I Missed a Popular HBO Show, But the Emmys Have Convinced Me to Watch

I have a confession to make—I missed out on a major HBO show when it first aired, but all the Emmy buzz has reminded me that I need to get on it. Yes, we’re talking about The Penguin, which has racked up an impressive 24 Emmy nominations, making it one of the most recognized series in the comic book genre.

Back in the day, I didn’t have a Now Entertainment pass, so I couldn’t catch The Penguin when it premiered in early 2025. But now that I’ve got access to HBO, I’ve been binge-watching their top-tier content, and it’s high time I give The Penguin the attention it deserves.

This show is an intriguing spinoff from the world of The Batman, delving into the backstory of Colin Farrell’s Penguin character as he rises through the ranks in Gotham City’s criminal underworld. But beyond its ties to the larger cinematic universe, The Penguin is praised for its complex storytelling and compelling characters, like Linda Cardellini’s standout performance.

The best part about discovering a series late in the game is that you don’t have to root for it to win awards (though it’s nice when it does). The Emmy nominations for The Penguin have reignited my interest in the show, prompting me to add it to my watchlist ASAP—and you should too if it flew under your radar like it did mine. Time to catch up on this hidden gem!