Mind-benders, superheroes, awkward youth are binge-ready TV

Coronavirus has been altering filming schedules and release patterns for about 6 months now, and the fallout from these changes will likely be felt for at least a year or more. Will there even be new shows to debut in 2021, or will it be a lot of online conference calls disguised as dramas? Luckily, the drought hasn’t fully begun, as a number of binge-worthy TV shows have recently released new seasons. While the superheroes in the movie theaters can be pretty one-note, there are four shows about comic-book characters that take darker looks. Amazon Prime’s “The Boys” is probably the darkest but most realistic of the comic-book bunch, about a world where superheroes are dangerous and corrupt celebrities who are backed by corporate interests. It seems so plausible it’s surprising there aren’t more takes like it. It’s a solidly R-rated show, with a lot of dark humor, but never feels nihilistic. If you’re sick of superheroes, it may be for you: It’s a show that will make you glad Superman isn’t real. If you binge now, you’ll be able to catch up; season two episodes are being released weekly through Oct. 9. (Netflix photo).

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