Batman Television History

Explore Batman's evolution on television, from campy 60s adventures to modern animated classics.

Live-Action Series Animated Series Notable Cameos & References

Live-Action Series

Batman

1966–1968

Network: ABC

Starring: Adam West, Burt Ward

Adam West's camp classic that defined Batman for a generation with its colorful aesthetic, memorable villains, and iconic fight scenes.

Birds of Prey

2002–2003

Network: The WB

Starring: Dina Meyer, Ashley Scott

Set in a future Gotham City after Batman's disappearance, featuring his daughter Helena Kyle/Huntress. Michael Keaton made cameo appearances.

Gotham

2014–2019

Network: Fox

Starring: Ben McKenzie, David Mazouz

Prequel series focusing on James Gordon's early career and young Bruce Wayne's (David Mazouz) journey toward becoming Batman.

Titans

2018–2023

Network: DC Universe/HBO Max

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Iain Glen

Follows Dick Grayson and other young heroes, with Iain Glen appearing as an older Bruce Wayne/Batman in early seasons.

Batwoman

2019–2022

Network: The CW

Starring: Ruby Rose, Javicia Leslie

Centers on Kate Kane and later Ryan Wilder taking up the Batwoman mantle. Featured Warren Christie and Kevin Conroy (in Elseworlds) as Batman.

Gotham Knights

2023

Network: The CW

Starring: Oscar Morgan, Misha Collins

Set after Batman's murder, follows his adopted son and the children of Batman's enemies. David Miller appeared as Batman.

Animated Series

1968–1969

The Batman/Superman Hour & The Adventures of Batman

CBS

Batman Voice: Olan Soule

Filmation's first Batman animated series, featuring Batman and Robin fighting classic villains in a style inspired by the comics.

1977

The New Adventures of Batman

CBS

Batman Voice: Adam West

Filmation series featuring Adam West and Burt Ward reprising their live-action roles as voice actors, with the addition of Bat-Mite.

1992–1995

Batman: The Animated Series

Fox Kids

Batman Voice: Kevin Conroy

Groundbreaking, noir-influenced series that defined Batman for a generation. Kevin Conroy's performance is considered the definitive Batman voice.

1997–2000

The New Batman/Superman Adventures

The WB

Batman Voice: Kevin Conroy

Continuation of Batman: The Animated Series with updated character designs, part of the DC Animated Universe.

1999–2002

Batman Beyond

The WB

Batman Voice: Will Friedle (Terry), Kevin Conroy (Bruce)

Futuristic series where aging Bruce Wayne mentors teenager Terry McGinnis as the new Batman in a cyberpunk Gotham City.

2004–2008

The Batman

The WB/CW

Batman Voice: Rino Romano

Fresh reimagining focusing on a younger Batman in his early years, with distinctive character designs and new interpretations of classic villains.

2008–2011

Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Cartoon Network

Batman Voice: Diedrich Bader

Lighter, Silver Age-inspired take featuring Batman teaming up with different DC heroes each episode, embracing a more humorous tone.

2013–2014

Beware the Batman

Cartoon Network

Batman Voice: Anthony Ruivivar

CGI animated series featuring Batman with Alfred and Katana as his sidekick, focusing on lesser-known villains from the comics.

2022–present

Batwheels

Cartoon Network/HBO Max

Batman Voice: Ethan Hawke

Preschool-targeted animated series featuring sentient Bat-vehicles protecting Gotham City, with Ethan Hawke voicing Batman.

Upcoming

Batman: Caped Crusader

Amazon Prime Video

Batman Voice: TBA

Highly anticipated animated series from Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves returning to noir detective roots.

Notable Cameos & References

Arrow

Network: The CW

Batman referenced multiple times but never shown

The Flash

Network: The CW

Batman exists in the multiverse, referenced in crossovers

Supergirl

Network: CBS/The CW

Batman's cousin Kate Kane appears, but Bruce Wayne remains off-screen

Doom Patrol

Network: DC Universe/HBO Max

References to Batman but no appearances

Batman's television presence extends beyond dedicated shows. References to the Dark Knight appear throughout the DC television multiverse, establishing his cultural significance even when he doesn't appear on screen.