If Gen V is your jam, these 9 TV shows will blow the roof off

TV shows similar to Gen V | Images via JustWatch & Prime Video
TV shows similar to Gen V | Images via JustWatch & Prime Video

Gen V is an American superhero series created by Craig Rosenberg, Evan Goldberg, and Eric Kripke. It is a spin-off of The Boys and is based on a comic titled "We Gotta Go Now." Serving as the third installment in The Boys series, Gen V features a first season that takes place before The Boys season four, followed by a second season.

Gen V redefined how we watch superhero stories by blending pain, youth, anarchy, and the struggle for survival. The intense energy is a hallmark of these nine episodes. They all showcase broken heroes, strange forces, and raw, unpolished scenes. With dark comedy and bloody battles, they are infused with the spirit of Gen V. If you love Gen V, these shows will blow your mind and shake your screen.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 9 Gen V TV shows that will blow the roof off:

9. Watchmen (2019)

Watchmen - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via Prime Video
Watchmen - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via Prime Video

Watchmen is a TV show set in an alternate America where law-abiding citizens wear masks and act as vigilantes. The series stars Angela Abar, also known as Sister Night. Viewers have seen her uncover truths about her city, her family, and the racism that has long been hidden within the police department. The Gen V-based genre is fully expressed in Season 1, Episode 6 of Watchmen.

In that episode, we see Angela use a memory medication to relive her grandfather's horrible history, witnessing brutal violence, retribution, and the rise of a cloaked vengeance. This TV show explores a universe of superpowers intertwined with the harsh reality of human conflict. The heroes are shaped by their struggles and pain, growing stronger in the face of adversity. Fans have criticized it for having deep characters and a compelling story, saying it is more like Gen V in spirit than anything else on TV.


8. Misfits (2009)

Misfits | Image via Prime Video
Misfits | Image via Prime Video

Misfits is a TV show that tells the story of a group of young offenders who gain superpowers during a strange storm. Each character faces tragic and darkly humorous situations as they struggle with their powers while doing community service. In Season 1, Episode 1, Curtis, the time-repeater, uses his powers to undo a tragedy. Viewers praise its daring style and often call it,

"A British Gen V"

Due to moments of madness and broken heroes, the scene is comparable to a Gen V moment where Marie Moreau uses her blood manipulation powers to save a woman at the club. Misfits mixes comedy, violence, and unchecked teen drama, all of which are hallmarks of Gen V.


7. Preacher (2016)

Preacher - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via Prime Video
Preacher - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via Prime Video

Preacher is a TV show about Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher who unexpectedly gains a power called Genesis. This power allows him to command others to do his bidding. Jesse embarks on a wild and strange quest for God with his vampire friend and ex-lover by his side, facing otherworldly threats at every turn. Fans say that it is

"Blasphemous as well as ingenious"

and it matches every Gen V criterion. In Season 1, Episode 6, when Jesse and Tulip engage in a chaotic motel free-for-all with unstoppable angels, fans witnessed the perfect Gen V moment. The combat in the Season 1 finale of Gen V is similar to the scenario in Preacher. Preacher, like Gen V, balances identity, authority, sad brutality, dark humor, and religious themes.


6. The Umbrella (2019)

The Umbrella Academy is a TV show about seven adoptive siblings who were all born on the same day and have superhuman abilities. After being raised by a peculiar millionaire, they reunite years after his death and realize they need to stop the world's end. In Season 1, Episode 1, the siblings' dysfunctional dinner quickly turns into chaos as their powers spiral out of control.

The Umbrella Academy bursts open due to hidden grief, while the tragedy in Gen V is caused by institutional pressure. One is a family that explodes, while the other is a society that weaponizes children. Both situations turn powers into emotional battles. The mix of superhero chaos, strange humor, and intense trauma makes it a good fit for the Gen V genre. Fans call it "Gen V with time travel and even stranger powers." They love the wild energy and sad but lovable characters.


5. Invincible (2021)

Invincible | Image via Prime Video
Invincible | Image via Prime Video

Invincible is a cartoon TV show produced by Robert Kirkman. The protagonist of the tale is Mark Grayson, a boy whose father is the world's most powerful superhero. As Mark develops his own skills, he tries to emulate his father but learns startling truths from his relatives.

Season 1 Episode 8 depicts the show's energy peaking as Mark confronts Omni-Man, resulting in a terrible, deadly war that devastates the world. This combination of coming-of-age skepticism and hardcore superhero violence complements the tone of the Gen V. Fans state, "It is Gen V but animated, bold, and devastating," highlighting how it does not shy away from real stakes.


4. Doom Patrol (2019)

Doom Patrol - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via Prime Video
Doom Patrol - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via Prime Video

Doom Patrol is a TV show that revolves around a group of misfits whose members obtained powers through catastrophic accidents. A masked scientist leads the team, which must face odd villains together. The TV show is packed with memorable Gen V moments, especially in Season 1, Episode 1. In this episode, the team's therapy session takes a surprising turn, resulting in an eruption of emotions as they tackle the guilt and grief related to their abilities.

The show's raw and gripping scene truly captures their struggles. The scenario in this TV show is similar to Gen V's Season 1 finale, where Marie and Jordan are talking after hooking up. Doom Patrol offers a bizarre, humorous, and sometimes poignant look at misfit heroes, much like Gen V.


3. Marvel's Runaways (2017)

Marvel's Runaways is a series about six teenagers who discover that their parents are part of an evil group called the Pride. The teens embrace their superpowers and secrets, coming together to stop their families' sinister plans. Nico first uses the Staff of One in Season 1, Episode 1, and her magic causes chaos among her friends.

These young heroes face drama and betrayal while needing to grow up quickly. It has a vibe similar to Gen V, as it features teenagers fighting against adult corruption while dealing with their own power struggles and fears. The focus on young, imperfect characters is highly appreciated by fans, who compare it to Gen V for being emotional and intense, but with a Marvel twist.


2. Wednesday (2022)

Wednesday - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via JustWatch
Wednesday - A TV show similar to Gen V | Image via JustWatch

Wednesday is a TV show that focuses on Wednesday Addams, a student at Nevermore Academy, a boarding institution for social outcasts. As she investigates a murder case, she discovers how to control her psychic abilities and experiences friendship issues. In Season 1 Episode 4 of the series, the Poe Cup boat competition features Wednesday displaying her magical skills and strategic thinking, revealing her capabilities in comparison to her competitors.

Similar to Gen V, the moment combines paranormal energy, adolescent anxiety, and sharp competition. A fan describes the show as dark, clever, and extremely Gen V. They value biting humor and a distinct flair. Wednesday features young outsiders with unusual skills who tackle bigger mysteries.


1. The Boys (2019)

The Boys | Image via Prime Video
The Boys | Image via Prime Video

The Boys is a TV show set in a world where superheroes are prominent figures. The narrative explores themes of corruption and cruelty that lie beneath the perceived glamour of these heroes, who are protected by the corporation Vought International. The Boys are a group working to take down powerful Supes and expose their secrets. The very first episode of Season 1 shows how a superhero, in his carelessness, kills his girlfriend with shocking violence and dark humor.

The scene in The Boys is similar to the one in Gen V, where Marie Moreau's traumatic past clashes with Golden Boy's violent outburst. Both shows reverse the tropes of superheroes with the help of graphic scenes and raw emotion. One fan writes that The Boys didn't change the genre, and Gen V continues the theme effectively with violence, suspense, and the worst school of heroes.


These shows highlighted insecurity, sadness, and disheveled decisions similar to the TV series Gen V. Viewers may see truth as what was behind the masks and pain as what lay behind the powers.

Edited by Yesha Srivastava