Gen V – Review [Prime Video Series]

GEN V on Prime Video is the new spin-off series of THE BOYS. If you like the original show, you’ll enjoy this as well. I know I certainly did. However, the opposite is also the case; Don’t expect to like this new series if you’re not a fan of the original. Read our Gen V series review here!

GEN V is the new Prime Video spin-off series of THE BOYS. It’s set in the same universe and even at the same time. This obviously means there are many crossover elements. From characters to plot points. While you can watch this spin-off without having watched the original series, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll miss out on way too many references.

However, this series does have an entirely new core cast, so there are mostly new stories and twists. And yes, this series is exactly as bloody and crazy as The Boys. Episodes end on extreme notes that make the term cliffhanger seem way too mild. There are eight episodes in season 1 and the series premieres with the first three episodes of the season.

Continue reading our Gen V series review below. Find the first three episodes on Prime Video on September 29, 2023.

Set in the superhero world of The Boys

Due to Gen V being a spinoff series originating from The Boys, this is obviously set in that very same superhero world. Or, as stated in the press material, it’s “Set in the diabolical world of The Boys“. As anyone who has ever watched The Boys will know, diabolical is a very appropriate word to use.

While superheroes and supervillains fight one another, it does feel like the end of the world. Apocalyptic really!

With Gen V, the universe we know essentially expands to give us a whole new angle on the world. The title of GEN V refers to the generation of children that were given the superhero drug “V” when born. Their parents hoped that they would develop superhero powers, but there were no guarantees. Also, as we know from The Boys, these “powers” can be pretty freaky and dangerous.

Supes on Social Media

The story plays out at the Godolkin University. This is a prestigious superhero-only college that is full of students who all want to be part of The Seven. Of course, many realize early on that this won’t ever happen, while others know they have what it takes.

And we all know that “supes” can turn to the dark side (Anakin Skywalker style) and become corrupt supervillains. Watching how the young supes are treated, it’s not difficult to understand how they might snap. Constantly pitted against each other and while one is literally called “Golden Boy”, others seem destined to use their powers only for entertainment.

The students are in a constant battle for popularity, which is aptly and relatably based on social media. Of course, we all know that things can go viral, but that goes for sh*tstorms as well. So, will this next generation be the heroes or villains of the future? And can they even really trust the adults in charge of getting them ready to be supes?

Lots of familiar faces

While there are many young actors in Gen V, you should recognize most of the core cast. Especially as many of them have already worked on other genre productions. Also, the adult characters are portrayed by some wonderful actors.

The character we follow from the very beginning is Marie Moreau. When her powers finally reveal themselves (in the opening scene of the series) it’s a very brutal experience. This results in her having a very different teen life prior to getting into the superhero university. Jaz Sinclair (Slender Man, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) is a strong star as Marie Moreau.

Her roommate at college is the very kindhearted Emma Meyer, who is portrayed perfectly by Lizze Broadway (Based on a True Story). I felt for her immediately and liked her more with each episode. As the popular supe “Golden Boy”, we see none other than Patrick Schwarzenegger (Daniel Isn’t Real), who does an amazing job. To be fair, he always delivers strong performances!

Other core cast members among the young supes of Gen V are portrayed by Maddie Phillips (Teenage Bounty Hunters), London Thor (You), Derek Luh (Runaways), Asa Germann, and Chance Perdomo. Among the adult characters, a character that becomes very important as a manager of the younger supers is portrayed by Shelley Conn with Sean Patrick Thomas in yet another key role.

The series also guest stars Clancy Brown and Jason Ritter, and has appearances from Jessie T. Usher, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, and P.J. Byrne. The latter are, of course, all reprising their roles from The Boys.

Watch The Boys spin-off series GEN V  on Prime Video

Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters are showrunners and executive producers on Gen V. The “developed by” credit goes to Evan Goldberg, Eric Kripke, and Craig Rosenberg. Obviously, the comic book series writer and illustrator, Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, still get a “based on” credit. This is very much still the universe they created and they’re also executive producers.

Also serving as executive producers on the spinoff are the above-mentioned who developed the series, along with Seth Rogen (Cobweb), Nelson Cragg, Erica Rosbe, and Michaela Starr. To name just some of them. There are a lot! Directors on the eight episodes in the series include Nelson Cragg (Them), Steve Boyum (Black Sails), and Rachel Goldberg (Resident Evil).

As already stated, I would expect anyone who enjoys The Boys series, to like Gen V as well. It’s more of the same but also feels new and fresh due to the characters.

The Boys spin-off series GEN V premieres with three episodes on Prime Video on September 29, 2023. Following this premiere, we’ll be getting weekly episodes with the season finale dropping on November 3, 2023.

Details

Showrunners: Michele Fazekas, Tara Butters
Cast: Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo, Lizze Broadway, Shelley Conn, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, Asa Germann, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sean Patrick Thomas, Marco Pigossi