HBO's 8-Part Crime Drama Is a 10/10 Weekend Binge

1 week ago 13

Image via HBO Max

Published Mar 26, 2026, 7:58 AM EDT

Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.

In the age of streaming, there are almost too many shows to watch and keep track of. However, some just can't be missed, and that is the case with HBO's The Penguin. The 2024 crime drama offers a unique take on the classic DC Comics villain. The Penguin is an easily underestimated Batman foe, but the HBO series makes him a genuine threat, while also exploring different sides of his life and personality. As Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) makes his way up in the criminal underworld, this crime drama explores the darkest parts of Gotham. With only eight episodes, this limited series tells a gritty tale of the villain's origins, proving just how ruthless the character can be.

There may be an overwhelming number of superhero-related series at the moment, but The Penguin is unique. Not only is it about a villain rather than a hero, but it doesn't rely on a wider knowledge of the universe to tell its compelling story. In addition to Farrell's Oz, Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), Vic (Rhenzy Feliz), and many more are complex and masterfully portrayed. With a dark, realistic criminal underworld and several layered characters, the HBO series is an undeniable story that will keep the audience engaged in the scheming of Gotham's notorious crime families and the corruption that runs rampant in the city.

HBO's 'The Penguin' Explores the Darkest Parts of Gotham

The world of The Penguin should be familiar to fans of DC, as it takes place in the same universe as Matt Reeves' The Batman. However, the HBO series has limited crossover and can stand on its own, not relying on a deep familiarity with the film. The story centers on a war between two crime families, the Falcones and the Maronis, as Oz's ambition places him in between them. This instantly separates the series from most stories in a superhero universe, especially as there are no heroes here. Instead, The Penguin takes a grounded approach to the gang wars as they fight over murders and a new drug called Bliss.

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Oz may be an underling for Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong), but he hopes to become more. To do so, he plays both sides, offering Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown) control of the Falcones' operation to raise his status while simultaneously framing the Maronis for Alberto Falcone's (Michael Zegen) murder. This creates opportunities for Oz, and he intends to take them. Yet, he isn't the only one reaching for power. Sofia Falcone, the newly released Arkham inmate, makes her play for control over her father's organization following her brother's death, offering Oz a challenge. With so much going on as Oz tries to subtly manipulate the situation in his favor, The Penguin offers a complicated and dark tale that is too thrilling to stop.

'The Penguin' Is Bursting With Complex and Intriguing Characters

While the story itself will keep fans interested, the characters set The Penguin apart. Oz is a fascinating central character, driven by a dark ambition and willingness to do truly terrible things. Yet, he spends much of the series showing concern for his mother, Francis (Deirdre O'Connell), who has Lewy body dementia. This relationship makes Oz almost sympathetic at times, despite the horrible things he is willing to do for his personal goals. Although he never fully redeems himself, Oz proves himself to be more than a ruthless criminal, adding an interesting layer to the character. Farrell explores this expertly in his performance, earning all the recognition he received and more.

Oz is only one character in the story, as Vic and Sofia play important roles as well. Vic is perfectly positioned to explore the beginnings of a life of crime as Oz takes the homeless teen under his wing. Though he has a good heart, Vic has few options open to him, leading him to this life of danger, as The Penguin explores. While Oz and Vic are important, one of the biggest standouts is Sofia Falcone, whose journey from Arkham to a leader of the crime world makes her a compelling addition to the series. In an Emmy-winning performance, Milioti shows every layer of the character from her suffering in Arkham to her vicious control when she gets a taste of power. With a compelling story and jaw-dropping performances, The Penguin makes it impossible to look away — ultimately turning the limited series into an ideal binge.

The Penguin is streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.