Young adult series are always in high demand on streaming platforms, and Netflix is about to launch a hit in this genre: “Penelope.” The show made waves at the Sundance Festival earlier this year and will be available for streaming starting September 24.
The title follows a 16-year-old girl who grows tired of chaotic modern society and decides to leave it all behind to start fresh in the wilderness. Megan Stott plays the lead role, and she is sure to become a trend once the production gains traction.
As with any series, many viewers are wondering whether it will be renewed for a second season and how soon that might happen. Learn what is currently known.
Will ‘Penelope’ be renewed for a continuation?
From the moment “Penelope” premiered at Sundance, viewers were eager to know if the show would have a long run. Co-creator Mark Duplass was asked about this multiple times and shared his detailed plan for ensuring its longevity.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Duplass explained that his company, Duplass Brothers Productions, crafted a strategy to sell the rights of the indie series while retaining control, including the decision on a second season. He stated:
“We’ve basically absolved [Netflix] of the responsibility to make us their flagship show. We’re saying, ‘Just put us on the service. We’re going to sign a very short deal with you guys and see how it does.’ That way at Netflix, you’re not taking an oversized, outsized risk.”
“In the event that it’s a blowout success, you might see a bigger scope for season two. In the event that it’s a moderate success, we might write it for a smaller scope, but at least we’re in the driver’s seat now as to whether we get to keep making this show.” Duplass added.
So, if the production gains popularity on Netflix—something likely given the current trend for young adult titles—it stands a much better chance of renewal. In this case, the creators will also have a significant say in its future. While the streamer typically renews major hits like “Bridgerton” and “Stranger Things,” “Penelope,” although a smaller project, could still get a chance.
As for a potential release date for a second season, we can expect it to be at least a year away. This timeframe reflects the usual production schedule for a second season and Netflix’s tendency not to release two seasons of the same series in the same year. Considering that even popular shows often see a two-year gap between seasons, “Penelope” may return to the platform in the second half of 2025, possibly extending to the end of 2026.
