Batman (1960s)
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this campy, classic TV series about the Caped Crusader and his Boy Wonder sidekick will certainly dredge up fond memories for many adults, but might not resonate with younger viewers. There’s some social drinking and smoking, and very tame flirtation, but definitely no swearing and the frequent fistfights are so staged that they seem just plain silly. However, the show also comes across as stiff, and might not appeal to anyone accustomed to more exciting, and more nuanced, contemporary superhero dramas.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
The best light-hearted Batman series.
Bam! Krak! Pow! Zonk!
What's the story?
When evil strikes, only BATMAN (Adam West) and his daring sidekick Robin (Burt Ward) can stand up to the nefarious supervillains who threaten Gotham City. The Dynamic Duo face a never-ending stream of dastardly schemes, criminal conspiracies, and wicked plots in this classic TV series.
Is it any good?
Yes, the show is decades old, and it certainly shows its age, but it’s silly fun in a way the few other superhero shows before or since even attempted. Forget about the dark and brooding Caped Crusader we see in more contemporary portrayals -- West’s Batman is the ultimate stiff, completely straight-laced and upright in a way that makes the entire show more of a comedy than a drama. It worked then, and it works now; this old show is still entertaining.
However, the value today may be based mostly on nostalgia. It’s more likely to be fun for adults who watched it as kids and can still appreciate its singularly odd approach. But young viewers may not find as much here that will appeal to them. Batman is one of the most complex superhero characters, and his psyche has been deeply examined in comic books, films, and several other TV shows. People who are already acquainted with these versions of the Batman saga might find this old gem to be shallow and flawed.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about superheroes. Why do you think Batman is so focused on fighting crime? How does his own tragic history fit into his motivations? How is the violence in this show different from more modern TV violence?
How does this version of the Batman story compare to some of the recent films? Do you prefer this lighthearted take, or the darker, more serious adaptations? How does each affect you?
Talk about what makes the show seem dated. How is the language the characters use different? What about the gender roles depicted?
TV details
- Premiere date: January 12, 1966
- Cast: Adam West, Burt Ward
- Network: Discovery Family Channel
- Genre: Action
- Topics: Superheroes
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: May 15, 2020
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