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Rotten Tomatoes’ first-reviews roundup, published September 15, 2025, found Gen V Season 2 broadly well received by critics—but not uniformly praised. Reviewers welcomed its dark humor, graphic violence, character work and emotional depth, while some found the sophomore season less novel, less action-packed or uneven compared with Season 1.
The roundup appeared two days before the reported September 17, 2025 premiere on Prime Video. It captures initial critical reactions at that moment, not an audience score, a definitive retrospective consensus or confirmation of current availability in any region.
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How did critics respond to Gen V Season 2?
The overall response was favorable, with meaningful qualifications. Alex Zalben of GamesRadar+ called the season “as strong as the first season, if not stronger,” and James Hunt of ComicBook.com said it was “even better than before.” Cassondra Feltus of Black Girl Nerds praised its gruesome action, dark humor, poignant themes and drama.
Other critics were less convinced that the series had moved forward. Alison Herman of Variety wrote that some of the novelty had worn off and described an awkward pivot. Aidan Kelley of Collider said the season dials back action compared with Season 1 and The Boys, while Jesse Schedeen of IGN also noted that some novelty had faded. The roundup supports a picture of a strong continuation for many reviewers, not unanimous acclaim.
#1 Best Overall
Is Season 2 as violent and shocking as Season 1?
Reviewers described plenty of blood, gore and gross-out moments. Aidan Kelley of Collider and Allison Rose of FlickDirect pointed to the season’s bloodiness, while Jeremy Mathai of Slashfilm treated the franchise’s gruesome violence as familiar territory for its fans.
Critics differed on what that violence accomplishes. Abe Friedtanzer of Awards Buzz argued that it serves the story by showing the danger of powers used without moral restraint. Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky likewise considered it a fit for the narrative. Kelley, by contrast, called some recurring gross-out humor juvenile and argued that repeated shocks can blunt the impact of the biggest moments. Those are individual critical judgments, rather than an objective measure of how shocking the season is.
Does the humor still work?
Several reviewers continued to rate the comedy highly. Zalben called the series “Very, very funny” and praised its social satire; Vicky Jessop of the Evening Standard described its joke writing as caustic.
Herman offered a distinction rather than a blanket rejection: she felt the series began to neglect some of the college-specific satire that had tied its humor to everyday life. In the roundup’s view, the show can remain funny even as it gives less attention to one of the campus elements that helped distinguish its first season.
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What do reviewers say about the characters and performances?
Character work was one of the season’s more consistent strengths in the roundup. Hunt said the central characters felt more layered, and Schedeen praised the cohesion of the main characters’ arcs. Friedtanzer highlighted inventive writing and the introduction and visual use of powers, while Jessop pointed to quieter scenes that explore the leads’ psyches.
Lizze Broadway’s performance as Emma received repeated praise for its mix of comic timing, charm and pathos. Reviewers also singled out London Thor and Derek Luh as Jordan Li, and Hamish Linklater as Dean Cipher. These are assessments reported by critics, not claims about audience popularity.
Rank #2
How does the season address Andre and Chance Perdomo’s absence?
The roundup says reviewers responded sympathetically to the season’s treatment of Andre, the character played by Chance Perdomo, who died before the season’s release. Schedeen called the handling elegant and respectful; Kelley said Andre’s presence was felt from premiere to finale; and Herman wrote that the season ensured Andre and Perdomo were mourned.
Paste Magazine’s Amelia Emberwing described Season 2 as “a more compassionate, hopeful entry than we’ve come to expect from The Boys franchise,” adding that it was perhaps shaped by being a memorial for Perdomo. These comments reflect the critics’ reading of the finished season; they do not establish private experiences or intentions on the part of the cast and crew.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDoes Season 2 stand on its own without The Boys?
The critics in the roundup split on how much the crossover material adds. Hunt said “Gen V does not need The Boys to work,” and Friedtanzer felt that references did not require viewers to remember exactly what happened in the other series. Emberwing described Gen V as expanding the wider conflict while remaining its own show.
Jessop found cameos more rewarding for viewers who watch both series. Herman, meanwhile, argued that the growing crossover risks eroding Gen V’s separate identity. Taken together, the reviews suggest that Season 2 is largely legible on its own, while familiarity with The Boys can add context and enjoyment for some viewers.
How does it compare with Season 1?
The positive comparisons are clear: Zalben judged Season 2 as strong as, or stronger than, its predecessor, and Hunt called it better. But Kelley’s observation that the action is dialed back, along with Herman’s and Schedeen’s comments about reduced novelty, shows why the roundup does not support a simple claim that every element has improved.
Hunt summarized the mixed comparison this way: “Gen V is not the peak of its (super)powers in Season 2, but a diminished version of this concept is still a highly watchable one.” For viewers deciding whether to continue, that captures the broad shape of the initial reaction: the series retains qualities its fans value, even as some critics see a less fresh or less forceful version of the show.
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