 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Batman: The Animated Series
- Boomerang, Disney XD, The Hub
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
A dark, violent comic book comes to life.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Kid, 12 years old
April 11, 2011
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
December 21, 2009
AGE
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.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Excellent!
I think that this show is awesome!
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Teen, 13 years old
March 22, 2011
AGE
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!
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Teen, 15 years old
March 8, 2009
AGE
Very, very good.
It's dark, yes, so it's more suited for teens than anyone.
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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 5, 2011
AGE
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
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Parent of 11 and 13 year old
January 8, 2011
AGE
Dark but amazing
I bought this for my son for Christmas.it's
A classic in a way and I approve of it.
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Adult
July 23, 2010
AGE
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.
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| Topics: | superheroes, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Networks: | Boomerang, Disney XD, The Hub |
| Cast: | Efrem Zimbalist Jr, Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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