The Penguin Season 1 (TV Series) | Review

Expanding beyond the shadow of Gotham in ways that feel both necessary and inevitable, The Penguin isn't another superhero show masquerading as prestige television– it's a genuine crime drama that happens to exist within Matt Reeves' Batman universe.

The series understands that removing the cape and cowl doesn't diminish the stakes. What makes The Penguin genuinely compelling is its commitment to character-driven storytelling over spectacle.

Lauren LeFranc crafts a narrative that explores power, family trauma and corrupt systems that create monsters. The show succeeds because it treats Oswald Cobblepot as a fully realized person rather than a cartoon villain waiting for Batman to show up.

Oz Cobb sees an opportunity in the power vacuum left by the chaos following the Riddler's devastating attack on Gotham from The Batman. With crime boss Carmine Falcone dead and the city's criminal infrastructure now in ruins, the ambitious street-level operator begins his climb toward becoming Gotham's new kingpin.

The series explores Oz's ruthless ascent through Gotham's underworld while examining his complicated relationship with his mother and protégé Victor Aguilar. As he manipulates rival families, deeper questions emerge about whether trauma inevitably shapes destiny.

Inspiration from Comics

The show draws inspiration from classic Penguin stories while creating something distinctly original. Rather than copying specific comic-book plots, LeFranc uses the character's essential nature– his ambition, cunning, and need for respect as foundation for exploring contemporary themes about class warfare and generational poverty.

This version of Cobblepot maintains his comic-book intelligence and strategic thinking while adding psychological complexity that makes his actions feel motivated rather than arbitrary. The series respects noir influences while updating them for modern storytelling.

Colin Farrell's portrayal of the Penguin represents the best adaptation of the character to date, with his transformation being astounding both in appearance and performance. He underwent an intensive three-hour daily makeup process with over 80 shooting days, describing himself as feeling like a canvas for the surgical transformation.

Cristin Milioti brings depth to Sofia Falcone beyond typical mob daughter stereotypes. Her performance balances vulnerability with true menace as she navigates trauma and ambition. Rhenzy Feliz creates a believable young man caught between survival and morality.

Deirdre O'Connell delivers powerful work as Oz's mother Francis, creating a complex matriarch whose love and manipulation intertwine in disturbing ways. The supporting cast populates Gotham with characters who feel like real people rather than plot devices.

The series expands on the gritty, noir-ish tone set by The Batman film while offering a fresh yet familiar experience in the Batman universe. The production design makes post-flood Gotham feel lived-in and desperate, enhancing character development.

The makeup and prosthetic work transforms Farrell so completely that the actor disappears entirely. Costume design reflects each character's position within Gotham's social hierarchy while remaining grounded in realistic choices. The visual effects serve the story without overwhelming the performances.

Color palettes shift between the grimy browns and grays of street-level crime and the warmer tones of family memories. The cinematography supports emotional beats through careful framing and lighting choices that feel organic rather than artificially stylized.

The show maintains exceptional tonal consistency across its eight episodes despite covering significant emotional and narrative territory. Each installment balances character development with plot advancement while building toward a satisfying season conclusion. The pacing allows both immediate payoffs and long-term narrative investment.

Performance quality remains remarkably consistent throughout the season. Farrell never breaks character despite prosthetic demands, while supporting cast members maintain their established personalities even as circumstances evolve dramatically around them.

The series rewards both weekly and binge viewing effectively. Individual episodes contain complete story beats while contributing to overarching character arcs. Viewers can appreciate immediate satisfaction without losing investment in development threads.

Season progression builds naturally from Oz's initial opportunity through escalating conflicts toward his ultimate transformation. Early episodes establish relationships while later installments explore consequences. The finale provides resolution while setting up future storylines for The Batman: Part II and potential Season 2.

The musical score captures Gotham's oppressive atmosphere without overwhelming dialogue or character moments. The soundtrack blends orchestral elements with contemporary influences that reflect the show's modern noir aesthetic. Combat and tension sequences receive appropriate musical support without becoming bombastic.

Sound design creates visceral impact during violent scenes while maintaining focus on character reactions rather than gratuitous brutality. Each location possesses distinct audio characteristics that help establish mood and atmosphere, building realistic urban decay.

The score enhances emotional beats without manipulating viewer responses artificially. Quieter character moments receive subtle musical accompaniment that amplifies dramatic tension. The overall audio design supports the series' grounded approach to superhero material.

The Penguin represents a brilliantly crafted story set in Matt Reeves' Gotham that proves spin-offs can match their source material's quality when given proper creative attention. The series demonstrates that comic book television can address serious themes without sacrificing entertainment value or character development.

The show occasionally struggles with pacing in its middle episodes and some supporting character arcs feel slightly underdeveloped. However, its commitment to psychological realism and outstanding performance create something genuinely distinctive in current television.

This establishes exactly what the Batman universe needed - proof that Gotham's stories extend far beyond one vigilante's activities. The Penguin sets up future installments while standing as compelling television in its own right, paving the way for expanded storytelling possibilities in both Season 2 and The Batman: Part II.

The Penguin Season 1 is available to stream exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the U.S., where it's included in both With Ads and Ad-Free subscription tiers ($9.99/mo and above). The series is also accessible internationally through platforms like NOW and Sky Atlantic in U.K.

While you can rent or purchase it digitally via Amazon, Apple TV or Fandango, it's not included in any other subscription based streaming platform. No alternate streaming deals beyond these few have been announced just yet.