Bookmakers would never have guessed a spinoff ofThe Batmanwould become one of the most discussed shows of 2024, but such is how television fate has played out. Following the titular DC villain’s rise to power in Gotham’s underworld, HBO’sThe Penguinhas been heavily praised by both comic buffs and casual viewers. Such acclaim isn’t underserved, as the HBO show has gripping storylines, incredible performances, and amazing cinematography. The decision to set events in the present also gives the show a stinging relevance, elevating it above conventional comic book adaptations.
Regrettably, good things come in small doses, so viewers only have eight episodes to munch on. It’s also unclear if we will get a second season to tap into the unexpected popularity (the show was initially intended as a Max miniseries) or if the focus will shift to movies.Thankfully, a few other shows share DNA with the DC series. These gems have similar themes, tones, visual styles, and storylines or characters, with much in common withThe Penguin. Most importantly, most of these small-screen productions are as critically acclaimed as the spinoff.
10Gotham (2014–2016)
Gothamworks as both a detective drama and a coming-of-age story. Two protagonists, one representing law enforcement (Jim Gordon) and the other, a young man figuring out his purpose in life (Bruce Wayne),work hard to stop the unthinkable criminal acts in the city.Additionally, the origin stories ofBatman’s infamous rogues gallery membersare explored.
Gotham Is Slowly Taking Shape
LikeThe Penguin,Gothamtakes us deep intoa Gotham underworld that’s still in its gestation period rather than one that is fully formed. Fans get spoiled for choice as several miscreants attempt to be the city’s ultimate conquistador so that they can declare themselves sovereign. Most importantly, the show presents different versions of characters who appear in the new HBO series, as the likes of Sofia Falcone and Salvatore Maroni are also present here.Gothamis streaming onMax.
9Griselda (2024)
Produced byNarcoscreator Eric Neuman,Griseldais a biographical account of the life ofnotorious Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco. Once she moves from Colombia to Miami, all major underworld players see the stuff of genius in her simple plans and pronouncements. Soon,she has the ear and respect of some of the most powerful peopleand uses that to build a major criminal empire.
Two Strikingly Similar Characters
It’s no surprise thatGriseldadebuted at number one in 90 countries on Netflix. Its splendid production design and staggering cinematography transport you fully to this long-departed era, andthe plot is every bit as refined and evocative. In Griselda Blanco, fans will seeThe Penguin’s Sofia Falcone (now Gigante), asboth characters are ruthless women running circles around the major male players. And they each shockingly kill family members at some point.Griseldais streaming onNetflix.
8Ripley (2024)
InRipley,fortunes change for the struggling con man, Tom Ripley, whena hedonist’s father hires him to convince his prodigal son to return home. The Bohemian playboy went to Europe and cultivated an esteem for all things Italian, much to the dismay of his wealthy shipbuilder father. Predictably, Tom manipulates the young man to his benefit once he arrives in Italy.
Fooling the Rich
Manipulating the child of a wealthy person? Oz does the exact thing early inThe Penguin. He convinces Sofia Falcone that he has her best interests at heart, yet he intends to have the entire cake for himself.How Oz toys with Salvatore Maroni’s mind also mirrors how Tim toys with the shipbuilder’s mindinRipley.It’s worth noting that this particular showreceived 13 Emmy nominations, so have no doubts about clicking the play button.Ripleyis streaming onNetflix.
The Penguin Actors: Every Performance in Batman Movies, Shows, and Games, Ranked
Throughout cartoons, movies, and video games, the iconic Batman villain the Penguin has been portrayed by some great actors.
7Ozark (2017–2022)
InOzark,financial adviser Marty Byrde is suckered into abetting an ill-advised plan to launder money for a drug cartel. His partner chooses to steal some of the cash and gets a bullet for it. The quick-thinking Marty, on the other hand,saves his life by proposing to launder more cash in the Missouri Ozarks, where there is much growth potential.
Creating Something Out of Nothing
Ozarkwas hailed as the nextBreaking Bad, but it’s more likeThe Penguin. Marty creates an empire once he arrives in the Ozarks. Oz does the same thing. Both men have to deal with fierce underworld figures during their respective journeys, butthey maneuver the chaos just fine.Beyond that,both shows are animated by perceptive, believable scripts coupled with raw, heartfelt performancesfrom the talented cast.Ozarkis streaming onNetflix.
6Pennyworth (2019–2022)
Pennyworth
Alfred Pennyworth has always been one of the most cherished characters in Batman mythos, and there is more to him than just white hair and frequent repetitions of the line “Master Bruce!”Pennyworthtakes us through the early years of Batman’s loyal butler,showing how he rose from a Special Air Service (SAS) to a security company ownerbefore offering his services to Thomas Wayne.
Another Well-Made DC Origin Story
Intriguing set pieces, fun characters, and a story that takes place in Batman’s universe without the Caped Crusader’s involvement make Pennyworth a twin show toThe Penguin. Just as it’s interesting to see Oz conduct his activities without Batman’s interference,it’s fascinating to see Alfred operate as his own man and not merely a servant. Apart from the Batman-related plots, you will appreciatethe homage toV for Vendetta.Pennyworthis streaming onMax.
5Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empireis about Nucky Thompson, an Atlantic City politician who not only has a raw talent for crime but also an unquenchable drive.He exerts a lot of influence during the Prohibition Era, but along the way, he feuds with friends, mobsters, and law enforcement. Nucky may run the city, but not without paying a very stiff price.
Profiting from Addictive Substances
A significant portion ofThe Penguin’s plot revolves around the trading of the drug known as Bliss.Boardwalk Empirecovers similar ground, except the gangsters are in the liquor business. Additionally,both shows are similar aesthetically, with each boasting a greyish hue that evokes a grim atmosphere.Like Gotham, Atlantic City is depicted as a drab, grimy city where the privations of conflict are felt acutely. Above all,the show is heavily structured around the mafia and its codes. Fans of real-world organized crime would prefer this production, but both shows qualify as essential viewing.Boardwalk Empireis streaming onMax.
4Harley Quinn (2019–Present)
Harley Quinn
Following her nasty breakup with the Joker before the events ofHarley Quinn, the titular characterstruggles to eke out an existence and protect herself from other miscreants who hope to get the same kinds of loot she is eying.As we watch Harley confront and master her brutish environment (wait till you see her fight), we are increasingly awestruck at her pluck and resilience.
The Focus Is on Another Great DC Villain
Harley QuinnisThe Penguin,only with more humor and general silliness. Both villains are trying to achieve the same thing andmust deal with the aftermath of falling out with people they held dear. The production structures don’t differ greatly from each other either.Both shows feature standalone episodesthat don’t focus on the main characters and are extremely enjoyable.Harley Quinnis streaming onMax.
3Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
Peaky Blinders
A British ganagster saga set in 1919 post-war Birmingham. Cillian Murphy is Thomas Shelby, leader of the most feared and powerful local gang, the Peaky Blinders. Named for their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, they make money from illegal betting, protection and the black market. But when a crate of guns goes missing from an arms factory, their battle-hardened leader recognizes an opportunity to move up in the world.
Smear campaigns, murders, public-image management, behind-the-scenes machinations, and backstabbings are all part of the chaos inPeaky Blinders, a gripping crime drama that feels modern even though it is set after World War I. Here, Birmingham crime boss Tommy Shelbyworks day and night to keep his Peaky Blinders gang ahead of other criminal factions.
Similar Cutthroat Underworlds
A chilly political critique disguised as an elaborate crime drama,Peaky Blindersis a splendidly constructed, visually resplendent affair. Its similarities toThe Penguinare easy to spot, as both shows have antagonists who are mean enough to frighten viewers but exhibit just enough idiosyncrasies to seem human.Each of the two criminals is an expert at getting themselves out of tight spots. Whenever they seem cornered, you may count on them to sneak out.Peaky Blindersis streaming onNetflix.
2The Sopranos (1999–2007)
The Sopranos
The Writers Guild of America named it the best-written show of all time, and it’s hard to argue with her.The Sopranosavoidsgangster genre tropesas it tells the story of Tony Soprano,a New Jersey mafia boss who lives life like a normal dadwhile engaging in all kinds of illegal activities. He is the first Don to wear shorts, the first to go to therapy, and never set foot in jail.
7 Big Differences Between The Penguin’s Oz Cobb and Tony Soprano
Colin Farrell’s performance as the Penguin is transformative. But watching him in action does bring to mind another iconic gangster: Tony Soprano.
Tony Could Be Swapped with Oz
The Sopranosis arguably the most similar show toThe Penguin,as Tony and Oz truly feel like birds of a feather.Both have complicated relationships with their mothers, both have not-so-confident sidekicks, and they each are intelligent mafia members. On top of that, their speech mannerisms are somehow similar. The show’s creators have denied that the multi-Emmy-winning hit was an inspiration, but we can see it.The Sopranosis streaming onMax.
1Black Lightning (2018–2021)
Black Lightning
Black Lightningfocuses on the mutant high school principal Jefferson Pierce, whose desire to become a superhero has finally awakened again after a long convalescence. It’s been nine years since he donned the costume of Black Lightning, butthe possibility of defeating a notorious gang leader known as Tobias Whale sweetens the pot for him.
Tobias Whale Also Feels Like a Penguin Clone
Freeland (the setting ofBlack Lightning) is overrun with criminal elements, just like Gotham, chief among them Tobias Whale.The crimelord resembles Oz in physique and mannerisms.Besides that, he overcame a major disability to rise to the top. Whale was born with albinism, while Oz suffers from a clubfoot condition, which has caused him to limp since he learned how to walk as a child. Most importantly, both of them love dealing with drugs, unusual kinds of drugs.Black Lightningis streaming onNetflix.
