HBO Max is having a banner summer, with a surge of superhero content and acclaimed original programming drawing audiences back to Gotham, Metropolis, and far beyond. Over the weekend of August 22-24, 2025, the streaming giant is not only showcasing a slate of underrated movies but is also riding high on the critical acclaim for its latest DC universe series, "The Penguin," which has stormed the Emmy race with an impressive 24 nominations. Meanwhile, the platform is doubling down on nostalgia and innovation alike, offering everything from animated classics to new adventures in capes and cowl.
According to TheWrap, "The Penguin" serves as an extension of Matt Reeves’ 2022 film "The Batman," with Colin Farrell reprising his role as the disfigured kingpin Oswald Cobblepot. The series, created by Lauren LeFranc, dives deep into Gotham’s criminal underbelly, exploring the rise of Cobblepot as he navigates the city’s treacherous power struggles. The show has been recognized with 24 limited-series Emmy nominations, including acting nods for Farrell, Cristin Milioti (as crime scion Sofia Falcone), and Deirdre O’Connell (as Oz’s damaged mother, Francis). All three actors are first-time Emmy nominees, and their performances have been widely praised for bringing emotional depth to the gritty narrative.
Reflecting on the recognition, Deirdre O’Connell told TheWrap, "Happy. It’s one of those things where, if you really, really love doing something, you think that’s enough. I felt so happy doing it that all this is just maraschino cherries and icing and chocolate sauce on the cake." Colin Farrell echoed the sentiment, describing the Emmy buzz as "icing on the cake. The cake was more than enough. I mean, we had such a blast doing this. It was a joy, but it was an adventure, and it was such a collective experience." He went on to highlight the unique challenges the cast and crew faced: "We shot for three months. Then the strikes happened, so that was six months we were laid off, and then we came back for three months. That was probably the greatest victory of the whole experience. Coming back after such a long layoff for everyone involved was such a huge win."
Cristin Milioti, who plays Sofia Falcone, expressed her excitement: "I feel great. And also I’m so thrilled for our show. Honestly, to get that many nominations and to see all of our departments honored in that way, it’s incredible. And it’s not a foregone conclusion that a show will get acting nominations." The cast’s camaraderie and the show’s personal resonance were recurring themes in their reflections. Farrell noted, "The whole thing felt really personal, because it’s a really big story—like, it’s a vast story, it’s a huge world, but among the vastness of it all and the scale of it all, it feels like a very, very personal thing from every character’s backstory and all the emotional connections that each of us have. Everything is grounded in the personal, in emotion."
As for the future, Farrell confirmed he’ll be returning for "The Batman: Part II," sharing, "I’ll be getting into the script, I think, this week, and I’ll be there for however long. I don’t have many scenes, I don’t believe, but I’ll be there for whatever. Matt Reeves is so brilliant. I don’t know what the story is yet. I just know that obviously Matt has slaved for a few years now to really make something special. And he holds a very high bar for himself. He’s so meticulous; he cares so deeply about what he does." Milioti, too, is eager for more, stating, "I would really love to revisit her. I want to play her again."
While "The Penguin" headlines HBO Max’s current buzz, the platform is also home to a treasure trove of DC superhero shows, both classic and contemporary. As reported by TheWrap on August 21, 2025, the second season of "Peacemaker" has just launched, with John Cena reprising his role as the brash vigilante. The show is praised for its humor, heart, and strong ties to James Gunn’s new DC movie universe, making it one of the most anticipated seasons in DC television history.
But HBO Max’s superhero offerings don’t end there. "Batman: The Animated Series," created by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, continues to be a touchstone for fans and critics alike. The series, which introduced Kevin Conroy as the definitive voice of Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, redefined the Caped Crusader for a new generation. Its influence is still felt today, not least for introducing now-iconic characters like Harley Quinn and for giving depth to villains such as Mr. Freeze. The show’s blend of noir atmosphere and psychological storytelling set a standard for superhero animation that remains unmatched.
Other standouts on the platform include "Doom Patrol," a show that embraces the surreal and offbeat nature of its comic book origins. Drawing inspiration from Grant Morrison’s legendary run, "Doom Patrol" brings together a team of misfit heroes in a series celebrated for its weirdness and emotional resonance. The show’s four-season run on HBO Max has solidified its place as a cult favorite among comic fans.
Meanwhile, "Harley Quinn" offers a more irreverent and adult take on the DC universe, with Kaley Cuoco voicing the titular antiheroine. The animated series has earned accolades for its sharp humor and subversive take on superhero tropes, not to mention its nuanced exploration of Harley’s relationship with Poison Ivy. For those seeking epic team-ups, "Justice League Unlimited" expands the DC universe with a vast roster of heroes and villains, showcasing the power and complexity of ensemble storytelling.
Not to be overlooked, newer entries like "My Adventures with Superman" have brought fresh energy to the genre. Featuring Jack Quaid and Alice Lee as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, the series has been praised for its chemistry and modern sensibility, with more episodes and spin-offs on the way. "Superman & Lois," another recent hit, reimagines the iconic couple as parents, exploring their challenges and triumphs with warmth and authenticity. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch’s performances have been hailed as some of the best interpretations of Superman and Lois Lane to date.
For viewers in the mood for something different, AOL’s August 22, 2025, roundup of underrated HBO Max movies offers a weekend of high-flying action and drama. Among the picks is "Cleaner" (2025), starring Daisy Ridley as a former soldier-turned-window-cleaner caught in a skyscraper hostage crisis — a nod to the "Die Hard" tradition, with director Martin Campbell delivering pulse-pounding action sequences. "Superman Returns" (2006), featuring Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey, gets a fresh look as a heartfelt, if underappreciated, entry in the Superman saga. And "Nobody Walks" (2012) offers a quieter, more intimate drama about temptation and consequence in Silver Lake.
With its blend of prestige television, animated classics, and blockbuster films, HBO Max is reaffirming its status as the go-to destination for superhero fans and cinephiles alike. Whether you’re revisiting Gotham’s dark alleys, soaring above Metropolis, or discovering new stories of redemption and adventure, there’s never been a better time to tune in.
As the Emmy nominations roll in and new seasons launch, HBO Max’s commitment to both honoring the past and pushing the boundaries of superhero storytelling is clear — and audiences are reaping the rewards, one binge-worthy episode at a time.
