The Penguin episode 2 won't air tonight, here's when the show returns!

The Penguin enthralled us with its premiere, "After Hours," which picked up about a week after the events of The Batman. Coming off the death of Carmine Falcone, the crime family is in flux. It's the perfect opportunity for Oz to rise as a kingpin if he plays his cards right. Problem is, he makes a rash decision in the opening minutes of episode one that makes his climb up the ladder a very precarious venture.

Spoilers ahead for The Penguin premiere

See, offing the heir apparent to the Falcone throne wasn't a good decision and Oz had some major clean-up work to do in order to cover his tracks with Alberto's sister, Sofia. Thankfully, his newly acquired protégé and driver Victor has been there to help him. That's how, when Oz was being held by Sofia and her goons, he was able to turn things in his favor.

Victor sent the car they'd stashed Alberto's body in barreling through the Falcones' gates. It was the kid's stroke of genius to cut off the man's pinkie finger to give the impression the Maronis were responsible for his death. Alberto had been wearing Salvatore Maroni's ring on his pinkie the same way Carmine did. It was a flex of power meant to show the Falcones' dominance.

Having paid Sal a visit in prison, presented himself as a potential mole, and returned the ring to its rightful owner, Oz has set up a situation that he can benefit from. Of course, we're all chomping at the bit to find out what happens next, but we're going to be coming up short. The episode isn't premiering tonight, Sept. 26. The Penguin has moved on HBO's schedule!

When does The Penguin release new episodes?

Episode 2, "Inside Man," premieres Sunday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. Subsequent episodes in the season will release at this time on Sundays going forward. Oz's story will unfold across eight episodes. The finale is scheduled for Nov. 10.

The crime drama is billed as a limited series which means a second season isn't likely, though HBO has expanded a miniseries before. The White Lotus is a prime example of this. But whether or not The Penguin returns for another installment, Oz will be seen again in Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga. Colin Farrell is attached to reprise the role in The Batman Part II (2026).

For now though, we're going to be deeply entrenched in this stretch of the franchise. "Inside Man" will see Sofia preoccupied with securing "her family's strength," according to the logline. Alberto's murder puts the Falcones in a bad position. They look weak now and this is exactly when the vultures begin to circle and the other players start to make their move. Presumably, this is why Oz is going to continue to test Victor, whether that's based on his loyalty or his ability to deal with everything that's about to hit the fan.

What else is set to happen? Check out a sneak peek at the rest of the season below: