Gen V is the first live-action spin-off to take place in The Boys universe (though another is well on the way), but how does it fit into the flagship show's timeline?
The first season of Gen V took place directly after Homelander was lauded by an excited crowd for lasering that guy to death, with a brand new crop of young supes packing up and heading for Godolkin University, a supes-only university run by Vought International.
Warning: There are mild spoilers for Gen V season 2 episodes 1-3, as well as The Boys season 4. If you aren't caught up, we recommend catching up now before scrolling on.
Where does Gen V take place in The Boys timeline?
Gen V season 1 takes place between The Boys season 3 and season 4. Gen V season 2 takes place between The Boys season 4 and season 5. Don't worry, we'll explain.
At the end of Gen V season 1, Cate Dunlap (Maddie Phillips) and Sam Riordan (Asa Germann) end up going on a revenge-murder spree that culminates in them linking up with Homelander (Anthony Starr). This, as well as the discovery of the supe-killing virus, directly impacts The Boys season 4.
You might recall that Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit) who plays a significant role in Gen V season 1 after stealing the supe-killing virus to unleash on the world herself, is ultimately killed by Butcher in The Boys season 4 episode 8. Throughout season 4, Cate and Sam use manipulation powers and super strength respectively to carry out Vought's bidding – namely that insanely heartbreaking scene where Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) speaks for the very first time.
Gen V season 2 opens with a brief explainer from new principal Cipher (Hamish Linklater) about Victoria's death (due to what they call a deep-state conspiracy at the hands of Robert Singer, a brief memoriam that includes Ezekiel (Shaun Benson), Tek Knight (Derek Wilson), and Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott), and the fact that Starlight (Erin Moriarty) is now on the run, and that that Neuman's death inspired Vaught to entrust the safety of all supes to Homelander…which went real, real well in The Boys season 4.
As it was with season 1, the events of Gen V season 2 will directly impact the fifth and final season of The Boys – which we admittedly don't know too much about yet. We'll update you after the Gen V season 2 finale has aired.
Gen V season 2 is streaming now on Prime Video. For more, check out our Gen V season 2 review, or check out our list of the best Amazon Prime shows to stream right now.
