Series finales are a high-wire act. They have to wrap up years of storytelling, satisfy loyal fans, and stick the landing—or risk joining the ranks of The Sopranos and Game of Thrones in the hall of infamous endings. But sometimes, even a decent finale can get caught in the crossfire of review bombing, where a vocal minority floods ratings sites with negative scores. That's exactly what happened to Prime Video's hit sci-fi series The Boys after its final episode aired on May 20.
The Eric Kripke-created superhero satire, which has been a critical darling and one of Prime Video's most-watched shows, concluded with an episode titled "Blood and Bone." In it, the long-simmering war between Homelander (Antony Starr) and the titular team finally comes to a bloody end. But a significant chunk of the fandom is not happy—and they've made their feelings known online.
Review Bombing Hits an All-Time Low
Just a week after the finale dropped, the backlash has crystallized into a full-blown review bomb. On IMDb, the episode currently sits at a dismal 5.8 out of 10, making it the lowest-rated episode in the series' entire run. For context, The Boys had previously maintained a consistent episode score above 7.0. Even the penultimate episode wasn't spared, earning a 5.9. The drop is staggering for a show that once topped many "best of" lists.
So what's behind the fury? Many fans argue that the final season spent too much time laying groundwork for Vought Rising, an upcoming spin-off, rather than focusing on a satisfying conclusion for the main characters. Others felt the finale was rushed, with plot threads resolved too quickly or anticlimactically. The result is a rare instance where audience scores and critical reception have sharply diverged.
What Critics Are Saying
Professional reviewers, while acknowledging the episode's flaws, have been far more forgiving. Collider's Nate Richard noted, "While 'Blood & Bone' could've and should've been better, it also could've been far worse." Screen Rant's Craig Elvy said the show's "ending gets its big calls right," and Saloni Gajjar of The AV Club called it "a rushed, fittingly brutal, and surprisingly moving" conclusion. The consensus among critics is that the finale delivers on its core promises—Homelander meets his end, Butcher (Karl Urban) gets a fitting fate, and Hughie (Jack Quaid) finds a happy ending—even if the pacing leaves something to be desired.
For those who want to relive the chaos, we've broken down the 10 most shocking moments from the series finale. And if you're looking for more to watch, check out our curated list of the best shows to binge on Prime Video this week.
The Bigger Picture: Review Bombing in the Streaming Era
Review bombing has become a recurring headache for streaming platforms. Whether it's a controversial plot twist, a perceived political agenda, or simply unmet expectations, a coordinated wave of negative ratings can distort a show's perceived quality. In the case of The Boys, the finale's low IMDb score may not reflect the episode's actual merits—but it does reflect the passion (and volatility) of its fanbase.
All five seasons of The Boys are currently available to stream on Prime Video globally. Whether you loved the ending or hated it, there's no denying the show left a mark on the sci-fi and superhero genres. For more entertainment news and analysis, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
