Who Is Shari Lewis? The Woman Soldier Boy Can’t Stop Mentioning in 'The Boys' Season 5

Published 04/16/2026, 4:15 AM EDT

Even a virus that is powerful enough to kill supes could not take down Soldier Boy. He returned in the latest episode of The Boys, bringing chaos with him, as well as a new rude joke. Now, the show has never shied away from twisting innocent and child-friendly elements into something dark and unsettling. This time, though, Soldier Boy’s bizarre and seemingly indecent joke on Shari Lewis has sparked debate across social media.

But before that, it is important to understand who Lewis was and why many viewers found it so unexpected.

Who is Shari Lewis

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Shari Lewis was a celebrated puppeteer and entertainer, best known for her beloved sock puppet, Lamb Chop. She appeared on Captain Kangaroo in 1956 and went on to host several children’s programs. Her shows were staples of family television. Her warm and friendly style made her a favorite among kids, and her work continues to hold a nostalgic place across generations. 

Apart from her iconic puppet performances, Lewis also lent her voice to Princess Nida of El-Rabaul in Arabian Knights and contributed as a writer to Star Trek: The Original Series. Many viewers also remember her appearances on programs like The Danny Kaye Show and The Dean Martin Show. She passed away in 1998 at the age of 65.

And it is perhaps because of her reputation that people were shocked by Soldier Boy’s comment. In one of the scenes, Jensen Ackles’ character, Soldier Boy, said that he “railed Shari Lewis on the balcony of Studio 54.” 

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Equally shocking as Soldier Boy's comment was his return to the show, leaving many curious about how he was able to beat the virus.

How did Soldier Boy survive the virus?

In the latest episode of The Boys, Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy is shown to be alive. This was after he was almost killed by the supe-killing virus in episode two. The reason behind his shocking return lies in his veins. He carries version one of Compound V in his system. 

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This formula, which he likely got from his time in 1944, is said to be far more potent than what modern supes have, which likely explains his survival. It also explains how he knows Shari Lewis. While the connection is understandable, the joke itself may not have landed well with many viewers. 

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What do you think about the Soldier Boy’s joke on Shari Lewis? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

539 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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