If you were hoping for more episodes of the chaotic and bloody animated anthology The Boys Presents: Diabolical, we have bad news. Universe co-creator Eric Kripke confirmed in a recent interview with The Wrap that the series will likely not return for a second season on Prime Video.
Despite being a creative and acclaimed bet, the verdict was clear: the audience didn’t show up.
Goodbye, Diabolical: Why Isn’t Season 2 Happening?
The answer is direct: numbers. Even with the creative team’s efforts, the series didn’t attract enough viewers to justify the investment in a new season.
“I don’t think there will be a second season of Diabolical,” Kripke stated. “And it’s not for lack of trying on our part. I think, at the end of the day, the viewership numbers just weren’t there to justify it, unfortunately.”
Kripke made a point to emphasize that both he and the animated show’s showrunner, Simon Racioppa, were eager to produce more, but Amazon Prime Video’s decision appears to be final.
The Contrast: Critical Success, Audience Failure
The cancellation is especially frustrating for fans, given the series’ extremely high level of quality. Released in March 2022, Diabolical presented eight standalone episodes, each with a unique animation style and tone.
The anthology featured a heavyweight team of writers and creators, including names like:
- Seth Rogen
- Evan Goldberg
- Awkwafina
- Andy Samberg
- And even Garth Ennis, the co-creator of the original The Boys comics.
This creative effort resulted in an impressive 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying the series as a critical success. However, as Kripke pointed out, in the streaming world, acclaim didn’t overcome the need for mass viewership.
The Boys Universe Continues: 3 Spinoffs in the Works
The end of Diabolical doesn’t mean the end of The Boys expanded universe—not by a long shot. In fact, the franchise is more alive than ever and preparing for a robust future even after the main series ends (scheduled to conclude with Season 5).
Kripke confirmed that the focus is now on three other live-action projects:
1. Gen V
The first live-action spinoff was an absolute success. Gen V won over audiences by exploring Godolkin University, a Vought-run institution for young “Supes.” The series is already established and continues to expand the main narrative, connecting directly to the events of the mothership series.
2. The Boys: Mexico
A new spinoff is officially in development. Provisionally titled The Boys: Mexico, the project is being written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (writer of Blue Beetle).
“Mexico is being developed now,” Kripke confirmed. “The pilot script is being written. Gareth is a wonderful writer and I think it’s hilarious. I hope it gets made, but it’s just in that development phase.”
3. Vought Rising
Perhaps the most ambitious project, Vought Rising will be a prequel focused on the origin of Vought International. The series will bring back Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy and Aya Cash as Stormfront, exploring the corporation’s early days in the 1950s.
The Future Depends on the Fans
Eric Kripke ended the interview with an important reminder that applies to all new projects: success depends on the audience. The creator knows that Prime Video has given the green light to expand this universe, but the business requires a return.
“The same applies to the first season of Vought Rising,” Kripke added. “We have plans for a second season, if we can. They [Prime Video] have been supportive and are giving us our opportunities. But it’s a business and we also have to deliver. So, we hope the audience shows up.”
