Creating a series centered around one of Batman’s lesser-focused villains was a significant gamble, but week after week The Penguin has found increased success, with each episode attracting more viewers than the last. Following a stellar performance in The Batman, Colin Farrell has returned to the role of Oz Cobb, a.k.a. The Penguin for an HBO series which has seemingly defied expectations with each episode. While most series experience a dip in ratings of some sort, The Penguin has not only maintained momentum, but there’s been an uptick in viewers – and it’s a critical success.
According to Variety, the latest episode (Episode 5, “Homecoming”) hit a series high of 1.8 million viewers. With each episode gaining a larger amount of viewership, it’s evident that the Batman extended universe, or “The Batman Epic Crime Saga,” is heading in the right direction. Between The Batman, The Penguin, and the upcoming Batman sequel, there is a lot for fans of the Caped Crusader to be excited about. While The Penguin is far from the traditional superhero-themed series, it remains true to Batman lore, while remaining grounded. Which has clearly resulted in something gripping.
While the Marvel side of the superhero spectrum might be somewhat over-the-top as of late with spells and potions in Agatha All Along, the DC corner of the world is thriving with Penguin’s gritty crime drama. With just three episodes left, The Penguin has the potential to remain one of the most successful DC projects of all time if the ratings continue to grow.
DC Programming Has a Promising New Future
With the DC Universe essentially being rebooted and redesigned from scratch, The Penguin is indicative of this part of the universe heading in a fruitful direction. Even though The Penguin will not be connected to any of the upcoming DCU projects, instead being part of Matt Reeves’ separate The Batman universe, it marks a pivotal point for the brand. Moving forward, viewers will be left with a more positive impression of the DCU, making James Gunn’s agenda easier to obtain. July 2025’s Superman will likely be the sticking point for the brand’s measure of success going forward, but The Penguin has no doubt set the tone for the sort of quality that audiences will expect.
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Social media have been frenzied with fans reacting to the latest developments of The Penguin, proving the series’ attempts to be a water cooler conversation are thriving. It shows the direction of the series and the titular character is deriving the desired reaction. One viewer on X, tweeted, “The Penguin needs to have the darkest, hopeless ending that makes us hate Oz & begging to see Batman take him down.” Another user echoed the sentiment, saying, “Tbh I love how much I’m starting to hate #ThePenguin but love the fact that they’re making him into the exact villain he is. No arc, no anti-hero bs. Just straight up villain. We needed this. Hate but love.”
Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin is a crime-drama spin-off television series of 2022’s film The Batman. Set shortly after the events of The Batman, Oz Cobb, A.K.A. the Penguin, begins his rise in the underworld of Gotham City as he contends with the daughter of his late boss, Carmine Falcone, for control of the crime family’s empire.
- Release Date
- September 19, 2024
- Seasons
- 1