Inspired by the DC Comics character Penguin and serving as a spin-off to the film The Batman (2022), The Penguin is a captivating superhero drama that premiered last Thursday on Max. Created by Lauren LeFranc, this series chronicles the extraordinary ascent of the Penguin as he becomes one of the most formidable figures in Gotham City’s criminal underworld.
Colin Farrell returns to portray the iconic Penguin/Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobblepot. The show delves into the motivations and challenges behind the disfigured character’s villainy, exploring his strength and emotional complexities.
Starring alongside Farrell are Cristin Milioti, Ben Cook, Rhenzy Feliz, and others. The series is set just one week after the events of The Batman and is rapidly gaining traction for its authentic atmosphere and deep character development.
For viewers eager for more shows that highlight the complexities of villainous characters, here’s a curated list.
Shows Like The Penguin: House of Cards, Hannibal, and More
1) Loki – Disney Plus
Created by Michael Waldron and based on the Marvel Comics character, Loki is a gripping superhero thriller starring Tom Hiddleston. Similar to The Penguin, this series follows the mischievous exploits of Loki (Hiddleston) after he steals the Tesseract during Avengers: Endgame, leading to a confrontation with alternate versions of himself. Packed with action and adventure, this show has received rave reviews and is a must-watch for fans of The Penguin.
2) The Boys – Amazon Prime Video
Based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a satirical superhero series that subverts the conventional image of heroes. The titular characters appear to be champions of justice but are actually agents of a secretive conglomerate using their powers for personal gain. This unique narrative complements The Penguin, where the so-called heroes are actually quite villainous.
3) Bates Motel – Amazon Prime Video
Bates Motel, based on the novel Psycho by Robert Bloch and serving as a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, stars Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga. The series explores the formative years of Norman Bates (Highmore), detailing his psychological struggles and his mother Norma’s (Farmiga) attempts to assist him. Although its villainy is rooted in psychological complexity rather than the fantastical elements of The Penguin, it similarly charts the evolution of a dark character.
4) House of Cards – Netflix
Based on Michael Dobbs’ novel, House of Cards is a political thriller that features Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Created by Beau Willimon, the series was Netflix’s inaugural show, quickly earning acclaim for its storytelling and performances. The plot follows Frank Underwood (Spacey), a power-hungry Democratic politician, and his wife Claire (Wright), delving into themes of ambition, greed, and ruthlessness. Like The Penguin, it narrates a villain’s relentless pursuit of power.
5) Sons of Anarchy – Amazon Prime Video
Created by Kurt Sutter, Sons of Anarchy is an action-drama series starring Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller. The narrative centers around Jax’s struggle to balance his personal life with his responsibilities as vice president of an outlaw motorcycle club. The show highlights Jax’s moral decline as he becomes embroiled in treacherous politics, reflecting themes of brotherhood and betrayal, much like the portrayal of the villain in The Penguin.
6) Dexter – Amazon Prime Video
Based on Jeff Lindsay’s novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Dexter is a crime drama featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan. The series narrates Dexter’s dual life as a blood spatter analyst for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department while he moonlights as a vigilante killer targeting those who escape justice. Merging psychological depth with dark humor, Dexter presents a complex villain comparable to the character in The Penguin.
7) Hannibal – Amazon Prime Video
Inspired by the works of Thomas Harris, Hannibal is a psychological thriller centering on the morbid relationship between FBI investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and forensic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen). As the story unfolds, Graham is oblivious to Hannibal’s true nature as a cannibalistic murderer. Known for its exceptional performances and unique direction, this cult series juxtaposes moral ambiguity akin to that found in The Penguin.
For viewers who are captivated by series where villains take center stage, this list offers a variety of choices to consider.
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