“The Penguin” Premiere: A Captivating Dive into Gotham’s Underworld

"The Penguin" spinoff from Matt Reeves' Batman universe debuts to enthusiastic fan reactions, highlighting its compelling character development and immersive exploration of Gotham's underworld, paving the way for future expansions in the franchise.
SummaryThe first episode of “The Penguin,” a spinoff from Matt Reeves’ Batman franchise, has generated enthusiastic reactions from DC fans. Starring Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, the series picks up after the events of “The Batman.” Viewers have praised the show for its intriguing character development and the exploration of Gotham’s underworld. The episode’s positive reception suggests that it fills a gap for DC television content in 2024, as the DCEU wraps up and new projects are anticipated in Reeves’ universe. Fans are optimistic about the upcoming episodes and the potential for other characters outside of Bruce Wayne to lead successful narratives.

“The Penguin” Episode 1 Sparks Enthusiastic Reactions from DC Fans

The much-anticipated return of Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb in “The Penguin” episode 1, titled “After Hours,” has ignited a flurry of responses from DC fans. As the first spinoff in Matt Reeves’ Batman franchise, which picks up after the dramatic conclusion of “The Batman,” this episode marks a significant moment for the Elseworlds-based universe as it heads into 2024, paving the way for “The Batman – Part II.”

Following its premiere on HBO and Max, audiences have been quick to share their thoughts on social media. Below are some standout reactions:

Social Media Reactions to “The Penguin” Episode 1

@RawbertBeef: Praised the episode for revealing a “softer” side of Oz, drawing parallels with his evolving relationship with Victor, contrasting the portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot on the “Gotham” TV series.

@Kilo1899: Described the premiere as a “good first episode,” noting Oz as “the psychopath Gotham deserves.”

@supermangeek101: Expressed impatience for episode 2, humorously referencing a scene from “The Batman” where the Dark Knight punches Jim Gordon.

@captaincupkicks: Enthusiastically shared their admiration, highlighting the immersive experience of seeing Gotham’s underworld through Oz’s eyes, likening it to a “powder keg about to explode.”

@k4tttttttttt_: Noted the striking similarity between Oz’s introduction to Victor’s life and Jason Todd’s encounter with Bruce Wayne.

@joshbecker659: Celebrated the episode’s classic mob story feel, commending its mature rating and its expansion of “The Batman” universe.

@blurayangel: Hailed the premiere as “the return of cinematic television and PEAK DC,” noting its continuation of “The Batman Crime Saga.”

@MatthewWoolbrig: Observed the strong start of the series, enjoying the street-level perspective of Gotham.

What The Reactions Mean for “The Penguin” and DC

The enthusiastic reviews and audience feedback highlight a significant moment for DC television content, filling a gap in 2024 as the DCEU winds down and James Gunn’s DC Universe prepares for a 2025 launch. “The Penguin” leverages the robust foundation established by “The Batman” in 2022, offering much-needed content for fans.

The positive reception also signals anticipation for further expansions of “The Batman” universe, with “The Penguin” and “The Batman – Part II” representing just a fraction of the upcoming projects in Reeves’ franchise. The success of “The Penguin” episode 1 suggests that with the right care and attention, characters beyond Bruce Wayne can successfully carry their own narratives.

Our Take on the Fan Reactions

It’s not surprising that “The Penguin” has garnered such positive feedback, given its long development period following “The Batman’s” success. With seven more episodes to go in this limited series, it remains to be seen how the story will unfold. Fans are hoping that subsequent episodes will continue to elevate the stakes and maintain the high quality as Oz’s journey within “The Batman” universe progresses.

The Penguin

  • PG-TV-MA
  • Crime
  • Drama

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.

Cast
Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deirdre O'Connell, Clancy Brown, James Madio, Scott Cohen, Michael Zegen, Carmen Ejogo, Theo Rossi
Release Date
September 19, 2024
Seasons
1
Streaming Service(s)
HBO Max
Franchise(s)
Batman, DC Elseworlds
Showrunner
Lauren LeFranc
Prequel
The Batman (2022)
Avg Episode Length
60 Mins

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

Joker: Folie a Deux

    Release Date
    October 4, 2024

    Superman (2025)

      Release Date
      July 11, 2025

      Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

        Release Date
        June 26, 2026

        The Batman Part II

          Release Date
          October 2, 2026

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          Mei Lin
          Mei Lin

          Mei Lin is a vibrant force in the world of television journalism, known for her striking green hair and her keen insights into TV series trends. At 35, Mei has carved out a unique niche, combining her cultural heritage with a contemporary flair that resonates with a diverse audience. Her work is celebrated for its dynamic storytelling and her ability to connect with both industry insiders and fans.

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