The Penguin Season 2: Reasons Why HBO Hasn’t Renewed the Show

The fate of a second season for the hit show, The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, is up in the air. Fans have been left wondering if the show will return for more episodes, despite its success in November 2024. HBO and DC Studios have yet to confirm the news, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting for an update.

One reason for the uncertainty surrounding a potential second season is the original intent of the show. The Penguin was initially conceived as a standalone, limited-run series, meant to bridge the gap between The Batman (2022) and the upcoming sequel, The Batman – Part II (2027). This standalone nature may make Warner Bros. and DC Studios hesitant to extend the story further.

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s restructuring of DC Studios adds to the uncertainty surrounding the show. The duo has been focused on launching a new interconnected DC Universe (DCU) with projects like Superman: Legacy. The Penguin exists separately from this new universe, which raises questions about its renewal.

Despite these uncertainties, The Penguin has been a resounding success for HBO Max. The show boosted subscriber numbers and was among the top-streamed shows for late 2024 and early 2025. The demand for character-driven crime dramas remains high, hinting at a potential audience interest in more Gotham-based stories.

Colin Farrell’s transformation into Oswald Cobblepot has been widely praised, and he has expressed willingness to return for a second season if the writing is strong. Similarly, Cristin Milioti’s performance has been a highlight of the show, adding depth to the narrative.

Fans of The Penguin eagerly await news of a possible second season. The show’s critical and commercial success makes it a strong contender for renewal, but the broader Batman universe and new DCU strategy could complicate matters. Keep an eye out for updates in the future, as a decision on the show’s future may come after awards season or closer to the release of The Batman – Part II. In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see if a second season of The Penguin is in the cards.