8.6/10
95% Critics / 85% Audience
The Penguin is a 2024 American crime drama miniseries developed by Lauren LeFranc for HBO, serving as a gritty spin-off to The Batman (2022). Based on the DC Comics character, the show follows Oswald “Oz” Cobb’s dangerous rise to power in Gotham City’s criminal underworld. LeFranc acts as showrunner, with Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, involved in shaping the creative direction.
Colin Farrell reprises his acclaimed role as the Penguin, joined by Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Clancy Brown, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and a strong ensemble cast. Produced by DC Studios in association with Warner Bros. Television, the eight-episode series aired from September 19 to November 10, 2024, and quickly became one of HBO’s most celebrated crime dramas.
The Penguin (TV Series) – Official Trailer
Plot Overview
Set just one week after the flooding of Gotham City seen at the end of The Batman, the series plunges viewers into a city in chaos. With crime boss Carmine Falcone dead, rival factions—including the remnants of the Falcone family and the powerful Maroni crime syndicate—scramble to seize control.
In the middle of this storm is Oz Cobb, a former underboss to Falcone, now eyeing the top seat. The show explores his cunning strategies, violent power plays, and fragile alliances as he transforms from an underestimated street hustler into one of Gotham’s most feared figures.
Sofia Gigante (née Falcone), a ruthless and unpredictable player, emerges as one of Oz’s greatest threats, while a young homeless teen, Victor Aguilar, becomes both his driver and enforcer. With corrupt cops, treacherous allies, and rival gangs standing in his way, Oz must navigate a dangerous path toward ultimate control.
Cast Highlights
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Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb / The Penguin – A disfigured, ambitious mobster determined to rise in Gotham’s hierarchy.
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Cristin Milioti as Sofia Gigante – A dangerous adversary with deep family ties.
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Rhenzy Feliz as Victor “Vic” Aguilar – A street-smart teen pulled into Oz’s criminal world.
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Clancy Brown as Sal Maroni – A legendary mob boss with his own agenda.
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Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni – The calculating matriarch of the Maroni family.
Production and Development
The series was first announced in 2021, following early talks about expanding The Batman’s gritty universe. Originally planned for HBO Max, the project shifted to HBO after Warner Bros. restructured its streaming strategy.
Filming began in March 2023 in New York but faced delays due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Production resumed in November and wrapped in February 2024. The show’s tone was heavily inspired by Scarface (1983) and The Long Good Friday (1980), aiming for a grounded, character-driven crime saga rather than a traditional superhero narrative.
Craig Zobel directed the first three episodes, while Helen Shaver, Kevin Bray, and Jennifer Getzinger handled the rest, bringing cinematic quality to the small screen.
Release and Reception
Premiere Date: September 19, 2024
Final Episode: November 10, 2024
Upon release, The Penguin earned widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised Farrell’s transformative performance, Milioti’s scene-stealing presence, and the show’s dark, atmospheric storytelling.
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Rotten Tomatoes: 95% approval rating from critics.
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Metacritic: Score of 72/100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews.
The series was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, with Colin Farrell winning Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.
Future of The Penguin
Matt Reeves has confirmed that Farrell will reprise his role in The Batman – Part II (scheduled for 2027). Discussions about a potential second season of The Penguin are already underway, though Farrell has expressed mixed feelings about returning due to the intense nature of the role. Still, given the show’s success, fans may yet see more of Oz Cobb’s criminal empire in the future.
Conclusion
The Penguin stands out as one of the most compelling live-action adaptations in DC’s recent history, offering a raw and unflinching look at Gotham’s underworld. Instead of relying on flashy superhero battles, the series thrives on complex character dynamics, sharp writing, and gripping performances. Whether you’re a fan of The Batman or simply love crime dramas in the vein of The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, The Penguin delivers a masterclass in villainous storytelling.
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