The Circus

"The Circus" is the first episode of the second season of the adult animated web series Helluva Boss, exploring the story of Stolas' life. The episode premiered on YouTube on July 30, 2022. It was written by series creators Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano, and directed by Medrano and Rick Zieff. Receiving a universally positive critical reception, "The Circus" was also nominated for the 2022 Ursa Major Award for Best Dramatic Series. It premiered before the release of the last episode of season 1 due to copyright issues with said episode. Plot In the opening sequence, an excited young Prince Stolas receives his grimoire from his father Paimon on his birthday. However, upon being informed of who he is arranged to be married to, the young Stella, he bursts out crying. In order to stop his son's crying, Paimon takes Stolas to an imp-run travelling circus. Stolas' attention is piqued by the young Blitzo, who is a performer in the circus, alongside his friend, Fizzarolli. After the circus, Paimon asks Cash Buckzo, Blitzo's father and the head of the circus, if he can "buy" Blitzo for a day in order for him to serve as a playmate for Stolas. Blitzo is secretly instructed by his father to steal things from Stolas' home, but despite this the two still become friends.