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TV FEATURE

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GENRE: Drama RUN TIME: Series

Cameron Crovetti and Antony Star

THE BOYS: SEASON 4 LIKE FATHER, LIKE MONSTER If it’s even possible, season four of The Boys is more insane, blood-soaked, jaw-dropping, and chaotic than anything we’ve seen before.

T he scariest part? The show makes it all feel uncomfortably close to real life. With a fifth and final season still to come, The Boys continues to unfold in a world where superheroes, known as “Supes,” are far from the noble figures typically portrayed in popular culture. Instead, they are morally corrupt, self-serving, and controlled by Vought International, a powerful corporation that monetises their existence. As the show pushes boundaries, it delivers a provocative take on what it truly means to be a hero. It’s also wild to think that this massive Amazon hit stars not one but two Kiwis in the lead roles: Karl Urban as English vigilante Billy Butcher and Antony Starr as the psychopathic Supe leader,

Homelander. The introduction of Homelander’s son, Ryan, played by young actor Cameron Crovetti, has been a game changer for Starr. “It’s a complicated relationship between the two characters, and I’m very interested in the role of the father, and the potential absence of that, and what damage that does, where that sits,” says the Kiwi actor. “I think there’s a really great parallel with a lot of social issues, not just where I come from, in New Zealand, but across the board globally,” Starr reflects. “I think the absence of the father is a big issue at the moment. A lot of men are going through an identity crisis, not knowing who or what to be,

or where to place themselves. And I

like playing around in that world. I like exploring the cause and effect of the father-son relationship.” With season five set for release next year, the tight-knit cast is sad to see the end. “There’s a level of complexity in this character, in this show, and in the other characters that you simply don’t get the opportunity to explore... I’m going to miss it,” says Starr. We can’t wait to see what horrifying thing they do next. Gill Pringle

• The Boys: Season 4 is out Aug 20

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GENRE: Sci-Fi RUN TIME: Series

NEW DOC ON THE BLOCK: DOCTOR WHO SEASON 1 With this new Doctor, we get a new Season 1 - although this latest series is officially the 14th… or the 40th, if we’re counting from the very beginning. T hat might sound confusing to most, but not to Whovians - the most loyal branding. Now on a new platform, the series is bigger

• Doctor Who: Season 1 is out Aug 13

signature look in favour of a wardrobe full of outfits. On assuming the role, he told the press: "This role and show mean so much to

of fans - who know the Doctor Who lore inside and out, all the way back to its 1963 debut. Now we’re at the 15th incarnation of the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa ( Sex Education, Barbie ). When Jodie Whittaker stepped away from the role, the BBC sought an international streaming partnership in the hope of propelling the good Doctor to an even wider global audience (an odd notion, given it was already a globally recognised brand). Nevertheless, they found an ally in Disney+, who helped elevate the production values and introduce new themes. And that explains the “Season 1” OTHER RECENT DOCTOR WHO RELEASES:

than before, aiming for a broader - and younger - audience. Distinguishing itself from previous seasons, the new Doctor Who embraces the classic monster-of-the-week

so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same." Whether you’re a lifelong fan adding to your ever-growing collection or a newcomer using this series as your entry point, Doctor Who: Season 1 is finally here to own. So make some room - the new Doctor has arrived! Glenn Cochrane

Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson

format, offering viewers something fresh in every episode. The show also marks the return of former showrunner Russell T Davies, who created the Doctor Who spin-offs Torchwood (2006–2011) and The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–2011). Gatwa’s take on the Doctor is distinctly fashion-forward, with the character breaking tradition by foregoing a single

Doctor Who: The War Games, Doctor Who: The Savages, Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace, Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary Specials

34 AUGUST 2025

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