Batman: The Animated Series (Boomerang, Disney XD, The Hub)

common sense media says

A dark, violent comic book comes to life.


parents & educators say
  • 33% say violence is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this animated incarnation of Batman -- like all shows and movies centering on the Caped Crusader -- is dark and violent. Batman is a deeply conflicted hero who doesn't hesitate to use his fists to settle a disagreement (though he never kills his targets). Although the content is of high quality overall, the complicated messages and frequent fights mean this series isn't for the littlest viewers.

Positive messages: In a lot of ways, Batman behaves similarly to his enemies. The Caped Crusader has always been a dark superhero, willing to bend morality and the law to accomplish his goals (though he refrains from killing the baddies he deals with).
Violence & scariness: Frequent cartoon violence as Batman takes on the bad guys -- guns, knives, fist fights, and more.
Sexy stuff: Bruce talks about bringing a girl home. Some female characters wear tight clothes.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: There are plenty of Batman products out there for young fans to covet.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Batman: The Animated Series

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the responsibilities of being a hero. What is a hero? Is Batman a hero, a martyr, or both? Why is Batman so grim? Why does he feel responsible for the citizens of Gotham? How does this series compare with other Batman TV shows and movies?

What's the story?

What's the story?

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES follows the adventures of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman. This cartoon version, which originally ran from 1992-1995 (it still airs in syndication and is available on DVD), closely mirrors most other takes on the Dark Knight: Bruce comes from one of the most affluent and generous families in Gotham City. As a child, he witnessed his parents' murder -- an event that ultimately leads him to become Batman. As an adult, Bruce (voiced by Kevin Conroy) is left carrying the responsibility of the family mansion and the family business, Wayne Enterprises; but most of all, he's left carrying guilt, since he blames himself for his parents' deaths. With the help of servant-turned-father figure Alfred (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.), Bruce creates Batman to get his revenge on all the criminals in Gotham. Later on, he's joined by sidekick Robin (Loren Lester).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Batman: The Animated Series is a fairly violent cartoon. Guns, knives, and other weapons make frequent appearances, and all of the characters -- including Batman himself -- handle conflicts with their fists rather than their conversational skills. Also, some episodes focus heavily on Bruce's would-be playboy image, which includes some tame womanizing.

Most concerning, though -- at least for parents of young children -- is the show's overall grim quality: Bruce's melancholy and anger are the driving force behind the entire series, and some of the show's dark, intellectual plot twists could easily scare some younger kids. Overall, this complex, well-made series is further proof (if anyone still needs it) that animation isn't always automatically kid friendly.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Boomerang
Cast: Efrem Zimbalist Jr, Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Boomerang
Watch our review

This review was written by Deirdre Sheppard
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say violence is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

KidWhoReviewsStuff
kid, 13 years old
 
Batman is dark, edgy and animated
Violent and occasionally bloody cartoon featuring the cap crusador. Some characters (Scarecrow/Joker/Poison Ivy) drug their victims. All round an action packed series with lots of well concieved storylines.

schuymarch1
teen, 17 years old
 
Excellent!
I think that this show is awesome!

perfectionist
teen, 15 years old
 
awesome
This is my favorite cartoon. Some of the episodes are a little too scary for young children but they are awesome. I would recommend Heart of Ice.

robinrunner
teen, 14 years old
 
A Batman extravaganza packed into a series for kids
Absoulutley outstanding. One of the most fantastic animated series I ever saw and possibaly ever see that anyone whose a heart for the caped crusader will love. Batman has a reputation as a good role model for kids. The only concerns I have are violence. Highly recommended!

 
Best of the 90's
One of the best cartoons ever made. Loved it as a kid, and I had loads of fun re-watching a few seasons after seeing 'The Dark Knight'. It's certainly much darker than most children's programming today, but rules have changed since the 90's. For example, in BTAS characters both held guns and used them, and this was ok as long as nobody was shot on-screen. In a recent Batman cartoon ('The Batman') guns were not allowed, and so the animators compensated by giving police and villains futuristic-looking "stun-guns". Although I watched and enjoyed this show when I was as young as 6, I would recommend it for ages 8+, simply because it portrays more violence and morally complicated situations than you'd see in a cartoons today. That being said, it is more than just mindless entertainment for children; it has well-written stories, excellent animation, and a sense of creativity and fun that shows just how much the creators enjoyed making this show.

David Todorov
kid, 11 years old
 
One of my all time favourite TV shows
This show is very awesome. It is a bit violent and dark but kids over 9 years old should have no problem. If you don't have money to but the DVD just download a torrent of it. It is definitly worth it

skulduggery3
kid, 13 years old
 
Bravo!
Faithful to the gim and gritty Batman we all know and love without being to violent. Really great plots to. Also the villains are faithful to the origins without becoming the mudering pyschopathic sociopaths from the comics. Especially the Joker he is as great as the comic version without being to mundane.

Voracious Reader
teen, 18 years old
 
Very, very good.
It's dark, yes, so it's more suited for teens than anyone.

Common critic
parent of 11 and 13 year old
 
Dark but amazing
I bought this for my son for Christmas.it's A classic in a way and I approve of it.

Carl Fox
parent of 6 year old
 
Best of the Batman series, but for older kids...
This series is brilliant, in terms of animation and storytelling, and is easily the best Batman series ever created, animated or otherwise. However, it does have some rather dark moments, and some scenes may be too scary for young kids. If you're introducing your youngsters to the Caped Crusader, the current Batman : The Brave and the Bold series may be a better starting point. Older kids shouldn't have too much trouble with B:TAS, though.

mkalv
teen, 17 years old
 
Faithful comic adaption.
This is the best Batman cartoon outside of Batman Beyond. Dark, but fun!

Apostle
adult
 
Great Show (Best Batman Ever)
This is an awsome show based around my favorite hero, Batman. As a matter of fact, it is the best Batman show around. Like most of the Batman series, there really is very little storyling throughout it other than trying to ultimately defeat the Joker (as the main premise) and stop all the other lesser name villains such as Penguine, Red Claw, and The Riddler. As far as this being for children, I must say, it is perfect. There is very little violence outside of a few tougher battles, but, for the most part, it is based around Batman discovering who is behind everything and then stopping them without killing them, and, there are times he never even touches the enemy during the entire duration of the episode. There is blood in one episode, but, that is from raw beef that Joker tosses into the hands of a detective while he pushes him into water with a shark in it. Now, though this isn't a sexual show, it might be good to know Poison Ivy's clothing is a little skimpy, and, at times, you can see her breast area. I also would have said this is good when it comes to social behavior as Batman would rather avoid conflict on numerous occasions and tries to avoid death at all costs. However, he would rather The Joker die as is seen in a few episods. Overall, this is awsome for people to watch and I'm glad it is once again airing on Toon Disney.

milkshakes
kid, 12 years old
 
superman the animated series 1990s version
this is for kids who have seen superman the animated series 1990s version.

Noah Johsnon
kid, 12 years old
 
Behind the grim facade, The Dark Knight has a soft side.
Batman is actually a positive role model. He takes care of his problems and his city. As Bruce Wayne, he must put on the mask and be the woman-getting playboy. Batman does not always solve his problems by fighting with fists. He can settle a conflict without laying a finger on the enemy of the episode. The episode, "Baby Doll", for example. Batman defeats his enemy, not by attacking her, but by letting her figure out what she's done even though she fights him because she doesn't want his help.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age