Fans of HBO’s The Penguin are eagerly anticipating what’s next after the season finale, as Oz Cobb, the Penguin, seeks to dominate Gotham’s crime scene. The series has garnered a dedicated following and viewers are wondering if The Penguin has been renewed for Season 2, or if cancelation is on the horizon.
Here’s what we have learned about The Penguin’s future.
Is The Penguin a limited series?
Yes, The Penguin was initially slated as a limited series. But, given its popularity and fan base, it appears the creators may consider extending it for more seasons.
The show was initially planned as a short series to connect Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman with the upcoming 2026 sequel, The Batman Part II. However, it has turned into a huge hit for HBO. What began as a spin-off has now won over audiences with its engaging plot and stellar performances. This success must have prompted Reeves and showrunner Lauren LeFranc to reconsider and discuss with HBO about extending the project.
Is The Penguin canceled or renewed for Season 2?
HBO’s The Penguin is neither canceled nor renewed for Season 2.
The Penguin dropped its much-awaited Episode 8, the season finale, on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Titled “A Great or Little Thing,” this episode unveiled a bunch of truths as the intense power clash between Oz and Sofia reached its peak.
It appears that HBO hasn’t decided just yet to pull the plug on The Penguin. Here, viewers are eager to dive deeper into Oz Cobb’s underground world with Season 2. However, there’s still no word from HBO on whether they’ll officially renew it or not. Currently, everything’s kind of up in the air, hanging on the creator’s plans for the show. That said, the current episodes are performing well, boasting an 8.8% IMDb rating and a solid 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has received tons of love from fans, with ratings climbing week after week.
Producer and showrunner Lauren LeFranc expressed in a recent interview with The Direct her desire to create a Season 2 but only if she can surpass the first. She explained how Gotham City has many untold stories, adding potential to the show, by saying, “I think that in order to do a second season, we have to feel like we can top ourselves. We have to feel like there’s something more there to really dig into. I mean, I really care about all these characters, even if they’re terrible people.”
This does mean that creators seem to be open to the idea of a second season, with Colin Farrell also keen on taking on the role of Oz Cobb in Season 2 if they find a great script. But, fans would have to wait for official confirmation.