expected to release in 2026.
