The Boys ending after five seasons is the right call

Season 4 of Prime Video’s The Boys has begun and the two-year wait didn’t affect the show’s popularity. However, with its return came some unfortunate news. During a message on social media, showrunner Eric Kripke said that season 5 would be the show’s last. He ended the message with, “Watch Season 4 in 2 DAYS, cause the end has begun!”

A lot of people may be shocked by this. The Boys is one of Prime Video’s most popular shows. It’s also a trendsetter. Without it, comic book projects wouldn’t be bold enough to venture into ruthless and sometimes vulgar content. Invincible definitely benefitted from the series' success. Deadpool and Blade were rated R long before The Boys was released, but Eric Kripke’s show took things to another level. 

It may seem like ending the show after five seasons is abrupt, but this is a good move. First, you don’t want a show to go on too long. Fans have short attention spans and need a timely wrap-up. Eric Krpkie knows a little about this after being one of the showrunners of Supernatural. That show went on for fifteen seasons and over 300 episodes. It was lucky to keep its following especially how often the CW cancels shows.

Second, unlike Game of Thrones, the source material for The Boys concluded. Continuing the show beyond the comic's story would have been foolish. They’ve already shied away from the source material a lot. Thankfully, it’s worked out. Going too far from source material ruins a project. It goes from being a show inspired by something to a parody. You don’t want the latter and you don’t want a finale criticized like Game of Thrones.

Lastly, getting in, creating an amazing project, and getting out is genius. The Good Place, Breaking Bad, and The Wire had five or fewer seasons. This leaves a project bingable. People who waited until the show ended have an easier watch. If you’ve seen it, it’s a comfortable and quick rewatch.

Is it really the end for The Boys?

Let’s be honest. The Boys may end, but the universe doesn’t have to. If season 2 of Gen V is successful (and it will be) there will be a third. The best part is it doesn’t have to be in the present. Godolkin University has been around for years. A show about the school’s past works. Viewers can see all of the shenanigans before the riot in the season 1 finale. There were certainly people who rebelled long before Marie, Emma, Jordan, and Andre. They may have been unsuccessful or maybe they were offered something to stop.

A prequel or spin-off doesn’t have to end with Godolkin University. Supes have been around causing chaos for decades. Who wouldn’t want to see what Soldier Boy was up to? How was Vought International created? Was Stan Edgar always stoic and calm or did something happen to make him this way? These are only some of the questions that can be answered.

There’s also The Boys Presents: Diabolical. Unless something shocking happens, people will still have powers. Another anthology involving the lives of other superhuman beings could happen. Even if everyone with powers dies or their abilities are gone, there are still stories to tell. Or, and this would be cool, how do people without their powers adapt to their new lives?

No matter what happens, one thing is certain. We want the series finale to be as entertaining and emotional as the comic book. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out what’s next for Prime Video's hit show.

Is ending The Boys after five seasons the right move? Do you want spinoffs after the series concludes?  Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.