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Published Mar 2, 2026, 6:35 PM EST
Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV.
Finding success with a spinoff can be tricky, and while some are hit or miss, The Boys' spinoff Gen V has become one of the best examples of a solid spinoff in years. For every series that is able to build a successful spinoff, there are several that aren't able to find the right rhythm. Whether they fail to recapture the original magic or ground themselves, spinoffs can struggle.
There are, of course, notable exceptions. Fraiser famously spun off from Cheers in the 90s, with both shows winding up some of the most critically acclaimed sitcoms of the era. Better Call Saul evolved from Breaking Bad into a prestige drama of its own, and others have been able to find the same success by doing the same work in deepening a world viewers are interested in.
In the modern era, spinoffs can be a bit trickier to navigate. With the advent of streaming platforms, shows have found new spaces to grow. Network shows can spinoff into streaming darlings, or streaming shows can spin a series into a franchise. One sci-fi spinoff on Prime Video has achieved something special, as The Boys' spinoff, Gen V, expands the franchise with a genuine balance.
Gen V Is A Perfect Spinoff
After premiering on Prime Video in 2023, Gen V quickly became a treasured part of The Boys' universe. Focused on students at Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, a college for young superheroes, the series retains the satirical and violent edge of its predecessor while shifting its focus to an entirely different ensemble of characters who are navigating issues viewers wouldn't find as readily on the original.
Gen V is able to build its own mythology and character arcs, so that rather than feeling like a watered-down extension of The Boys, it takes on its own shape. Challenging the status quo of The Boys as a concept, Gen V deepens the franchise's critique of corporate exploitation and celebrity culture while maintaining its own stories and sensibilities.
Gen V Has Become Required Viewing For The Boys
Although most spinoffs aren't very heartily attached to the show they spun from, Gen V has become required viewing for those who enjoy The Boys and vice versa. With Gen V tying into The Boys' overarching storylines, the series has woven itself into the franchise by reacting to the events that unfold within the original series. In tandem, Gen V's narrative impacts the events unfolding on The Boys.
Will Gen V Outlive The Boys?
Although The Boys will be coming to an end in 2026, the end of the primary series may push Gen V to continue in its journey. While Gen V season 2 concluded in late 2025, there has yet to be any announcement about its next season. Even so, Gen V could ultimately extend the franchise into a new era once The Boys season 5 concludes later this year.
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Gen V
8/10
Release Date September 28, 2023
Network Prime Video
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Lizze Broadway
Emma Meyer / Little Cricket
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English (US) ·