While this series has technically existed since the pilot premiered in late 2019, Helluva Boss is back and better than ever with a new home on Prime Video. Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano’s adult animated dark comedy series garnered quite a fanbase in its official 2020- 2024 run on YouTube, but now that old and new episodes alike are hitting Prime Video first before eventually finding their way to YouTube, the series will have more opportunities to reach an even wider audience. Fresh and returning fans alike will have plenty to enjoy about the revamped Helluva Boss, so keep reading for more details on what to expect based on the premiering Prime Video Original prequel episode entitled “MISSION: ZERO.”
Opening Shot: There’s a darkened street where a few hooligans are proudly announcing how shady they are as they vandalize property, do drug deals, steal candy from babies, steal babies from parents, and worst of all… openly hate Christmas. From a little distance away, a few imps led by Blitzo (Brandon Rogers) watch and close in on the thugs as Blitzo proclaims his wish to create a business where imps can achieve great things and get revenge on humanity by killing them for money while facing consequences for their actions.
The Gist: Eccentric Hell-born imp Blitzo (Brandon Rogers) —”the O is silent”— pitches an imp-run human assassination business to his employees, a married couple consisting of the practical and neurotic Moxxie (Richard Steven Horvitz) and the energetic and slightly vicious Millie (Vivian Nixon). Millie is into it, but Moxxie has his doubts about the professionalism of Blitzo’s Immediate Murder Professionals, aka I.M.P.
Additionally, Moxxie questions how they’ll even access the human world, but Blitzo has already found a way around that by stealing a grimoire from his lover, the intense and lustful Stolas (Bryce Pinkham), so he can use its magic to create portals that lead directly to humanity. Stolas knows that his grimoire is gone, but believes that Blitzo just took it to ensure they’d have another reason to see each other. Blitzo is happy to let his hookup believe this if it means getting his way, so he leads Stolas on in order to take Moxxie, Millie, and his adopted daughter, a moody 22-year-old hellhound named Loona (Erica Lindbeck), to murder for money in the land of the living.
Thus is the story of I.M.P.’s humble beginnings. But with financial issues, very loose (if any) business plans, and various personal problems, the organization’s boss and employees certainly have their work cut out for them. Prepare for chaos, violence, and hilarity galore with Helluva Boss.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of?: The most obvious and direct comparison is the ongoing Prime Video Original adult animated musical comedy series Hazbin Hotel, which was not only made by the Helluva Boss creator Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano but also exists in the very same fictional universe.
Our Take: Helluva Boss episodes are short, yet packed with larger-than-life imp and other otherworldly characters with plenty of personality, humor, and insanity. From cussing to sexual themes to violence, this definitely is an adult-only show, but it deftly utilizes its strong animation to entertain viewers and still evoke that bit of childlike glee that you might have felt with the cartoons of your youth.
“MISSION: ZERO” is a new episode in the pre-existing world of Helluva Boss, yet it acts as a great setup for the characters and world that we explore further in Seasons 1 and 2 (which are both also available now on Prime Video). The short runtime also ensures quick pacing without feeling so frenetic that you’re left behind, giving you enough of a taste of the series to whet your appetite and get you eager to enjoy even more. This show truly feels original, creative, and free in a way that reminds us all how independent creators are still out there making new and exciting content that is well worth investing in and nurturing. Kudos to Prime Video for giving Helluva Boss a place to live, thrive, and grow!
Sex and Skin: There are definitely allusions to sex, plus plenty of swearing and some fairly gory scenes of murder and violence. It might be animated, but that doesn’t mean that this show is kid-friendly in any way!
Parting Shot: Following a fun I.M.P. theme song and action sequence, the imps roll into Earth immediately, wreaking havoc by driving into and killing a random human woman on the street. They all argue with each other before sprinting away as the dead girl’s boyfriend chases after them with a rifle. The song wraps up, and “Helluva Boss” appears onscreen before cutting to the end credits.
Sleeper Star: Vivian Nixon brings an engaging vocal performance and warm Southern drawl to Millie, making it easy to like the character even when she’s advocating for ripping humans to shreds. You just can’t help but root for her and her catchphrase, “It’s Millie time!” (Blitzo is wrong; it’s definitely going to catch on).
Most Pilot-y Line: Blitzo sets up a potential conflict ahead in the rest of the series in the following little exchange with Moxxie:
“Alright, team. We’re out of time and out of money. Into the portal we go!”
“Wait! What was that about no money?”
Our Call: Helluva Boss is an entertaining animated series packed full of the edginess, charisma, and originality to get audiences hooked and keep them coming back for more. STREAM IT to celebrate chaos, cartoons, and creativity!