Rapid Insights: Agatha All Along and The Penguin Explore the Magic and Mayhem of Evil

Who will be tuning in for the rise of these supervillains? 
It depends. We’re predicting that Agatha All Along will have a relatively broader appeal, reaching a gender-balanced audience (50% men / 50% women) and leaning slightly toward those 30+ (57%)–very similar to predecessor WandaVision. In contrast, The Penguin will likely show a more targeted resonance, skewing heavily to men (74%) and those 30+ (66%), an even stronger bent than seen for fellow HBO/Max DC entrants Peacemaker and Watchmen.

What will these two series have in common? 
An exploration of evil. In spite of representing the DC-Marvel divide, both shows follow a unique, compelling villain hellbent on overcoming a world set against them and gaining power for nefarious ends. Spell-bound Agatha is on a Journey of Self Discovery (135) to revive her true magical self while Seeking Revenge (131) against the superpowered hero who stripped her of her dark powers. Oswald Cobblepot, an Underdog (133) in the criminal underworld, is dealing with a World Turned Upside Down (160) in the aftermath of a mafia kingpin’s death and is determined to take his place (Ambition & Drive, 116). These commonalities are all top viewership drivers. Additionally, both series’ ties to their respective cinematic worlds (Marvel Universe, 133; DC Universe, 133) propel their bingeability as viewers anticipate seeing them fit into the broader story.

What will set Agatha All Along apart? 
Comedy and a coven. As with most of its Marvel brethren, the show offers a strong dose of humor alongside its supercharged adventures, leaning into the Horror Comedy (124) genre as it follows the amusing Awkward Misadventures (120) of Agatha and her team of misfits. Similarly in the MCU vein, the series features a Team Up (158) of individuals with special abilities, in this case a coven of Witches (114) with magical Superpowers (136) who must band together to face the trials of the legendary Witches’ Road. While the villain-as-protagonist offers a less-common twist on the Marvel formula, viewers will be excited to see their same favorite aspects of the universe continued in this newest Phase Five series.

What will make The Penguin feel unique?
Gloom and gangsters. The Penguin takes on the opposite tone of Agatha, playing up the dark Noir (121) elements that landed so successfully in its predecessor film The Batman and amping up violent Confrontations (130) between truly Ruthless (118) criminals. Instead of a team, the series also follows a merciless lone wolf as he navigates the vice-filled Chaotic Lifestyles (127) and Family Tension (128) within a brutal Criminal Organization (120). Viewers will be on the edge of their seats experiencing the Terror (113) and Aggressiveness (111) right alongside the characters.

Do these shows have strong online buzz?  
Absolutely. Agatha All Along stands out as particularly buzzy, showing big spikes in online chatter (maxing out our social buzz meter at 160) with every Disney+ announcement, piece of production news, and, most recently, the new teaser trailer release, but The Penguin is no slouch either, peaking at (153) with its first-look production stills last year. Both shows are easily primed for social media dominance when their first episodes drop in September.