The Boys (2019)

Kernel Score: 93% · 11,931 ratings

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure

First aired: 2019-07-25

Seasons: 5 · 40 episodes

Is The Boys worth watching?

Must-watch. A savage, funny superhero satire about powerful heroes who are corrupt celebrities and the ordinary people fighting back. Sharp, shocking and often very dark, with a great villain.

Watch it if you

  • like adult, cynical superhero stories
  • enjoy dark satire of fame and corporations
  • can handle extreme violence

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence and gore
  • want a hopeful, family-friendly superhero show

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Boys

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A group of vigilantes known informally as “The Boys” set out to take down corrupt superheroes with no more than blue-collar grit and a willingness to fight dirty.

The Boys parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that The Boys is a TV-MA superhero satire built on graphic gore, brutal violence, and morally grey vigilantes.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Keywords and reviews emphasize gore, tragedy, and brutal violence as the vigilantes fight corrupt superheroes 'dirty.' Expect frequent intense, bloody action.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Rated TV-MA, with viewers noting the show's sexualized presentation and 'sexy actors.' Adult sexual content is consistent with the mature rating.
  • Language: Strong — As a TV-MA adult satire, strong and frequent profanity fits the mature rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like The Boys

If you liked The Boys, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Gen V (2023) — 85%: Spin-off set in a superhero college.
  • Peacemaker (2022) — 91%: Irreverent, violent comedy with a flawed antihero.
  • Harley Quinn (2019) — 88%: Raunchy, violent animated take on DC villains.
  • Marvel's Daredevil (2015) — 91%: Dark, gritty street-level superhero series.
  • X-Men '97 (2024) — 96%: Animated superhero series with serious themes.

Cast

  • Karl Urban as Billy Butcher
  • Jack Quaid as Hugh 'Hughie' Campbell
  • Antony Starr as Homelander
  • Erin Moriarty as Annie January / Starlight
  • Jessie T. Usher as Reggie Franklin / A-Train
  • Laz Alonso as Marvin T. 'Mother's Milk' Milk / M.M.
  • Chace Crawford as Kevin Moskowitz / The Deep
  • Tomer Capone as Serge / Frenchie
  • Karen Fukuhara as Kimiko Miyashiro
  • Nathan Mitchell as Black Noir II

The Boys FAQ

Is The Boys worth watching?

Must-watch. A savage, funny superhero satire about powerful heroes who are corrupt celebrities and the ordinary people fighting back. Sharp, shocking and often very dark, with a great villain.

Where can I watch The Boys?

In the US you can stream The Boys on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel, Prime Video (free with ads) and Amazon MX Player and buy it from Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is The Boys OK for kids?

The Boys is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Boys is a TV-MA superhero satire built on graphic gore, brutal violence, and morally grey vigilantes.

What shows are like The Boys?

If you liked The Boys, try Gen V, Peacemaker, Harley Quinn and Marvel's Daredevil.