The Re-Rebrand: From Max Back to HBO Max
Warner Bros. Discovery’s short-lived “Max” experiment ends this summer as the app, website, and marketing all migrate back to the HBO Max name. Rollout starts in North America on July 22 and finishes worldwide by mid-August. Your account, profiles, and watch-lists port automatically; the only visible change is the splash screen and icon shifting to the familiar purple “HBO Max” logo.
Why the U-turn? Internal research showed that the HBO label still scores highest for “premium” and “adult prestige” among U.S. and international viewers. Max had added Discovery’s lifestyle library, but the broader name blurred brand identity. Reclaiming “HBO” is meant to signal a renewed focus on scripted originals while keeping the unscripted catalog in the background tabs.
No Sticker Shock: Prices and Plans Stay Put
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Streams | Resolution / Audio | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 | 1080p HD / Stereo | Yes |
| Standard | $16.99 | $169.99 | 2 | 1080p HD / 5.1 | None |
| Premium | $20.99 | $209.99 | 4 | 4K HDR / Dolby Atmos | None |
Warner Bros. Discovery says pricing is “locked through 2025.” Gift-card redemptions and Max annual passes roll over seamlessly.
Smarter Browsing: AI “Drop-In” Previews
A machine-learning tool now scans each title for “peak engagement moments” and builds 20-second highlight reels that autoplay when you hover or swipe. Settings let you mute or disable them app-wide, and parental controls automatically filter anything above the profile’s rating level.
Sports Strategy: Supertri & Beyond
- Supertri triathlons arrive July 26 (Toronto) with live coverage plus a docuseries inside the training camps.
- WBD dropped plans for a paid sports add-on; all U.S. sports—including NBA, NHL, March Madness, and upcoming Olympic qualifying events—remain free on Standard and Premium tiers.
- A redesigned “Live” rail now groups sports, CNN Max, and local CNN affiliates in one tab so you can jump from triathlon to breaking news without drilling through menus.
Originals & Specials Heating Up the Library
- “Sinners” — Ryan Coogler directs Michael B. Jordan in a 1990s crime epic set in New Orleans. Streaming now.
- “My Mom Jayne” — Mariska Hargitay’s personal documentary became June’s most-watched HBO film.
- Stand-Up & Sports Docs — Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life and Celtics City landed on July 5.
- Series Revivals — After 11 years, The Comeback is officially back for Season 3; cameras roll in August for a 2026 debut.
- Franchise Updates — House of the Dragon wrapped Season 2 and entered early writers-room work on Season 3. The Last of Us starts filming its Abby-centric third season in September.
Subscriber Snapshot
HBO Max ended Q1 2025 with about 122 million global subscribers, up roughly 6 million since January, thanks to the international launch in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. WBD still targets the 150 million mark by late 2026—ambitious but plausible if churn stays below five percent.
Inside the Corporate Split
By mid-2026 the conglomerate plans to cleave into two companies: Streaming & Studios (HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., DC, Wizarding World, Games) and Global Networks (CNN, Discovery, TNT Sports, European free-to-air). The move should make streaming earnings more transparent and could pave the way for joint ventures—or even an eventual sale—without legacy cable liabilities on the balance sheet.
Competitive Context
Paramount+ just reversed its own SHOWTIME rebrand, and Disney’s “Hulu on Disney+” integration shows every major streamer shuffling identities to stand out in a crowded market. For HBO Max the play is simple: lean into the brand people already equate with appointment viewing, double down on 4K, and keep premium sports in the base package.
Quick-Glance Highlights
| Focus | What’s Happening Now | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Max → HBO Max, July 22–Aug 15 | Restores premium identity |
| Price | No changes through 2025 | Avoids churn during relaunch |
| Tech | AI hover previews, 4K expansion | Faster discovery, better quality |
| Sports | Supertri deal, sports stay free | Differentiates from “add-on” rivals |
| Content | Major film (Sinners), doc (My Mom Jayne), revival (The Comeback) | Fresh tentpoles for every demo |
| Corporate | Streaming & Studios spin-off | Likely more focused investment |
That’s the landscape as HBO Max gears up for its second act—same prestige banner, sharper tech, and a slate stacked for the back half of 2025.
The Penguin On HBO
Fans of “The Penguin” have been eagerly tracking updates about this HBO series since its announcement. The crime drama starring Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot premiered on September 19, 2024, with episodes airing weekly on Sundays at 9:00 pm ET/PT on HBO and streaming simultaneously on Max. The series serves as a spin-off to 2022’s “The Batman” and fills the narrative gap before the film’s sequel, which isn’t scheduled to release until October 2026.
This limited series has generated significant buzz in the entertainment world, with many praising Farrell’s transformation into the iconic DC Comics villain. Under showrunner Lauren LeFranc‘s guidance, the story explores Cobblepot’s rise through Gotham’s criminal underworld following the events depicted in “The Batman.” The show’s gritty tone and production quality maintain the high standards set by its predecessor.
The Latest Info On “The Penguin”
“The Penguin,” starring Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, premiered on HBO and Max on September 19, 2024, with its finale airing on November 10, 2024. The series consisted of eight episodes and served as a spin-off from Matt Reeves’ 2022 film “The Batman,” picking up the story one week after the events of the movie and leading into “The Batman – Part II” (scheduled for October 2027).
As of early July 2025, the latest news regarding “The Penguin” primarily revolves around the possibility of a second season. While the series was originally designed as a limited series, its critical and commercial success, including growing viewership over its run, has led to discussions about a continuation.
Here’s a summary of the current situation:
- Season 2 Status: There is currently nothing officially planned for a second season. HBO has submitted “The Penguin” for Emmy consideration in the limited series category, which generally indicates no current plans for a continuing series. However, it’s worth noting that HBO has extended “limited series” in the past (like “Big Little Lies” and “The White Lotus”).
- Creative Interest: Showrunner Lauren LeFranc and director Matt Reeves have both expressed interest in exploring more stories within this “Batman-verse” on television, and specifically with Oz’s character, if they can find the “right idea.”
- Colin Farrell’s Stance: Colin Farrell has stated he’s in “no rush” for a second season, emphasizing the effort put into the first eight hours and his desire to avoid a “diluted version” if it were to continue. He is, however, expected to reprise his role in “The Batman – Part II.” He recently commented that a second season would be a “tougher hill to climb” given the shocking ending of Season 1, where Oz firmly established himself as a villain.
- Other Spin-offs: LeFranc has also mentioned that other Batman spin-off shows are in “early stages” of development, though no specific titles have been revealed.
In essence, while there’s no definite green light for “The Penguin” Season 2, the door isn’t entirely closed. It seems to depend on finding a compelling story and aligning the schedules of the key talent involved.
Key Takeaways
- “The Penguin” premiered September 19, 2024, with weekly episodes airing Sundays at 9:00 pm on HBO and Max.
- Colin Farrell stars as Oswald Cobblepot in this limited series that bridges the gap between “The Batman” and its 2026 sequel.
- The show explores the criminal underworld of Gotham City under showrunner Lauren LeFranc’s creative direction.
Overview of ‘The Penguin’ Series
HBO’s crime drama “The Penguin” has emerged as one of 2024’s standout series, exploring Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot’s criminal ascension in Gotham City following the events of “The Batman” film.
Development and Production
“The Penguin” was developed as a spin-off from Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” universe, expanding the gritty vision of Gotham City. Lauren LeFranc serves as the showrunner, working alongside executive producers Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark through Dylan Clark Productions and Warner Bros.
The series was designed to bridge the narrative gap between “The Batman” and its upcoming sequel, “The Batman Part II.” Production took place primarily in New York City, which provided the authentic urban backdrop needed to create the show’s version of Gotham.
Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald Cobblepot, undergoing the same remarkable transformation with prosthetics that made his brief appearance in the film so notable.
Plot and Setting
The series follows Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot’s rise through Gotham’s criminal underworld. Set in the power vacuum after Carmine Falcone’s death, the story explores how the once-underestimated Penguin manipulates his way to the top.
Sofia Falcone, Carmine’s daughter, returns to Gotham and creates a complicated dynamic as both potential ally and rival. The series also features Salvatore Maroni’s crime family, adding layers to the power struggles that define Gotham’s criminal landscape.
Gotham City itself serves as a character, with its rain-soaked streets and shadowy corners providing the perfect setting for this crime drama. The show maintains the dark, realistic tone established in Reeves’ film universe.
Release Information
“The Penguin” premiered on September 19, 2024, on both HBO and its streaming platform Max. The series follows a weekly release schedule, airing on Sundays at 9:00 pm ET/PT.
The show consists of 8 episodes total, with new episodes dropping weekly. The first episode garnered immediate critical acclaim, establishing “The Penguin” as a ratings success for HBO.
A trailer released before the premiere showcased Farrell’s transformation and the show’s crime drama elements. As of March 2025, the series has concluded its first season run, leaving viewers wondering about the possibility of a second season.
The show’s success has strengthened the expanding Batman universe being developed under Matt Reeves’ creative direction.
Cast & Characters
The Penguin series features a talented ensemble bringing Gotham’s criminal underworld to life. From Colin Farrell‘s transformative performance as Oz Cobb to the complex characters surrounding him, the show builds on the foundation established in The Batman.
Main Roles Overview
Colin Farrell leads the cast as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, donning extensive prosthetics for his transformation into the iconic villain. His performance has earned critical acclaim for bringing depth to the character beyond the traditional Penguin portrayal.
Cristin Milioti plays Sofia Falcone, daughter of crime boss Carmine Falcone. Her character returns to Gotham after time in Arkham Asylum, creating tension in the criminal power structure.
The series also features Rhenzy Feliz as Victor, a young character who becomes entangled with Oz’s criminal operations. His character serves as a perspective into Oz’s complex mentorship style and ruthless ambitions.
Supporting Cast Insights
The supporting ensemble adds richness to Gotham’s criminal landscape. Michael Kelly portrays Johnny Vitti, while Theo Rossi plays Salvatore Maroni, a rival crime boss central to the power struggles within the city.
Carmen Ejogo appears as Eve Karlo, bringing another layer to the criminal politics of Gotham. Mark Strong joins as Dr. Julian Rush, whose professional expertise connects to the underworld in unexpected ways.
Deirdre O’Connell and James Madio round out the supporting cast in roles that help flesh out the criminal ecosystem. While Bruce Wayne’s presence looms over Gotham, the series focuses primarily on the power vacuum created after the events of The Batman.
The casting choices reflect the gritty, realistic approach established in Matt Reeves’ vision of Gotham City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viewers have several questions about “The Penguin” series regarding its release schedule and potential future seasons. Here are answers to the most common questions based on available information.
When is ‘The Penguin’ season 2 expected to premiere?
Currently, HBO has not ordered a second season of “The Penguin.” The show was originally planned as an eight-episode limited series. If HBO does decide to greenlight a second season, viewers shouldn’t expect new episodes until late 2026 at the earliest.
Is there a specific release schedule for new episodes of ‘The Penguin’?
“The Penguin” follows a weekly release schedule. The series premiered on September 19, 2024, and will run for eight episodes. The season finale is expected to air on November 10, 2024. Each episode is released on a set schedule rather than all at once.
Will ‘The Penguin’ have a simultaneous worldwide release on Netflix?
“The Penguin” is not available on Netflix. The series is an HBO production and streams exclusively on HBO Max (now simply called Max). There is no partnership with Netflix for this Batman universe spin-off series.
What is the launch date for ‘The Penguin’ on HBO Max?
“The Penguin” launched on HBO Max on September 19, 2024. The first episode became available on this date, with subsequent episodes following the weekly release schedule until the finale in November.
Are all episodes of ‘The Penguin’ going to be available at once upon release?
No, HBO is not releasing all episodes at once. “The Penguin” follows a traditional weekly release model rather than the binge model used by some streaming platforms. Viewers need to wait each week for new episodes.
What day of the week will ‘The Penguin’ episodes be released?
New episodes of “The Penguin” are released weekly. Based on the premiere date and schedule information, episodes appear to be released on Thursdays on HBO and HBO Max.
