The Penguin

After the seawall collapses and the old order topples, Oswald "Oz" Cobb sees an opening to claim influence in a city left vulnerable. He wants to deliver the life he promised his mother, Francis, but the path is crowded with rival bosses, suspicious allies, and the weight of a mocking nickname, the Penguin. The show follows Oz as he balances calculated violence, strategic alliances, and small moments of care at home, showing how reputation and ambition shape choices. Episodes shift between tense criminal confrontations and quieter family scenes, keeping the focus on what Oz will risk to secure power and protection for those he loves.

Premiering in 2024, The Penguin was created by Lauren LeFranc, with characters credited to Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Colin Farrell leads as Oz Cobb, joined by Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, Deirdre O'Connell as Francis Cobb, and Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni.

While the series drew attention and praise from viewers and critics, it did not secure major awards or top-tier nominations in its release season. Critics frequently mentioned Farrell's physical transformation and the show's production values in reviews, even though big award recognition did not follow immediately.

The Penguin renewed interest in criminal origin stories within the larger comic-inspired landscape, prompting discussion about loyalty, power, and moral ambiguity. Visuals of the city after the disaster and the lead character's look circulated across fan communities, inspiring fan art, commentary, and debates about antihero portrayals in contemporary television.

Audience response was largely positive, reflected in an average rating of 8.376/10 from 1,188 votes. Reviewers highlighted recurring themes of power struggles, family obligation, reputation, and the corrosive effects of ambition. Farrell's performance was often singled out, and many noted the show's dark tone and deliberate pacing as defining elements that appealed to fans of crime drama.