# Peacemaker (2022)

> A vainglorious, violent superhero who believes in peace at any cost is forced to join a covert government operation.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/92208

## Facts

- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 16
- Episode runtime: 45 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: action, comedy, science fiction
- Created by: James Gunn
- Network: HBO Max, HBO Max
- Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Chukwudi Iwuji, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick
- TMDB rating: 8.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13146488/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: graphic
- Tone: irreverent, sardonic, violent, sincere, absurd

## What critics say

Audiences broadly acclaim the show as a dark, irreverent superhero comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt core, though some viewers find the second season's density and absurdity hard to follow.

## Synopsis

Peacemaker (2022-2025) is an HBO Max dark comedy superhero series created by James Gunn, a spin-off of The Suicide Squad set in the DC Universe. John Cena plays Christopher Smith, a vainglorious hero who believes in peace at any cost, no matter how many people he has to kill. Freed from a recent stint in custody, he is pulled into covert government missions alongside a team that includes Leota Adebayo, Emilia Harcourt, and Adrian Chase. Across two seasons, the engine is simple: Chris wants to be admired as a good man, while sloppy operations, rival vigilantes, and his own violent instincts keep derailing him. Episodes build around absurd, gory set pieces and bickering team dynamics, with the story moving forward as one continuing arc. The tone blends jolting violence with sincere emotional beats about family and self-worth, delivered with irreverent, sardonic humor. Set in a present-day American government milieu, it plays like a more profane cousin to The Boys, with the crude ensemble energy of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Fans of antihero comedies will find it a bloody, offbeat ride.

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- [DC's Stargirl (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/69355)

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