Peacemaker Season 2 wrapped up on October 9, 2025, leaving fans wondering when John Cena’s morally ambiguous superhero will return. If you’re experiencing withdrawal from James Gunn’s brilliantly unconventional take on the superhero genre, you’re in luck. We’ve assembled ten shows that capture that same irreverent spirit, dark humor, and character depth that made Peacemaker a phenomenon.
Why Peacemaker Resonates
What sets Peacemaker apart isn’t just the action-heavy scenes or comic relief—it’s the depth. James Gunn masterfully balances explosive sequences with genuine character development, proving that superhero stories can be both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The shows on this list share that commitment to breaking the traditional superhero mold.
Top Picks That Match Peacemaker’s Energy
| Show | Seasons | Key Appeal | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Boys | 4 (ongoing) | Dark deconstruction of superhero culture | Prime Video |
| Doom Patrol | 4 | Eccentric characters with tragic backstories | HBO Max, Prime Video |
| Harley Quinn | 5 | Animated chaos with surprising depth | Hulu, HBO Max |
| Gen V | 2 (ongoing) | The Boys spin-off with fresh perspective | Prime Video |
| Creature Commandos | 1 | James Gunn’s animated monster squad | HBO Max, Prime Video |
The Must-Watch Recommendations
The Boys stands as the closest spiritual cousin to Peacemaker. Both shows fearlessly expose the ugly truth behind superhero worship, featuring crude language, gore, and morally grey characters. With its fifth and final season coming soon, now’s the perfect time to catch up on this Prime Video sensation that revolutionized superhero television.
Doom Patrol delivers that perfect blend of weird and wonderful. Like Peacemaker, it features a ragtag team of unlikely heroes dealing with personal trauma while saving the world. The character development is exceptional, and the offbeat humor feels genuinely earned rather than forced.
For animation lovers, Harley Quinn proves that cartoons can be just as sophisticated and boundary-pushing as live-action. Kaley Cuoco’s voice work brings incredible nuance to the character, and the show explores Quinn’s journey of self-discovery with surprising emotional depth alongside the violence and risqué humor.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Don’t sleep on Misfits, the British show that pioneered the morally ambiguous superhero trend. Five seasons of unpredictable storytelling follow juvenile delinquents who gain powers after a freak storm. The strong language and disturbing moments echo Peacemaker’s mature approach, and the flawed characters feel refreshingly realistic.
The Neighbor, a Spanish Netflix series, offers a unique international perspective on superhero struggles. It’s rare for non-English shows to tackle this genre, and this underrated gem succeeds by presenting a relatable narrative about an ordinary guy with extraordinary problems trying to fight crime.
For fans specifically drawn to James Gunn’s vision, Creature Commandos is essential viewing. This animated series features Gunn’s signature character work and cohesive storytelling that balances excitement, emotion, and hilarity. It’s part of the new DCU continuity, making it especially relevant for DC Universe enthusiasts.
Quick Honorable Mentions
The Tick (2016) emphasizes clever dialogue over action, featuring a charmingly absurd superhero partnership. I Am Not Okay With This combines teen drama with telekinetic powers in just seven episodes of clever, emotionally rich storytelling. Koala Man pursues absurd plotlines with the same fearless energy that makes Peacemaker so entertaining.
Why These Shows Work
According to HBO Max’s programming insights, audiences increasingly crave superhero content that subverts expectations. These shows understand that compelling characters matter more than flashy powers. They’re willing to make their heroes uncomfortable, flawed, and genuinely human—even when they’re literal monsters.
For more recommendations on action-packed series that challenge genre conventions, these ten shows prove the superhero landscape has never been more diverse or daring.
What to Expect
Each of these series brings something unique to the table while maintaining the spirit that makes Peacemaker special. Whether you’re drawn to the satirical edge of The Boys, the emotional depth of Doom Patrol, or the pure chaos of Harley Quinn, you’ll find familiar themes of flawed heroes trying to do right in a complicated world.
Most importantly, these shows respect their audiences’ intelligence. They don’t shy away from difficult questions about morality, identity, and power—exactly what makes Peacemaker more than just another superhero show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which show on this list is most similar to Peacemaker’s tone and humor?
The Boys is the closest match to Peacemaker’s tone, featuring similar crude language, graphic violence, dark humor, and morally ambiguous characters. Both shows deconstruct traditional superhero narratives and aren’t afraid to show the ugly side of powered individuals. For fans specifically seeking James Gunn’s creative style, Creature Commandos is essential since he wrote all episodes of the first season and it shares Peacemaker’s DNA.
Q: Are any of these shows suitable for younger viewers who enjoyed Peacemaker?
No, all shows on this list are designed for mature audiences, just like Peacemaker. They contain graphic violence, strong language, adult themes, and disturbing content. Even the animated series like Harley Quinn and Koala Man feature mature content despite their animation style. Parents should review content ratings before allowing younger viewers to watch these series.
