It looks like The Boys are the antiheroes we never knew we needed. Amazon reported this week that the series is already among its most-watched originals ever after only two weeks of availability on Amazon Prime Video, per Den of Geek.
The executive producing team of Eric Kripke (Supernatural) and dynamic comedy duo Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (This is the End, Pineapple Express) has proven a winning combination for the satire. The show, based on Garth Ennis’ comic book series of the same name, skewers superhero culture, chronicling the exploits of naughty heroes and the human vigilantes who try to take them down.
“We are thrilled that The Boys have surpassed our predictions for viewing in its first two weeks, and has become one of our most watched Amazon Original series by our Prime Video customers,” Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said in a statement. “This creates great momentum and excitement for us as we get ready for season two.”
Like Netflix and other streaming services, Amazon does not release official ratings numbers, but the claim makes sense. The Boys has earned plenty of online buzz and a solid critical response, including an 81% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The Daily Dot gave the The Boys four out of five stars, saying it “sucker-punches the superhero genre with a wink and a smile.”
Moreover, superhero parody seems to connect with audiences in the age of the MCU. Both Deadpool films have been big hits, and DC’s Shazam, which sent up superheroes with a lighter touch, was also a mild box office success.
Kripke is excited to get to work on a second season. “I’m so beyond thrilled with the response to Season 1,” he told Den of Geek. “And mainly, it’s made me get my ass in gear and work even harder on Season 2.”
The Daily Dot has reached out to Amazon for additional comment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06rueu_fh30
READ MORE:
- ‘The Boys’ is the superhero satire MCU skeptics deserve
- Here’s what’s new on Amazon Prime in August 2019
- ‘Shazam!’ embraces the spectacle and heart of the superhero genre
H/T Den of Geek