The Penguin: A Chilling Success
“The Penguin” has quickly become a sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with its thrilling storyline and stellar performances. Starring Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, the spinoff series has garnered an impressive 5.3 million U.S. viewers across all platforms since its debut on Sept. 19, surpassing the premieres of popular shows like “Succession” and “The White Lotus.” It has also achieved the biggest 4-day audience for a new series on HBO Max globally since “The Last of Us” in Jan. 2023.
In this series, Farrell reprises his role as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, the Gotham City gangster from “The Batman.” Set in the aftermath of the events in the film, the show follows Oz as he navigates the power struggle in the Gotham underworld following the death of his former boss, Carmine Falcone.
Critics and viewers alike have praised “The Penguin” for its captivating storytelling and compelling characters, earning a remarkable 94% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Aramide Tinubu of Variety described it as “a masterful examination of criminality, twisted, disturbing, and deeply enthralling.”
The talented cast of the series includes Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, and Michael Zegen, with Mark Strong portraying Falcone in flashbacks. Lauren LeFranc serves as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner, with Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark executive producing. Craig Zobel directs the first three episodes, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for audiences.
