The second season of Prime Video’s Gen V has received unanimously positive first reviews, with critics declaring the superhero series essential viewing for fans of The Boys universe. The spin-off, which follows a group of young supes at Godolkin University, returns with its signature blend of raunchy humor and graphic violence as the students prepare for a brewing war with humans.
Critics widely agree that the new season is a compelling and worthy successor. Many, including Alex Zalben of GamesRadar+, find it “as strong as the first season, if not stronger,” while James Hunt at ComicBook.com writes that the sophomore year is “even better than before.” The season is praised for its clever writing, which deepens the show’s characters and delivers satisfying emotional arcs. Abe Friedtanzer of Awards Buzz notes the series “deftly juggles plotlines” and creates “astonishingly clever” ways to visualize its characters’ powers.
While the show continues to carve out its own identity, its connection to the flagship series, The Boys, has become more pronounced. Some critics see this as a strength, with Kat Hughes of The Hollywood News writing that it “helps bridge the gap” to the final season of the main show without losing focus on its own cast. However, others like Alison Herman at Variety suggest this closer integration erodes some of Gen V‘s distinct identity, with the franchise “merging into a single story.”
A major highlight of the season is the addition of Hamish Linklater as the new villain, Dean Cipher. His performance has drawn universal acclaim, with Amelia Emberwing of Paste Magazine calling him “perhaps the best villain yet out of either show.” Jesse Schedeen at IGN praises Linklater for making Cipher “one of the best and most compelling characters this universe has yet produced.” The returning cast also earns accolades, particularly Lizze Broadway, whose portrayal of Emma is cited as a standout for her “infectious, good-natured charm and a deep-seated sense of pathos.”
The season also navigates the real-life death of actor Chance Perdomo, who played Andre Anderson. Critics have commended the creators for handling his absence with grace and respect. IGN’s Schedeen notes the tribute is “as elegant and respectful as could be hoped,” while Variety’s Herman observes that Perdomo and his character are mourned in a way that feels poignant and significant to the story.
Ultimately, critics find that Gen V‘s second season successfully delivers the shocking twists, gruesome gore, and sharp satire that fans expect, leaving them eager for what comes next.
