“ The Penguin ” is a smash hit, captivating audiences with its icy coolness.

According to HBO , the spinoff series featuring Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti garnered 5.3 million U.S. viewers across all platforms since its debut on Sept. 19. This figure encompasses repeat airings on HBO and streaming viewership. Notably, this surpasses the season finale premiere of “Succession,” which attracted 4.9 million viewers, and the second season premiere of “The White Lotus,” which drew 4.1 million. It also falls just short of the premiere of “True Detective: Night Country,” which secured 5.7 million viewers.

Additionally, the show has landed the biggest 4-day audience for a new series on Max in every region globally since “The Last of Us” in Jan. 2023.

Farrell reprises his role from “The Batman” in the series, once again portraying Gotham City gangster Oswald “Oz” Cobb. The series picks up in the aftermath of “The Batman,” with Oz aiming to seize control of the Gotham underworld in the power vacuum created by the death of his former boss, Carmine Falcone.

The show has also garnered critical acclaim, with “The Penguin” currently holding a 94% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In her review for Variety , Aramide Tinubu wrote, “A masterful examination of criminality, the show is twisted, disturbing and deeply captivating.”

The series also features Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, and Michael Zegen in its cast. Mark Strong portrays Falcone in flashbacks, while John Turturro played the character in “The Batman.”

Lauren LeFranc is the writer, executive producer, and showrunner of “The Penguin.” “The Batman” director Matt Reeves serves as an executive producer through 6th & Idaho, while Dylan Clark executive produces via Dylan Clark Productions. Farrell takes on the role of executive producer alongside his starring role. Craig Zobel is executive producing and directing the initial three episodes. Daniel Pipski, representing 6th & Idaho, also acts as an executive producer, as does Bill Carraro, with Rafi Crohn co-executive producing.