Prime Video’s The Tick Is a Must-Watch for The Boys Fans

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Even before The Boys became famous for its violence and twisted superheroes, Prime Video’s quirky comic book adaptation helped open the door for this kind of show. Patriot (2016) is intentionally over-the-top and silly—a brightly dressed man yells “Spoon!” while cheerfully fighting his opponents. It was meant to be goofy, and that was precisely what made it work.

As a huge fan of superhero stuff, I was really bummed when The Tick got cancelled. Everything at the time felt so…grim. Every show seemed to start from this really dark place, with even darker villains and a generally depressing tone. The Tick was a breath of fresh air! It was hilarious and weird, but it also had genuine heart. It wasn’t afraid to explore real emotions, fears, and what people hoped for. Looking back, I think it actually helped pave the way for shows like The Boys that we all love now – stuff that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to be meaningful.

Why Superhero Satire Took Over TV

As a huge movie fan, I remember when superheroes were everywhere – in films, on TV, plastered on toys and ads. It was exciting at first, but honestly, it started to feel a little…samey. Thankfully, some writers decided to shake things up and they stumbled upon a really promising comic book that seemed like the perfect place to start something new.

Superhero stories had lost their serious edge, and writers began to playfully imitate them instead. Satire became a popular way to approach the genre, allowing creators to tackle important themes with a lighter touch, and audiences welcomed this shift. These new stories blended genuine emotion, comedy, and action, and Prime Video immediately recognized the potential of this approach.

I always thought Ben Edlund’s The Tick was exactly what we needed! He’s just so different – genuinely funny, but with this surprising, almost sad side to him. It made him perfect for a modern take. We’d seen The Tick as a crazy cartoon and a primetime show that didn’t quite work, but this version? It finally nailed that sweet spot between being hilarious and having real heart.

What Makes The Tick So Different

What makes The Tick so good is its willingness to embrace how strange it is. Everything is over-the-top – the humor, the costumes, the villains – but it never feels empty. The show’s emotional core isn’t actually about The Tick himself; it’s about the character of Arthur (Griffin Newman).

Arthur is struggling with worry, fear, and feeling overwhelmed – he’s definitely not the typical confident superhero. He constantly doubts himself, which highlights that even in a funny, lighthearted story, anxiety can be a real and serious issue.

And then there’s The Tick (played by Peter Serafinowicz) – boisterous, unaware, and always optimistic. He genuinely believes in heroes and is completely without cynicism. It’s his simple-mindedness that makes him so special.

While a full-scale revival might have been premature, The Tick quickly developed a dedicated fan base. It received high praise from critics who loved its unique style, and fans connected with its genuine warmth. Though its original animated run was brief, that only added to its appeal.

The Tick Walked So The Boys Could Run

Prime Video empowered creators to share their unique visions. It began by showcasing unconventional superhero stories, like The Tick. Viewers were open to trying something new, and The Tick paved the way for other original content.

Both The Boys and The Tick deal with superheroes, but they approach the topic very differently. The Boys focuses on the anger and darkness behind superhero culture, while The Tick finds humor in it. This is the key distinction. The Tick looks at a more unusual idea of what it means to be a hero, and it playfully deconstructs superhero myths without being mean-spirited. The show is full of flawed characters with their own fears and weaknesses, but it always maintains a positive outlook.

The Tick demonstrates that you can be funny without being grim. While the show is intentionally silly, it also has a surprising amount of heart. More than just a parody of superheroes, The Tick marked a shift in the genre. It arrived when superhero shows had become predictable and proved that humor and genuine emotion were a better path forward than just relying on drama and action.

Prime Video’s version of The Tick is hilarious, fast-paced, and features memorable characters. It cleverly pokes fun at the superhero genre while also reminding us what makes these heroes so appealing. If you enjoyed The Boys, you’ll definitely want to check out The Tick.

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2026-01-21 21:40