
TV Show review
The Boys
Woke Score
Lower is better
- Release Date
- July 25, 2019
- Age Rating
- TV-MA
- Runtime
- N/A
Where to Watch
United States · Last checked 5/12/2026
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Breakdown
Factors & Ratings
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Boys.
Representation / casting choices
Sustained diverse cast across all seasons that fits the modern setting; visible and recurring LGBTQ+ characters (especially Maeve and later additions) receive meaningful storylines and screen time, with some corporate tokenism being satirized while the representation itself remains prominent.
Political / ideological dialogue
Early seasons use broad satire against power and corporations; seasons 3–5 shift to much more explicit and sustained political allegory, including direct Trump/Homelander parallels, critiques of right-wing populism, and media-driven fascism warnings, with the showrunner confirming intentional messaging.
Identity-driven story themes
Queer storylines and character arcs (Maeve, others) are clearly present and grow across seasons; some female characters show strength but are balanced with flaws; identity elements are noticeable but secondary to the larger anti-power and political satire.
Institutional / cultural critique
