Fox has renewed “Gotham” for a third season, the network announced Wednesday. The Batman prequel series, currently in its second season, will also add actor Paul Reubens for a guest arc beginning March 21. Reubens, best known for his Pee-Wee Herman character, will play Elijah Van Dahl, father of Robin Lord Taylor’s Penguin.
“It takes a very special team to tell the tales of ‘Gotham.’” David Madden, entertainment president, Fox Broadcasting, said in a statement. “For the past two seasons, Bruno, Danny and John have masterfully honored the mythology of ‘Gotham’ and brought it to life with depth, emotion and memorable high drama. This incredibly talented cast has redefined these iconic characters for a new generation, and we couldn’t be more proud of this show.”
Monday’s episode of the series, produced by Warner Bros. Television, drew a season-low 1.3 live-plus-same day Nielsen rating in the 18-49 demographic, finishing fourth in its 8 p.m. time period. The series is executive produced by Bruno Heller, Danny Cannon and John Stephens.
Reubens’ casting was first revealed by Taylor in October at New York Comic Con.
“He will be showing up very soon,” Taylor said of Reubens during a panel. “Pee-Wee Herman is playing my dad! What the hell? Oh my god!”
“Gotham” is the third current DC Comics-related superhero series from Warner Bros. to earn a renewal this season, following the CW’s “Flash” and “Arrow.” CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves indicated this month that another, his network’s “Supergirl,” would also continue next season.
