As The Boys airs its final season, fans are searching for their next must-watch series. The fifth season of the dark superhero thriller is concluding in just three weeks, and while the prequel Vought Rising is on the horizon, it remains about a year away from release.
Fortunately, viewers need not look far for another gripping thriller. Diving into the acting portfolio of Homelander actor Antony Starr reveals a 'shockingly violent' series that deserves a spot on every watchlist.
What Is Banshee About?
Banshee is an action-packed thriller that follows Lucas Hood (Starr), a former swindler released from prison who tracks down his ex, Carrie Hopewell (Ivana Miličević), who has reinvented herself after being his accomplice. He adopts the identity of a deceased sheriff in Pennsylvania, attempting to reconnect with his former flame but inevitably slipping back into a life of crime, pursued by past adversaries.
The series spans four seasons and has been described as 'shockingly violent and graphic.' Despite the intense on-screen moments, it has garnered a massive following. The first season boasts an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with subsequent seasons all exceeding 90%.
Fan Reactions
One impressed fan wrote: 'A blend of crime, action, drama and characters that drew me in and made me want to keep watching. Antony Starr is solid in the lead role, bringing both charisma and vulnerability to a character who is as brutal as he is complex.'
Another viewer remarked: 'First season was good and each season after it gets better.' A third commented that they 'couldn't stop watching it.'
A fourth fan stated: 'One of the most underrated series ever. Not overlong and it doesn't take itself too seriously despite being violent and action packed. The best way to describe it is that Banshee is a load of fun.' Another added: 'Fantastic show, great acting, plot, dialogue. It's refreshing to see a show push the boundaries.'
Cast and Creators
Alongside Starr and Miličević, Banshee features Lili Simmons (True Detective, Bone Tomahawk), Hoon Lee (Your Friends and Neighbors), and Frankie Faison (The Wire). The series aired from 2013 to 2016, with the creators choosing to conclude the story with Season 4.
Showrunner Jonathan Tropper explained the decision to end the show at its peak, telling Collider: 'I was always upset when shows stuck around too long and started generating extra plot. The town itself might have had plenty of stories to tell, but it felt like the story of Lucas Hood was coming to an end.'
Banshee is available to stream on HBO Max.
