What are all the Batman series? The Complete Guide to the Dark Knight's TV Adaptations
For over 80 years, Batman has been one of the most popular and adapted superheroes for the screen. While his film appearances are well known to the general public, numerous television series , both animated and live-action, have also marked the history of the bat man.
In this article, discover all the series dedicated to Batman , from the famous cult series of the 1960s to recent productions acclaimed by fans and critics.
1. Live-action Batman series
Batman (1966 – 1968)
- Main Actor: Adam West
- Format: Live-action series
- Episodes: 120
- Special feature: Humorous and kitsch tone, which has become cult.
- Iconic Enemies: The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, The Riddler
- Impact: First series to popularize Batman with the general public
Gotham (2014 – 2019)
- Main actors: Ben McKenzie, David Mazouz
- Format: Prequel centered on James Gordon and young Bruce Wayne
- Seasons: 5
- Special Feature: Traces the rise of Gotham's top criminals before the arrival of Batman
- Appeared: Bruce Wayne becomes Batman in the very last minutes of the series
Titans (2018 – 2023)
- Actor playing Bruce Wayne: Iain Glen
- Format: Series centered on the Teen Titans
- Batman's presence: in the background, but omnipresent in the plots linked to Dick Grayson / Nightwing
Pennyworth (2019 – 2022)
- Subject: The early years of Alfred, Bruce Wayne's butler
- Setting: London, espionage context
- Special feature: Mature series, not very connected to superhero adventures but anchored in the Wayne universe
The Batman (coming to the DCU universe)
- Project in development by HBO Max
- Spin-off series from Matt Reeves' The Batman
- Working title: The Penguin (focusing on Oswald Cobblepot) + another series about the GCPD (Gotham Police Department)
- Goal: to develop the universe around Gotham City
2. Animated series dedicated to Batman
Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995)
- Style: Dark animation, inspired by film noir
- Acclaimed for: its maturity, its aesthetics and its scenarios
- Iconic voices: Kevin Conroy (Batman), Mark Hamill (Joker)
- Considered one of the best animated series of all time
The New Batman Adventures (1997 – 1999)
Direct sequel to the 1992 series
More modern graphic style
Integrates more members of the Bat-Family (Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin)
Batman Beyond (1999 – 2001)
Concept: A Batman from the future, Terry McGinnis, guided by an aging Bruce Wayne
Cyberpunk style, innovative for the time
Highly valued for its originality and psychological depth
The Batman (2004 – 2008)
Modern reboot of Batman's story
Younger tone, but visually worked
New take on traditional villains
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008 – 2011)
Tone: humorous and retro
Format: Each episode features a duo with another DC superhero
Perfect for a family audience
Beware the Batman (2013 – 2014)
3D animation
Darker tone, centered on Batman's first steps
Less popular but appreciated by a niche
Justice League / Justice League Unlimited (2001 – 2006)
Same universe as Batman: The Animated Series
Batman plays a central role within the League
Harley Quinn (2019 – ongoing)
Even though it's Harley-centric, Batman is a regular character.
Irreverent, mature and parodic tone
Presents Gotham and its heroes from a new perspective
3. Batman's appearances in other DC series
In addition to the series directly dedicated to him, Batman is mentioned, shown or indirectly represented in several productions:
Arrowverse (CW) : Batman is mentioned in Arrow , Supergirl and Batwoman
Batwoman (2019 – 2022) : centers on Kate Kane and Ryan Wilder, cousins and heirs to Bruce Wayne's fight
Smallville (2001 – 2011) : Batman does not appear, but is regularly hinted at
Young Justice (2010 – ongoing) : Batman is a mentor and coordinator of the team
Justice League Action (2016 – 2018) : Short and dynamic format, with a very present Batman
4. How many Batman series are there in total?
In summary, we count:
More than 8 major animated series
At least 5 live-action series with Batman or his direct allies
A dozen related series in which Batman plays a supporting role
This figure continues to evolve, particularly with the new projects underway in James Gunn's DC Universe , which is planning several series around Gotham.
Conclusion: an omnipresent character on television
From the 60s pop series to cult animated productions like Batman: The Animated Series or Batman Beyond , passing through the dark universes of Gotham or Titans , Batman has established himself as an essential character on the small screen .
Each series brings a different vision of the Dark Knight, reflecting the evolution of the character and the audience's expectations.