This series is perfect for fans of crime dramas that focus more on the complex lives of criminals than on superheroes.
“The Penguin,” now streaming on HBO Max, takes viewers into the dark underworld of Gotham City, continuing the story from the 2022 film The Batman. As the first Batman spin-off series, it’s currently topping the charts across multiple streaming platforms.
The recently released fourth episode has been particularly successful. According to The Wrap, viewership in the U.S. alone has surged by 1.7 million. Part of its popularity stems from its connection to The Batman, a film that resonated with a broad audience. Fans are also praising the show’s strong cast and its portrayal of the psychological depth and emotions of the criminals.
Colin Farrell stars as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, known as The Penguin, who is vying for control of Gotham’s criminal underworld. His main rival is Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. Set after the chaos caused by The Riddler, the series explores the complex power struggles between the Falcone and Maroni families, with a dark, crime-filled tone.