The following contains spoilers for the first three episodes ofGen V.Last week saw the release ofGen V’sfirst three episodes on Prime Video, and the latest Boys’ spin-off series is already being met with widespread critical acclaim. The series follows a group of young ‘supes’ as they train to become the next generation of heroes at Godolkin University, a prestigious college created by Vought International.Gen Vhas been eagerly awaited ever since the spin-off series was initially announced back in September 2020. Even though the series’ first few episodes only premiered last week, it is already being embraced byThe Boys’fans who are creditingGen Vfor living up to its long-awaited arrival. However, it seems that fans ofThe Boyswon’t have long to wait before season four premieres. Its fourth season is rumored to arrive early 2024 afterits development was delayeddue to the recent writers’ strike.
As a spin-off ofThe Boys, it’s expected that the two series are largely connected with each other, but some fans are confused aboutGen V’splacement inThe Boys’timeline. With only a few short months ahead ofThe Boys’fourth season, where exactly doesGen Vtake place inThe Boys’timeline, and how exactly are the two series connected?
RELATED:The Boys Actors Welcome Gen V Cast The Best Way They Know How
How Is Gen V Connected to The Boys?
Gen V’sinspirationwas derived fromThe Boys’original comics. The series’ narrative was loosely inspired by the seventh story arc of Garth Ennis’s comics,‘We Gotta Go Now’. Whilst ‘We Gotta Go Now’ functions as a self-contained story, it is still interwoven withThe Boys’wider narrative. This particular story arc is a satire of the X-Men series; however, it wasn’t well received by a number ofThe Boys’ fans who critiqued the series. Fortunately for them,Gen V’screators have clarified that the latest spin-off series is only very loosely inspired by ‘We Gotta Go Now’ and frequently diverts from its original source material.
Whilst audiences do not have to be die-hard fans ofThe Boysto enjoyGen V,the two series are heavily connected.Gen VfollowsThe Boys’ satirical themes and memorable gore. In a mocking of Marvel and DC,The BoysandGen Vboth strive to push the boundaries of their ‘superhero’ genre, as clearly shown inGen V’sopening scene. As expected,Gen Vis crammed with references toThe Boysand even includesa few familiar faces, such as A-Train, Ashley Barrett and Soldier Boy.
However,Gen Vintroduces audiences toa new group of ‘supes’, each one with a memorable superpower. For example, the series’ protagonist, Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), has the ability to weaponize her own blood. Withseason four ofThe Boysjust around the corner, it’s easy to assume that the two series will be interconnected, butGen V’sfirst episode reveals exactly where the spin-off series occurs inThe Boys’timeline.
When Does Gen V Take Place in the Boys’ Timeline?
As revealed in its first episode,Gen Vtakes place inthe aftermath ofThe Boys’third season. A news report inGen Vreveals the Seven Tower in a destroyed state, alluding to the final battle against Soldier Boy, as shown in the finale of season 3. Additionally,Gen Vexplicitly references Starlight’s resignation from the Seven, which only occurred in the build-up to season 3’s final episode.Gen Valso alludes to Queen Maeve’s ‘death’, demonstrating its connection to season 3’s dramatic finale. Because of these references, some fans have theorized thatGen Voccurs only months after the events ofThe Boys’ third season.
However, rather than being connected to the upcoming fourth season ofThe Boys,Gen Vis set to conclude before season 4 begins. This means that the latest spin-off series occurs between season 3 and four ofThe Boys. This information was confirmed viaThe Boys’official account onX,in which they wrote: “If we’re clearin up the timeline, @genv takes place between S3 and S4. So the kiddos at God U all saw Homelander laser a guy’s head off to the sound of thunderous applause”.
Gen Vbriefly provides audiences withsome updates regarding Homelander. DuringGen V’sfirst few episodes, it’s clear that Homelander is awaiting trial for his murder of a protester, but this hasn’t stopped the supe’s influence from spreading. At Godolkin University, a student is seen wearing a hat which reads ‘Keep America Safe’, which some fans may recognize as Homelander’s slogan. Whilst these references are dotted throughout Gen V, it’s clear that fans will have to wait until season 4 to discover Homelander’s fate.
However,Gen Vis by no means a substitute for The Boys’ fourth season. Although the series takes place inThe Boys’diabolical universe,Gen Voffers its own humorous and satirical narration. It’s clear thatGen Vhas been met with praise both from fans and critics, withThe Guardianhailing the latest series as ‘extraordinary’. This means thatThe Boys’latest spin-off series is clearly not one to be missed.
The first three episodes ofGen Vare available to stream on Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly.
