9 Smart Satires Like ‘The Boys’ to Watch While Waiting for S5

The massive success of The Boys comes from its very simple but quite clever formula of tearing apart superhero tropes. The series is known for its dark humor and a willingness to go places most mainstream superhero content wouldn't dare. If you're dying for more of that sweet, sarcastic tone, these 9 shows are just what you're looking for.

1. ‘The Tick’ (2016-2019): Satire of Superheroes

2 seasons, 22 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Tick has 95% from critics and 93% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Tick is rated 7.4/10.

The Tick is perfect for anyone who loves superhero satire but needs a bit of break from all the blood and cynicism of The Boys. The show follows an accountant who teams up with a bizarre superhero. It pokes fun at superhero tropes while still being weirdly heartfelt.

Available on Amazon Prime Video.

2. ‘Daybreak’ (2019): Satire of Post-Apocalyptic Stories

1 season, 10 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Daybreak has 68% from critics and 66% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Daybreak is rated 6.7/10.

Daybreak puts a fresh spin on both post-apocalyptic and high school tropes. The show follows Josh, a high schooler searching for his girlfriend in a world-gone-mad scenario.

Available on Netflix.

3. ‘Peacemaker’ (2022-Present): Satire of Superheroes

2 seasons, 16 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Peacemaker has 95% from critics and 87% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Peacemaker is rated 8.3/10.

The Boys wasn't the only show willing to get weird with superheroes. Peacemaker went there as well. Peacemaker follows Christopher Smith, a man so devoted to achieving “peace” that he will kill anyone necessary to do so.

Available on HBO Max.

4. ‘Upload’ (2020-2025): Satire of Technology

4 seasons, 29 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Upload has 89% from critics and 79% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Upload is rated 7.8/10.

After his sudden death (or was it murder?) Nathan Brown's consciousness is uploaded to a virtual afterlife. As Nathan adjusts to his new existence, he begins questioning the circumstances of his death. The show is a smart satire of technology, capitalism and class division.

Available on Amazon Prime Video.

5. ‘The Franchise’ (2024): Satire of Hollywood Superhero Movies

1 season, 8 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Franchise has 73% from critics and 63% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Franchise is rated 6.5/10.

The Franchise offers a behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic production of a superhero movie franchise. It pokes fun at the industry's obsession with superheroes and the corporate machinery behind blockbusters.

Available on HBO Max.

6. ‘Preacher’ (2016-2019): Satire of Religion

4 seasons, 43 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Preacher has 87% from critics and 75% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Preacher is rated 7.9/10.

Preacher, based on another comic book by Garth Ennis (the creator of The Boys), takes a dark turn with religion and supernatural tropes.

The show follows Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher who becomes possessed and gets the power to make people do whatever he commands. Despite this outlandish premise, the heart of the show is the dysfunctional family formed by its three leads, whose chemistry rivals any found in The Boys.

Available on: AMC+, Philo, Shudder; The Roku Channel for free with ads.

7. ‘Harley Quinn’ (2019-Present): Satire of DC Comics Universe

5 seasons, 57 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Harley Quinn has 96% from critics and 85% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Harley Quinn is rated 8.4/10.

The series follows Harley Quinn after her breakup with the Joker as she sets out to make a name for herself by herself. The show explores Harley's story and her blossoming relationship with Poison Ivy.

Available on HBO Max.

8. ‘Miracle Workers’ (2019-2023): Satire of Religion

4 seasons, 37 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Miracle Workers has 84% from critics and 76% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Miracle Workers is rated 7.1/10.

Miracle Workers is an anthology comedy series that makes fun of human existence, religion, and history. Each season has a different setting, but features the same core cast. The show's standout quality is its hilarious take on serious subjects.

Available on TBS.

9. ‘The Great’ (2020-2023): Satire of Historical Dramas

3 seasons, 30 episodes.

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Great has 96% from critics and 84% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Great is rated 8.1/10.

The Great is an over-the-top comedy about Catherine the Great who marries the childish Emperor of Russia and quickly realizes she needs to make some changes. It's loosely based on history (very loosely) and doesn't take itself seriously at all.

Available on Hulu.