‘The Penguin’ Creator Lauren LeFranc Sets HBO Overall Deal, Launches Acid and Tender Productions (EXCLUSIVE)

Lauren LeFranc is staying in business with HBO.

Variety has learned exclusively that LeFranc, who developed and served as showrunner on “The Penguin,” has signed a two-year overall deal with HBO and HBO Max. LeFranc is also launching her own production banner, Acid and Tender Productions.

“I am thrilled to continue my creative partnership with HBO,” LeFranc said. “They have been unwavering in their support of my work on ‘The Penguin,’ and beyond. My company, Acid and Tender Productions, comes from a sincere desire to shepherd bold stories and perspectives from singular voices and artists I love. I came up in writers rooms and when they’re working, there’s nothing better. My hope is for Acid and Tender to become that kind of haven for writers and filmmakers who seek to tell authentic, off-kilter, character-driven stories, no matter the genre.”

It was first reported that LeFranc was involved with “The Penguin” back in 2021, with the show officially getting the greenlight at HBO and HBO Max in 2022.

Starring Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, and Deirdre O’Connell, “The Penguin” proved to be a hit with both audiences and critics when it launched in September 2024. The show received 24 Emmy nominations, including best limited series and best actor, actress, and supporting actress in a limited series for Farrell, Milioti, and O’Connell respectively. “The Penguin” received the second-most Emmy nominations of any program this year, behind only the Apple TV+ series “Severance.”

Prior to “The Penguin,” LeFranc served as showrunner on the YouTube Premium original series “Impulse.” Her other TV credits include “Agents of SHIELD,” “Chuck,” and “Hemlock Grove.”

She is repped by Untitled Entertainment, CAA, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole and ID PR.

While nothing has officially been announced, there has been a great deal of speculation on whether or not a second season of “The Penguin” could be in the cards. Most recently, Variety spoke with HBO boss Casey Bloys, who said it was “Definitely possible,” but that the focus right now is for Matt Reeves to continue with progress on “The Batman 2.”