The Amazon Prime Video series, “The Boys,” is set to conclude with its fifth season, as announced by the showrunner on Tuesday.
In a Twitter post, Eric Kripke revealed a mostly redacted script page from the season four finale, along with the news that the upcoming fifth season will be the show’s last. Kripke jokingly attributed the delay in confirmation to awaiting approval from “Vought,” the malevolent corporation within the show’s universe.
The announcement comes as a double-edged sword for fans, who have eagerly awaited the show’s return since season three concluded in 2022. Amazon will release the first three episodes of season four on Thursday, June 13, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly.
Still from “The Boys”
Kripke confirmed that ending with season five was his intention from the start.
The shared script excerpt, dated February 2, 2023, is from the eighth and final episode of season four, titled “Assassination Run.” While most of the content is censored, the scene opens with a fade-in to a nighttime interior setting.
Kripke will direct the season four finale, with the script penned by Jessica Chou and David Reed.
“The Boys,” which debuted on Amazon in 2019, quickly gained a dedicated fan base thanks to its dark humor and unique take on the superhero genre, offering a departure from the omnipresent Marvel and DC films. The series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.
Set in a world where superheroes are publicly revered but largely corrupt and immoral, “The Boys” follows a group of vigilantes led by Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) who oppose “Vought International” and its superhero squad, “The Seven,” led by the psychopathic Homelander (Antony Starr).
The show has proven to be a successful venture for Amazon, spawning multiple spin-offs, including the animated anthology “The Boys Presents: Diabolical,” the college-set “Gen V,” and two additional shows in development.
Eric Kripke, pictured in June 2023, developed “The Boys” and serves as its showrunner.
The world of “The Boys” features publicly respected superheroes who are largely corrupt and immoral.
The eponymous “Boys” are led by Billy Butcher (Karl Urban, L) and are determined to take down Vought and its superheroes.
Antony Starr (R) portrays Homelander, the psychopathic leader of Vought’s superhero squad, The Seven.
The Boys returns on Thursday with its first three episodes, followed by weekly releases. Pictured: Kripke (R) with Urban (L) and EP Seth Rogen (center) in 2019.
The show’s connection to “Supernatural” can be attributed to Kripke, who created and ran “Supernatural” for its first five seasons.
While Amazon had previously renewed “The Boys” for a fifth season, the announcement of its conclusion with that season is new. Kripke’s previous statements indicated his hope to wrap up the show within five seasons.
With its popularity and successful spin-offs, “The Boys” has become a valuable property for Amazon, and its impact on the streaming landscape is sure to be felt for years to come.