Sky's new series called 'one of the best in years' outshines Succession after stellar premiere

HBO's latest must-watch spectacle dubbed one of its finest in recent memory after last week's explosive premiere.

The show will grace screens again tonight (September 24) stateside and is set to hit UK audiences on Sky and NOW.

It's a hit straight out the gate, with the drama reeling in millions of eager viewers for episode one, hinting at an even larger fan base as episodes roll out.

Even toppling Succession's last season opener, HBO's heavy-hitter, the new drama garnered a whopping 5.3 million cross-platform US viewers.

The Penguin, HBO's fresh offering, has already overshadowed The White Lotus and True Detective: Night Country's ratings, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Colin Farrell leads the charge as Batman's nemesis in this gripping eight-part saga, picking up where Matt Reeves' monumental 2022 film left off.

Audiences can't get enough of Colin's mesmerising portrayal, along with Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone as they conspire to conquer Gotham's criminal hierarchy.

X (formerly Twitter) user @DiscussingFilm lauded The Penguin's debut as "one of the best pilot episodes for a TV series in 2024."

They tweeted: "A jaw-dropping intro and ending + fantastic performances from Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti!"

Another fan gushed: "The Joker has always been the crown jewel of Batman villains for stars to go for. Colin Farrell has elevated Oz Cobb to the same status.

"He's a ghost lost behind one of the best performances ever seen in a comic book adaptation. Don't underestimate #ThePenguin."

"The rise of #ThePenguin begins with one of the best pilots I have ever seen," another viewer remarked.

"A gritty crime drama which is tremendously written, directed and acted. Colin Farrell fully embodies the character, a scheming weasel constantly underestimated thirsting for power. Appointment TV is back."

Yet another chimed in: "One of the best pilot episodes I have ever seen... if you are a DC fanboy like me...do yourself a favour and stream the first episode."

"#ThePenguin was five stars across the board. Brilliant," someone else enthused.

"Will go down in television history for having one of the best premieres of all time."

The Penguin continues Thursdays on HBO and Fridays on Sky Atlantic and Now.