The Boys is set in a universe where superpowered individuals are recognized as heroes by the general public and work for the powerful corporation Vought International, which markets and monetizes them. Outside of their heroic personas, most are arrogant and corrupt. The series primarily focuses on two groups: the Seven, Vought’s premier superhero team, and the eponymous Boys, vigilantes looking to bring down Vought and its corrupt superheroes.
The Boys are led by the violent and vengeful Billy Butcher, who despises all superpowered people, and the Seven are led by the narcissistic and violent Homelander. At the start of the series, the Boys are joined by Hughie Campbell after a member of the Seven accidentally kills his girlfriend, while the Seven are joined by Annie January, a young and hopeful heroine forced to face the truth about those she admires. Other members of the Seven include the disillusioned Queen Maeve, drug-addicted A-Train, insecure the Deep, the mysterious Black Noir, and white supremacist Stormfront. The Boys are rounded out by tactical planner Mother’s Milk, weapons specialist Frenchie, and superpowered test subject Kimiko. Overseeing the Seven is Vought executive Madelyn Stillwell, who is later succeeded by publicist Ashley Barrett.
The first season depicts the initial conflict between the Boys and the Seven, which is motivated by Butcher believing Homelander caused his wife Becca’s disappearance. While Homelander and Stillwell conspire to receive government support for superheroes, the Boys attempt to stop them by uncovering Vought’s secrets. Initially unaware of each other’s affiliations, Hughie and Annie muddle the conflict when they enter into a romantic relationship, despite Butcher’s distrust of her.
Season 1
Season 2
