Editing Batman: The Animated Series

{{short description|American animated television series by DC Comics}}
{{about||other television adaptations|Batman in television|the tie-in video game|Batman: The Animated Series (video game)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Batman- The Animated Series logo.svg
| alt_name             = ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin''
| genre                = {{plainlist|
* [[Action (genre)|Action]]-[[Adventure (genre)|adventure]]
* [[Crime fiction|Crime]]
* [[Pulp noir]]
* [[Superhero fiction|Superhero]]}}
| runtime              = 22 minutes
| creator              = [[Eric Radomski]]<br>[[Bruce Timm|Bruce W. Timm]]
| voices               = {{Plainlist|
* [[Kevin Conroy]]
* [[Efrem Zimbalist Jr.]]
* [[Loren Lester]]
* [[Bob Hastings]]
* [[Robert Costanzo]]
* [[Mark Hamill]]
* [[Arleen Sorkin]]}}
| country              = United States
| company              = [[Warner Bros. Animation]]
| network              = [[Fox Kids]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|1992|09|05}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|1995|09|15}}
| num_episodes         = 85
| num_seasons          = 2
| list_episodes        = List of Batman: The Animated Series episodes
| theme_music_composer = [[Danny Elfman]]<br>[[Shirley Walker]]
| composer             = {{Plainlist|
* Shirley Walker
* [[Harvey Cohen]]
* [[Lolita Ritmanis]]
* Michael McCuistion
* Stuart Balcomb
* Richard Bronskill
* Carl Johnson
* [[Kristopher Carter]]
* Carlos Rodriguez
* Wayne Coster}}
| executive_producer   = [[Jean MacCurdy]]<br>[[Tom Ruegger]]
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Alan Burnett]]
* Paul Dini
* Eric Radomski
* Bruce W. Timm}}
| developer            = {{Plainlist|
* Bruce W. Timm
* [[Paul Dini]]
* [[Mitch Brian]]}}
| based_on             = {{based on|[[Batman]]|[[Bob Kane]] (credited) and [[Bill Finger]] (uncredited)}}
| writer               = {{Plainlist|
* [[Sean Catherine Derek]] (season 1)
* [[Martin Pasko]] (season 1)
* Paul Dini
* [[Michael Reaves]]
* Randy Rogel
* [[Brynne Stephens]]}}
| director             = <!-- more than 1 so see episode list -->
| related              = {{ubl|''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]''|''[[The New Batman Adventures]]''|''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]''|''[[Justice League Unlimited]]''}}
| language             = English
}}
'''''Batman: The Animated Series''''' (often shortened as '''''Batman TAS''''' or '''''BTAS''''')<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1=Iacobucci |first1=Jordan |last2=Garcia |first2=Mayra |date=2023-01-05 |title=Best Superhero Shows To Watch On Max |url=https://www.cbr.com/hbo-max-superhero-shows/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref> is an American [[Animated television series|animated]] [[Superhero fiction|superhero]] television series based on the [[DC Comics]] superhero [[Batman]]. Developed by [[Bruce Timm]] and [[Eric Radomski]], and produced by [[Warner Bros. Animation]], it originally aired on [[Fox Kids]] from September 5, 1992, to September 15, 1995, with a total of 85 episodes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collura |first1=Scott |last2=Fickett |first2=Travis |last3=Goldman |first3=Eric |last4=Zoromski |first4=Brian |date=July 17, 2008 |title=A History of Batman on TV |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/17/a-history-of-batman-on-tv |access-date=June 10, 2020 |work=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 6, 1992 |title=Batman |url=https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.animation/c/39MCBEaC_b4/m/ZaVoMth7BW8J |website=rec.arts.animation |via=Google Groups}}</ref> Mid-way through the series' run, it was re-titled '''''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'''''.

''Batman: The Animated Series'' has received widespread acclaim since its release and was hailed as a groundbreaking superhero show, receiving praise for its writing, art design, voice acting, orchestrated soundtrack, and modernization of its title character's source material.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SIWrEAAAQBAJ&dq=batman+the+animated+series+groundbreaking&pg=PA214 | title=Superheroes!: The History of a Pop-Culture Phenomenon from Ant-Man to Zorro | isbn=9781493064526 | last1=Solomon | first1=Brian | date=May 2023 | publisher=Rowman & Littlefield }}</ref><ref name="greatestcartoons">{{Cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=2007-01-26 |title=The Greatest Comic Book Cartoons Of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/26/the-greatest-comic-book-cartoons-of-all-time |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Its critical success led to the show winning multiple [[Daytime Emmy Award]]s,<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103359/awards |title=Batman: The Animated Series – Awards |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref> as well as the [[Primetime Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Programming]].<ref name="BTAS Primetime Emmy">{{cite web |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/batman-series |title=Batman: The Animated Series |website=Emmys.com |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>

After the series ended its original run, a follow-up titled ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' began airing on [[Kids' WB]] in 1997 as a continuation of the series, featuring a revamped animation style. Lasting 24 episodes, it has often been included in the same syndicated re-run packages and home media releases as the final season. ''Batman: The Animated Series'' also became the first in the [[Continuity (fiction)|continuity]] of the shared [[DC Animated Universe]], which spawned further animated TV series, feature films, comic books, and video games with much of the same creative talent, including the 1993 theatrical release ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]''.

==Series overview==
{{Main|List of Batman: The Animated Series episodes}}
{{:List of Batman: The Animated Series episodes}}''Batman: The Animated Series'' follows Bruce Wayne as Batman, fighting crime in [[Gotham City]] while exploring the lives of ordinary people impacted by crime and corruption. Although the series centers on Batman's battles with various villains, it delves into their complex backgrounds, revealing the personal struggles that make them more "relatable." For instance, a scientist attempts to force someone to love him, while a former star tries to relive her lost fame. While action is a major part of the show, it addresses themes such as mental illness and loss. Additionally, the series tackles [[Social issue|social issues]] like divorce, patent law, insurance fraud, homelessness, class prejudice, age discrimination, typecasting, prison abuse, and animal testing.<ref name=":9" /> 

The series adapts classic Batman comic book stories into episodes. Notable examples include, "The Laughing Fish" brought [[Joker (character)|Joker]]'s antics from ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #475-476 to life as he tried to copyright Jokerized fish. In "The Cape & Cowl Conspiracy," Batman faced deadly traps inspired by ''Detective Comics'' #450. "Moon of the Wolf" saw Batman investigating werewolf attacks based on ''Batman'' #255. "The Demon's Quest" introduced [[Ra's al Ghul|Ra's Al Ghul]] from ''Batman'' #232 and #244. "Two-Face" delved into [[Two-Face|Harvey Dent]]'s backstory, while "A Bullet for Bullock" had detective [[Harvey Bullock (character)|Harvey Bullock]] teaming up with Batman to crack a dangerous case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rector |first=Seth |date=September 17, 2021 |title=Batman: The Animated Series — 10 Episodes Based On Comic Book Stories |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-the-animated-series-episodes-based-comic-book-stories/ |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=[[ScreenRant]] |language=en}}</ref>

===In other media===
Sixteen minutes of animated segments in the video game ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[Sega CD]] are sometimes referred to as a "lost episode" of the series. These segments are intended to be interspersed between gameplay elements of an early-1990s video game, so the sound, color and story are not quite the same quality as the actual television program. Also, because Sega did not have to follow the censorship rules of the show, the fights were somewhat more violent than those in the animated series. Many of the show's voice actors reprised their roles for the game, and are thus in the lost episode. Similar cutscenes appear throughout the video games ''[[Batman: Vengeance]]'' and ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Batman: The Lost "Episode" |url=http://www.toonamiarsenal.com/features/lostbatman/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722000700/http://www.toonamiarsenal.com/features/lostbatman/ |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |access-date=January 2, 2011 |publisher=Toonamiarsenal.com}}</ref>

==Production==
===Development===
In 1990, following the success of the ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures|Tiny Toons]]'' series, Warner Bros. Animation president Jean MacCurdy announced to the animation team that Warner wanted to develop several of its licenses, including Batman.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last1=Huls |first1=Alexander |last2=Perkins |first2=Will |date=June 6, 2017 |title=Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/batman-the-animated-series/ |access-date=December 20, 2024 |website=[[Art of the Title]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":522">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/live/dZLpDvQ6vFI?si=aIfJCWD1LRyW5UwO |title=Batman The Animated Series {{!}} The Heart of Batman Documentary Livestream {{!}} Warner Bros. Entertainment |date=June 17, 2020 |last=Warner Bros. |first=Entertainment |type=Video |language=en |access-date=December 21, 2024 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Following this news, [[Bruce Timm]] was tasked with designing Batman, and [[Eric Radomski]] was assigned to design the sets.<ref name=":4" /> Radomski, who knew Batman primarily from the [[Batman (TV series)|1966 series]] and the [[Batman (1989 film)|1989 Tim Burton]] film, was particularly inspired by the latter.<ref name=":522"/> At the request of Jean MacCurdy, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, who had never worked together before, produced a silent short film called ''[[The Dark Knight's First Night]]'' in about six weeks to pitch the series to [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]. They decided to draw inspiration from the 1940 ''[[Superman (1940s animated film series)|Superman]]'' series and received assistance from the studio [[Lightbox|Lightbox Animation]]. Fox greenlit the project before they saw the short, but this led to Timm and Radomski taking charge of the project, despite having no prior experience producing a series.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":522"/> Since the series had no writers at this stage, MacCurdy recruited [[Alan Burnett]], who was considering leaving animation due to his frustration with the restrictions imposed by the [[Broadcast Standards and Practices]] department. It was the short film, along with MacCurdy's assertion that the series would feature guns and fighting, that convinced Burnett to participate. At the time, animated series were generally not very diverse, being mainly aimed at children and constrained by numerous restrictions, especially concerning violence.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":522"/> The production had to navigate these censorship guidelines; although weapons could be shown and characters could shoot, the series was not allowed to depict bullet holes or show characters dying, for example.<ref name=":522"/>

Unlike most other animated series, the artists, directors, and writers worked closely together to ensure effective communication. Each writer received a "scripture bible" written by Bruce Timm, along with writers [[Paul Dini]] and [[Mitch Brian]], to outline the overall vision of the series and its characters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The World's Finest - Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://dcanimated.com//WF/batman/btas/backstage/wbible/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=dcanimated.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2017 |title=Check out the entire Batman: The Animated Series writer's bible full of details and concept art. |url=https://geektyrant.com/news/check-out-the-entire-batman-the-animated-series-writers-bible-full-of-details-and-concept-art |access-date=January 18, 2025 |website=GeekTyrant |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Visual style and themes===
Originally, the series was partly inspired by [[Tim Burton]]'s blockbuster ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989), which portrayed Batman's universe as darker than in previous adaptations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kendall |first=Gene |date=2019-06-16 |title=Could Batman: The Animated Series Exist Without The 1989 Film? |url=https://www.cbr.com/could-batman-the-animated-series-exist-without-the-1989-film/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":522"/> The series also took influence from Burton's [[Sequel|follow-up]] film, ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992).<ref name="bof2">[http://www.batman-on-film.com/historyofthebatman_tv_animated_btas.html Batman-On-Film] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722143405/http://www.batman-on-film.com/historyofthebatman_tv_animated_btas.html|date=July 22, 2010}}, ''Batman: The Animated Series''.</ref> The creators abandoned some of the [[Gothic fiction|gothic]] aspects of the film, instead incorporating more [[Art Deco]] elements inspired by 1940s New York, coining this unique aesthetic "Dark Deco." Without a precise temporal setting, the city features a blend of 1940s cars, police "[[blimp]]s," and [[Retrofuturism|futuristic]] helicopters, alongside Batman's advanced vehicles, while television broadcasts are shown in black and white. The backgrounds were drawn on black paper to create darker settings, whereas white paper is typically used.<ref name=":522"/><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> Radomski issued a standing order to the animation department that all backgrounds be painted using light colors on black paper as opposed to the industry standard of dark colors on white paper.<ref name="LeatherWingsComm">Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, audio commentary for "On Leather Wings", ''Batman: The Animated Series'', Warner Bros, Volume One box set DVD.</ref>

The series employs "[[vintage (design)|vintage]]" colors, partly inspired by the 1940s ''[[Superman (1940s animated film series)|Superman]]'' cartoons, as well as [[film noir]] classics like ''[[The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari]]'' (1921), ''[[Citizen Kane]]'' (1941), and ''[[Metropolis (1927 film)|Metropolis]]'' (1927).<ref name=":522"/> Background designer [[Ted Blackman]] cited [[Eyvind Earle]] and [[Bruce McCall]] as influences, particularly for their ability to depict "cartoonish settings."{{sfn|Dini|Kidd|1998|p=169}} The distinctive visual combination of "noir" imagery and Art Deco design was dubbed "Dark Deco" by the producers.<ref name="btas2">[http://www.batmantas.com/ ''Batman: The Animated Series''], an explanation of "Dark Deco".</ref>

The show depicts outright physical violence against antagonists, including realistic firearms (though only one character, [[Jim Gordon (character)|Commissioner Gordon]], was ever depicted as having been shot, in the episode "I Am the Night"). First-time producers Timm and Radomski reportedly encountered resistance from studio executives, but the success of Burton's first film allowed the embryonic series to survive long enough to produce a pilot episode, "[[On Leather Wings]]", which, according to Timm, "got a lot of people off our backs".<ref name="LeatherWingsComm" />

===Animation and character design===
For the first 65 episodes, [[Warner Bros. Animation]] outsourced the series to several animation studios around the globe. These studios included [[Spectrum Animation]], [[Sunrise Animation|Sunrise]], Studio Junio, and [[Tokyo Movie Shinsha]] in Japan; [[Dong Yang Animation]], [[Koko Enterprises]] Ltd., and [[AKOM]] in South Korea; Jade Animation in Hong Kong; Blue Pencil in Spain; and Network of Animation (NOA) in Canada. Tokyo Movie Shinsha (TMS) also animated the opening credits for the first season. However, AKOM was fired due to inconsistent animation quality in several episodes, such as "[[Cat Scratch Fever (Batman: The Animated Series)|Cat Scratch Fever]]" and "[[Moon of the Wolf (Batman: The Animated Series)|Moon of the Wolf]]."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The World's Finest - Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://dcanimated.com/WF/batman/btas/backstage/animato/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=dcanimated.com}}</ref> 

Much of the short film ''The Dark Knight's First Night'' was reused for the series introduction. Its final shot, showing Batman overlooking Gotham City with a lightning bolt behind him, evokes both the cover of Frank Miller's ''[[The Dark Knight Returns|Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'' (1986) and the closing scene of the 1989 ''Batman'' film.<ref name=":4" /> The credits omit the series title, as Bruce Timm and Tom Ruegger believed Batman's iconic nature made it unnecessary. This decision reflects the creators' intent to tell a story through visuals alone, avoiding expositional dialogue. Similarly, each episode features a unique intertitle, typically designed by Eric Radomski, which conveys themes or significant events without the use of words, staying true to the series' visual storytelling approach.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":522" />

For season 2, titled ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'', the twenty episodes were primarily animated by Dong Yang, with exceptions including "[[A Bullet for Bullock]]," "[[Avatar (Batman: The Animated Series)|Avatar]]," and "[[Baby doll (batman the animated series)|Baby Doll]]," animated by Studio Junio, and "[[The Terrible Trio]]," animated by Jade Animation. The opening credits initially display the season's name before showing several scenes from season one, retaining only the bank explosion from the original credits.<ref name=":5" />

Bruce Timm described feeling frustrated by having to realistically draw animated characters in his previous projects: "I knew that at twenty-four drawings per second, each little line had to be drawn thousands of times; the more lines on a character, the less time an animator has to draw those lines correctly, especially on a television budget and schedule. The result: bad animation."{{sfn|Dini|Kidd|1998|p=169}} As a result, the characters were simplified to facilitate animation—everything had to be reduced to the essentials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Kevin Nowlan lifts the cowl on his Batman animated designs |url=https://13thdimension.com/kevin-nowlan-lifts-the-cowl-on-his-batman-animated-designs/ |access-date=January 18, 2025 |website=13th Dimension |language=en-US}}</ref>{{sfn|Dini|Kidd|1998|p=169}} For example, instead of Two-Face's plaid shirt, he wears a suit with one side white and the other black to emphasize his internal conflict.<ref name=":522"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Leon |date=2019-05-13 |title=Batman: 10 Best Changes BTAS Made To The Comics |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-changes-animated-series-comics/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> Poison Ivy does not wear a leaf-covered costume; instead, she dons a simple one-piece outfit.<ref> A conversation With Bruce Timm - Pretty Poiso, 2018, Blu-ray</ref>

During preproduction, character designer [[Kevin Nowlan]] stated that his challenge was to convey as much as possible using as few lines as possible.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-05 |title=Kevin Nowlan lifts the cowl on his Batman animated designs. |url=https://13thdimension.com/kevin-nowlan-lifts-the-cowl-on-his-batman-animated-designs/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=13th Dimension, Comics, Creators, Culture |language=en-US}}</ref> He also mentioned that real people served as inspirations, such as [[Rhea Perlman]] for Jesse and George Will for [[Ventriloquist (character)|The Ventriloquist]]. Initially, Nowlan designed [[Penguin (character)|The Penguin]] and [[Riddler|The Riddler]] based on the 1966 ''Batman'' series, but his designs were ultimately rejected. Instead, The Penguin's appearance was modeled after his depiction in the film ''[[Batman Returns]]'', featuring deformities and slicked-back black hair. Similarly, Catwoman adopted [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]'s blonde hair.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Nowlan dévoile ses designs originaux pour Batman: The Animated Series {{!}} COMICSBLOG.fr |url=https://www.comicsblog.fr/28130-Kevin_Nowlan_deevoile_ses_designs_originaux_pour_Batman__The_animated_Series |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=www.comicsblog.fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kendall |first=Gene |date=2019-06-16 |title=Could Batman: The Animated Series Exist Without The 1989 Film? |url=https://www.cbr.com/could-batman-the-animated-series-exist-without-the-1989-film/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-05 |title=KEVIN NOWLAN Lifts the Cowl on His BATMAN Animated Designs |url=https://13thdimension.com/kevin-nowlan-lifts-the-cowl-on-his-batman-animated-designs/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=13th Dimension, Comics, Creators, Culture |language=en-US}}</ref> Bruce Wayne was inspired by [[Walter M. Baumhofer]]'s ''[[Doc Savage]]'' and ''[[Dick Tracy]]'', created by [[Chester Gould]].{{sfn|Dini|Kidd|1998|p=169}} The appearance of the Gray Ghost was largely inspired by the hero [[The Shadow]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gelman |first=Samuel |date=2024-09-21 |title=Batman: The Animated Series: The 20 Best Episodes Ever, Ranked! |url=https://tvline.com/lists/batman-the-animated-series-best-episodes-ranked/double-talk-the-new-batman-adventures/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}</ref>  Other character inspirations include the [[George Metesky|Mad Bomber]], who was based on Bruce Timm, while Charlie Collins was based on [[Alan Burnett|Alan Burnet]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Padnick |first=Steven |date=2012-12-16 |title=Batman: The Animated Series Rewatch: "Joker's Favor" & "Vendetta" |url=https://reactormag.com/batman-animated-series-rewatch-jokers-favor-and-vendetta/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=Reactor |language=en-US}}</ref> Harvey Bullock's appearance was inspired by one of the criminals Batman fights in the short film ''[[The Dark Knight's First Night]]''.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Tom Ruegger {{!}} BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES |url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/tom-ruegger-batman-complete-animated-series/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=[[Starburst (magazine)|Starburst]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Casting===
The series is also notable for its supporting cast. Numerous known actors provided voices for a variety of recognizable villains. Most notable was [[Mark Hamill]], previously famous for his role as [[Luke Skywalker]] in the original ''[[Star Wars]]'' trilogy, whose prominence as a voice actor was heightened through his "cheerfully deranged" portrayal of the [[Joker (character)|Joker]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kubin |first=Jacquie |date=April 1997 |title=An Interview With Mark Hamill |url=http://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.1/articles/kubin2.1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221837/http://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.1/articles/kubin2.1.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=October 14, 2007 |website=Animation World Magazine}}</ref> The role was originally given to [[Tim Curry]], but he developed [[bronchitis]] during the initial recording sessions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lis |first=Martin |date=September 2, 2017 |title=Exclusive: Tim Curry Reveals Why Mark Hamill Replaced Him as JOKER |url=http://www.screengeek.net/2017/09/02/tim-curry-reveals-why-mark-hamill-replaced-him-as-joker/ |access-date=September 6, 2017 |publisher=ScreenGeek}}</ref> [[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]], who later voiced the Riddler, also auditioned for the Joker role. Hamill, who found himself to be the biggest fan of the Batman comics among the cast, credited the laughs he had honed on stage in ''[[Amadeus (play)|Amadeus]]'' with landing him the role. The recording sessions, under the supervision of voice director [[Andrea Romano (voice director)|Andrea Romano]], were recorded with the actors together in one studio instead of taking separate recordings, as is typical. This method would later be employed for all subsequent series in the [[DC Animated Universe]]. [[Al Pacino]] was considered to voice [[Two-Face]] in the series, but he declined the offer;<ref>{{cite web |last=About_faces |date=January 24, 2012 |title=The Origins of (the Origins of) Harvey Dent in "Batman: The Animated Series" |url=http://about-faces.livejournal.com/68401.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108121935/http://about-faces.livejournal.com/68401.html |archive-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref> [[Richard Moll]] was instead cast in the role. Other actors included [[Ron Perlman]] as [[Clayface]], [[Roddy McDowall]] as the [[Mad Hatter (DC Comics)|Mad Hatter]], [[David Warner (actor)|David Warner]] as [[Ra's al Ghul]], [[Michael York]] as [[Count Vertigo]], [[Kate Mulgrew]] as Red Claw, [[George Murdock (actor)|George Murdock]] as [[List of DC Comics characters: B|Boss Biggis]], [[Ed Asner]] as Roland Daggett and [[George Dzundza]] as the [[Ventriloquist (comics)|Ventriloquist]]. Romano initially wanted [[Christopher Lee]] to voice Ra's al Ghul, but he couldn't work out his schedule to voice the character, Warner was cast instead.<ref>https://bleedingcool.com/tv/batman-beyond-andrea-romano-working-with-kevin-conroy-mark-hamill-finding-that-right-voice-interview/</ref>

===Writing and voice recording===
One of the intentions of the series was to make the audience feel empathy for Batman's enemies, so even if Batman were to win, the episode was not necessarily a happy ending.<ref name=":522"/> Some characters notably had their stories reworked, while others were created for the series. Supposed to appear in a single episode, Harley Quinn remains the most successful and impactful character created in the Batman mythos. First appearing in the episode "Joker's Favor," she serves as the Joker's assistant and sidekick. The character is partly based on the one played by Arleen Sorkin, a friend of Paul Dini, during a dream sequence in an episode of Days of Our Lives. Paul Dini wanted to put a henchwoman with the Joker, similar to what was seen in the 1966 Batman series. Her real name is Harleen Quinzel, and she is named Harley Quinn in reference to the character Harlequin from the Commedia dell'arte, whose costume shape she is modeled after. Her black and red colors are inspired by the character Daredevil from the 1940s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Before Harley Quinn There Was... You Guessed It... The Harlequin! |url=https://www.comicsineducation.com/home/before-harley-quinn-there-was-you-guessed-it-the-harlequin |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=COMICS IN EDUCATION |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=2016-08-05 |title=The Story of Harley Quinn: How a '90s Cartoon Character Became an Icon |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/harley-quinn-history-917464/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Soundtracks===
The series initially took a variation of music written by [[Danny Elfman]] for the Burton films as its theme; later episodes of the series used a new theme with a similar style by [[Shirley Walker]], an occasional collaborator of Elfman. The score of the series was influenced by Elfman's work on the Burton films, as well as the music of 1940s film noir.<ref>{{cite web |last=Roberson |first=Chris Chan |date=September 25, 2017 |title=Batman The Animated Series: 15 Uncovered Pieces Of Early Artwork |url=https://www.cbr.com/uncovered-batman-animated-series-art/ |access-date=September 25, 2017 |website=Comic Book Resources}}</ref> Walker's work on ''[[The Flash (1990 TV series)|The Flash]]'' series (1990) caught the attention of Bruce Timm. Although initially hesitant, she joined the project after being impressed by the show's art and character depth. While collaborating with Elfman to incorporate his Batman film score, she also created her own "memorable" theme for the series.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Polo |first=Susana |date=2017-09-05 |title=Batman: The Animated Series owes half its charm to one unsung composer |url=https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/9/5/16228590/batman-the-animated-series-music-composer-shirley-walker |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>

Walker's approach to composing was notably sophisticated. She crafted character-specific themes based on traits, voice acting, and design, mirroring the techniques of composers like [[John Williams]] and [[Howard Shore]]. Beyond ''Batman: The Animated Series'', she went on to contribute to ''Superman: The Animated Series'' and ''Batman Beyond'', helping to define the sound of the [[DC Animated Universe]].<ref name=":7" />

==Characters==
===Main Characters===
*[[Bruce Wayne]] / [[Batman]] (voiced by [[Kevin Conroy]]): The Dark Knight, protector of Gotham City and alter ego of Bruce Wayne.
*[[Dick Grayson]] / [[Robin (character)|Robin]] (voiced by [[Loren Lester]]): Batman's loyal sidekick and former circus performer.
*[[Alfred Pennyworth]] (voiced by [[Efrem Zimbalist Jr.]]): Batman's trusted butler and confidant.
**[[Clive Revill]] voiced Alfred in the first three episodes.
*[[James Gordon (character)|James Gordon]] (voiced by [[Bob Hastings]]): Gotham City's Commissioner and Batman's ally.
*[[Harvey Bullock (character)|Harvey Bullock]] (voiced by [[Robert Costanzo]]): Gotham City detective known for his tough, no-nonsense approach to crime fighting.

===Supporting Characters===
*[[Renee Montoya]] (voiced by [[Ingrid Oliu]] in season one, Liane Schirmer in season two): A dedicated officer of the Gotham City Police Department.
*[[Lucius Fox]] (voiced by [[Brock Peters]]): A high-ranking officer at Wayne Enterprises and a key ally to Batman.
*[[Summer Gleeson]] (voiced by [[Mari Devon]]): A reporter for the Gotham Gazette.
*[[Barbara Gordon]] / [[Batgirl]] (voiced by [[Melissa Gilbert]]): Commissioner Gordon's daughter and a vigilante in her own right.
*[[Dr. Leslie Thompkins]] (voiced by [[Diana Muldaur]]): A compassionate physician who often helps Batman and his allies.
*Mayor [[Hamilton Hill (character)|Hamilton Hill]] (voiced by [[Lloyd Bochner]]): The mayor of Gotham City, occasionally at odds with Batman.
*Veronica Vreeland (voiced by [[Marilu Henner]]): A socialite who occasionally interacts with Bruce Wayne and Batman.
*Karl Rossum (voiced by [[William Sanderson]]): A scientist and inventor, sometimes involved in shady dealings.
*[[Jonah Hex]] (voiced by [[Bill McKinney]]): A bounty hunter from the Old West who makes a brief appearance in Gotham.
*[[Zatanna Zatara]] (voiced by [[Julie Brown]]): A powerful magician and occasional ally of Batman.
*[[Simon Trent]] / [[Gray Ghost (DC animated universe)|Gray Ghost]] (voiced by [[Adam West]]): A retired actor who once portrayed a hero on television, later helping Batman.

===Villains===
[[Image:Batman Villains.jpg|thumb|350px|Batman's rogues gallery includes various iconic villains: The Joker, Poison Ivy, Penguin, and more.]]
*[[The Joker]] (voiced by [[Mark Hamill]]): Batman's greatest foe, known for his chaotic and unpredictable nature.
*[[Harley Quinn]] (voiced by [[Arleen Sorkin]]): Former psychiatrist turned Joker's accomplice and unpredictable villain.
*[[Oswald Cobblepot]] / [[Penguin (character)|Penguin]] (voiced by [[Paul Williams (songwriter)|Paul Williams]]): A crime boss with a fascination for birds and umbrellas.
*[[Harvey Dent]] / [[Two-Face]] (voiced by [[Richard Moll]]): A former district attorney who turns to crime after an accident disfigures half of his face.
*[[Selina Kyle]] / [[Catwoman]] (voiced by [[Adrienne Barbeau]]): A cat burglar who has a complex relationship with Batman.
*[[Pamela Lillian Isley]] / [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]] (voiced by [[Diane Pershing]]): A botanist turned villain with the power to control plants and toxins.
*[[Dr. Jonathan Crane]] / [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]] (voiced by [[Henry Polic II]]): A psychologist who uses fear as his weapon.
*[[Edward Nygma]] / [[Riddler]] (voiced by [[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]]): A villain obsessed with riddles and puzzles.
*[[Ra's al Ghul]] (voiced by [[David Warner (actor)|David Warner]]): A master of martial arts and environmental zealot with plans to destroy humanity.
*[[Talia al Ghul]] (voiced by [[Helen Slater]]): The daughter of Ra's al Ghul, often in conflict with Batman due to her father's ideals.
*[[Dr. Victor Fries]] / [[Mr. Freeze]] (voiced by [[Michael Ansara]]): A scientist turned villain, trying to save his wife with cryogenic technology.
*[[Matt Hagen|Matthew "Matt" Hagen]] / [[Clayface]] (voiced by [[Ron Perlman]]): A shapeshifting criminal whose appearance is tied to his tragic past.
*[[Waylon Jones]] / [[Killer Croc]] (voiced by [[Aron Kincaid]]): A mutant with a crocodile-like appearance who turns to crime.
*[[Jervis Tetch]] / [[Mad Hatter (DC Comics)|Mad Hatter]] (voiced by [[Roddy McDowall]]): A villain obsessed with mind control and Alice in Wonderland.
*[[Ventriloquist (character)|Arnold Wesker]] / [[Ventriloquist (character)|The Ventriloquist]] and [[Scarface (comics)|Scarface]] (voiced by [[George Dzundza]]): A meek man with a dangerous alter ego, Scarface, his ventriloquist dummy.
*[[Kirk Langstrom|Dr. Robert Kirkland "Kirk" Langstrom]] / [[Man-Bat]] (voiced by [[Marc Singer]] and [[Frank Welker]]): A scientist who transforms into a bat-like creature.
*[[Bane (DC Comics)|Bane]] (voiced by [[Henry Silva]]): A formidable foe who physically and mentally challenges Batman.

===Supporting Villains===
*[[Roland Daggett]] (voiced by [[Ed Asner]]): A wealthy businessman involved in shady dealings.
*[[HARDAC]] (voiced by [[Jeff Bennett]]): A rogue [[AI]] determined to replace humanity with robots.
*[[Hugo Strange]] (voiced by [[Ray Buktenica]]): A psychiatrist turned villain obsessed with Batman.
*[[Mirror Man (character)|Lloyd Ventrix]] (voiced by [[Michael Gross (actor)|Michael Gross]]): A villain known as Mirror Man who uses his ability to create mirrors for criminal acts.
*[[Kyodai Ken]] (voiced by [[Robert Ito]]): A skilled martial artist with a vendetta against Bruce Wayne.
*Mary Louise Dahl / [[Baby-Doll]] (voiced by [[Alison La Placa]]): A former child star with a tragic condition, often using her appearance for evil.
*[[Dr. Emile Dorian]] (voiced by [[Joseph Maher]]): A scientist who engages in unethical experiments.
*Red Claw (voiced by [[Kate Mulgrew]]): A mysterious international terrorist leader.
*Boss Biggis (voiced by [[George Murdock]]): A gangster with grand ambitions.
*[[Sewer King (Batman)|Sewer King]] (voiced by [[Michael Pataki]]): A villain who controls a group of mutants in the Gotham sewers.
*[[Temple Fugate]] / [[Clock King]] (voiced by [[Alan Rachins]]): A villain obsessed with time and punctuality.
*[[Maximillian Zeus|Maximillian "Maxie" Zeus]] (voiced by [[Steve Susskind]]): A criminal with delusions of godhood.
*[[Rupert Thorne]] (voiced by [[John Vernon]]): A powerful gangster and businessman in Gotham City.
*[[Lyle Bolton]] / [[Lock-Up (comics)|Lock-Up]] (voiced by [[Bruce Weitz]]): A former prison guard who takes justice into his own hands.
*[[Professor Milo|Professor Achilles Milo]] (voiced by [[Treat Williams]]): A mad scientist known for creating dangerous weapons.
*[[Count Vertigo|Count Werner Vertigo]] (voiced by [[Michael York]]): A criminal mastermind who uses vertigo-inducing technology to control his victims.
*[[Tony Zucco]] (voiced by [[Thomas F. Wilson]]): A gangster involved in various illegal activities.

==Release==
===Television broadcasts===
Produced by [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros]], ''Batman: The Animated Series'' features episodes that are typically 22 minutes long, fitting into half-hour [[Broadcast programming|time slots]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.yidio.com/show/batman-the-animated-series |title=Batman: The Animated Series |language=en |access-date=2024-07-18 |via=[[Yidio]]}}</ref> Season 1 consisted of 65 episodes,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Riesman |first=Abraham Josephine |date=2022-11-11 |title=An Oral History of 'Batman: The Animated Series' |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/oral-history-batman-the-animated-series.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |language=en}}</ref> and initially premiered in [[Prime time#North_America|primetime]] on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox network]]. It began with a special broadcast of the first episode, "[[On Leather Wings]]," on September 6, 1992, to promote its upcoming debut on [[Fox Kids]], and to elevate its appeal to a wider audience beyond children. The regular primetime schedule started on December 13, 1992, with the episode "[[I Am the Night (Batman: The Animated Series)|I Am the Night]]," airing Sundays at 7 PM ET, and the final airing of the series in this primetime block concluding with the episode "[[Perchance to Dream (Batman: The Animated Series)|Perchance to Dream]]" on March 14, 1993.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The World's Finest - Batman: The Animated Series - Guides: Prime-Time |url=https://dcanimated.com/WF/batman/btas/guides/primetime.php |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Dcanimated}}</ref> The season concluded on September 16, 1993.<ref name=":1" />

The first season's success prompted executives to demand more episodes and higher ratings. To attract younger audiences, the studio required [[Robin (character)|Robin]] to appear in every episode, resulting in changes to the show's look, storylines, and title. The series was renamed ''The Adventures of Batman and Robin'', and later ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]''. This shift affected potential storylines, including a scrapped episode featuring [[Catwoman: Hunted|Catwoman]] and [[Black Canary]] due to Robin's absence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snow |first=Sara |date=2022-05-21 |title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://www.cbr.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-batman-the-animated-series/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> [[Discovery Family|The Hub Network]] aired the series from September 6, 2011, to November 29, 2013. The channel aired a 10-episode marathon of the series on July 20, 2012, to coincide with the theatrical release of ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'' and even created an animated version of one of the film's trailers, featuring [[Kevin Conroy]] and [[Adrienne Barbeau]] re-dubbing Batman and [[Catwoman]]'s dialogue from the trailer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=pbadmin |date=2012-07-18 |title=The HUB Creates Dark Knight Rises Trailer for Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/92659-the-hub-creates-dark-knight-rises-trailer-for-batman-the-animated-series |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Home media and streaming service===
The home media releases of the series began with [[VHS tapes]] distributed by [[Warner Home Video]] in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Batman Animated Series Collector's Edition (International Menace) |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007P2CCC |access-date=January 3, 2013 |website=Amazon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.co.uk |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00005708T |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203063202/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00005708T |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=www.amazon.co.uk |language=en-us}}</ref>  These VHS releases were primarily episodic compilations, including titles like ''The Legend Begins'' (1992),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005Y772 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203062726/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005Y772 |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=www.amazon.com |language=en-us}}</ref> ''The Penguin'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.co.uk |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CSIX |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203063148/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CSIX |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=www.amazon.co.uk |language=en-us}}</ref> and ''Joker's Return'' (1997), each featuring a selection of episodes centered around specific villains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2002 |title=The Adventures of Batman and Robin: Joker's Return [VHS] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CSIY |access-date=January 1, 2025 |website=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref>  [[DVD]] releases of the series began in the early 2000s, starting with Volume One, which included the first 28 episodes. This was followed by Volume Two, Volume Three, and Volume Four subtitled ''The New Batman Adventures''. A complete series [[box set]], featuring all 109 episodes along with commentaries, featurettes, and behind-the-scenes content, was released in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Batman: The Animated Series: Volume 1 [DVD] [2018]: Amazon.co.uk: DVD & Blu-ray |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FTW374 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203062557/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FTW374 |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=www.amazon.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.co.uk |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000H8RW6A |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203062821/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000H8RW6A |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=www.amazon.co.uk |language=en-us}}</ref>

On October 30, 2018, Warner Bros. released a [[remaster]]ed–[[Blu-ray]] edition to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary. This set included all episodes in high-definition, as well as the animated films ''Batman: Mask of the Phantasm'' (1993) and ''Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero'' (1998) as bonus features. The Blu-ray collection also offered digital copies, new featurettes, and collectible art cards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ching |first=Albert |date=October 8, 2017 |title=NYCC: Batman: The Animated Series Blu-ray Collection Coming in 2018 |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-the-animated-series-blu-ray-collection-2018/ |access-date=January 1, 2025 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Betancourt |first=David |date=November 1, 2018 |title=Batman: The Animated Series is finally in high definition, and there's only one flaw |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2018/11/01/batman-animated-series-is-finally-high-definition-theres-only-one-flaw/ |access-date=January 1, 2025 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fallon |first=Sean |date=August 28, 2018 |title='Batman: The Complete Animated Series' Blu-ray Box Set Upgraded With Digital Copy |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/batman-the-complete-animated-series-blu-ray-box-set-upgraded/ |access-date=January 1, 2025 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayner |first=Chris |date=November 14, 2018 |title=Batman: The Animated Series Blu-Ray Review: The Box Set We Deserve |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-the-animated-series-blu-ray-review-the-box-/1100-6463171/ |access-date=January 1, 2025 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 15, 2018, the series was added to the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe streaming service]], featuring both standard-definition and high-definition options.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-09-21 |title=DC Superheroes Have Their Own Streaming Service Now (Published 2018) |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/watching/dc-universe-comics-stream-batman-superman.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230121171018/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/watching/dc-universe-comics-stream-batman-superman.html |archive-date=2023-01-21 |access-date=2025-01-01 |language=en |last1=Fuller |first1=Devin }}</ref> After DC Universe transitioned to a comics-exclusive platform, the series moved to [[Max (streaming service)|HBO Max]] on January 1, 2021, as part of [[WarnerMedia]]'s library.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2020-12-23 |title=Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond are finally coming to HBO Max in January |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/23/22197413/batman-animated-series-beyond-hbo-max-january-2021-dc-universe-streaming |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
''Batman: The Animated Series'' holds a perfect score on [[Rotten Tomatoes]], with all 21 critics giving it a positive review. ''The Animated Series'' is hailed as a landmark in animated television, particularly in the [[Superhero fiction|superhero genre]], reimagining [[Gotham City]] through a [[film noir]] lens, and modernizing Batman into a contemporary animated format. The decision to paint animation cels on blackboards to enhance its dark and nocturnal atmosphere was lauded as a groundbreaking visual choice that distinguished it from conventional animated shows.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Batman: The Animated Series: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/batman_the_animated_series/s01 |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}</ref> Critics unanimously praised the series for its mature tone, storyline, voice acting, visual aesthetic, and fidelity to the [[Batman (comic book)|source material]]; Kevin Conroy's performance as Batman was singled out for acclaim.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="greatestcartoons" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-02-07 |title=Batman: The Animated Series: "Two-Face, Parts 1 And 2" |url=https://www.avclub.com/batman-the-animated-series-two-face-parts-1-and-2-1798167196 |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en}}</ref> Scott Mendelson's ''[[Forbes]]'' article celebrates the series as the best superhero TV show, highlighting its grounded, life-sized drama and realistic portrayal of villains with relatable motivations. Mendelson also discusses how the series addresses real-life issues such as divorce and homelessness, showcasing its maturity and intelligence. Its emphasis on character-driven stories and adult themes has solidified its enduring appeal and established it as the quintessential Batman portrayal.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |date=October 30, 2018 |title=Why 'Batman: The Animated Series' Remains The Best Superhero TV Show Ever |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/10/30/why-batman-the-animated-series-is-still-the-best-superhero-show-of-all-time/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> Maya Phillips' review for [[The New York Times|''New York Times'']] highlights the series' impact on how Batman was portrayed in media; much like the 1989 film ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'', the series departed from previous [[Camp (style)|campy]] versions, embracing a darker, more mature narrative influenced by [[Frank Miller]]'s comics while balancing serious themes with humor. The review applauds the series for revitalizing classic villains and introducing memorable characters like [[Harley Quinn]], cementing its influence on subsequent Batman adaptations, and foreseeing the franchise's enduring popularity across different media platforms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Maya |date=2021-02-21 |title='Batman: The Animated Series' Predicted the Bat-Future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/21/arts/television/batman-the-animated-series-hbo-max.html |access-date=2024-06-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Nominee(s)
! Result
! {{Ref heading}}
|-
| 1992
| [[21st Annie Awards|Annie Awards]]
| colspan="2"| [[Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production|Best Animated Television Program]]
| {{nom}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/21st-annie-awards |title=21st Annual Annie Awards |website=[[Annie Awards]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| rowspan="7"| 1993
| rowspan="5"| [[20th Daytime Emmy Awards|Daytime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program]]
| [[Jean MacCurdy]], [[Tom Ruegger]], [[Alan Burnett]], <br> [[Eric Radomski]], [[Bruce Timm|Bruce W. Timm]], [[Boyd Kirkland]], <br> [[Kevin Altieri]], and [[Frank Paur]]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="5"| {{center|<ref name="1993 Awards">{{cite web|title=Awards – 1993|url=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/awards/1993.html|publisher=Toon Zone|access-date=August 25, 2013|archive-date=January 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111144953/http://www.toonzone.net/shows/awards/1993.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} {{center|<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103359/awards |title=Batman: The Animated Series – Awards |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program
| [[Paul Dini]], Martin Pasko, Michael Reaves, <br> and Sean Catherine Derek 
| {{won}}
|-
| Outstanding Film Sound Editing
| Thomas Milano, Bob Lacivita, Mark Keatts, <br> Matthew A. Thorne, Aaron L. King, Robert Hargreaves, <br> Jeff M. Sliney, Mike Dickeson, and Russell Brower
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
| [[Harvey Cohen]] {{small|(for "Cat Scratch Fever")}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Shirley Walker]] {{small|(for "Feat of Clay: Part 2")}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[45th Primetime Emmy Awards|Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less)]]
| Jean MacCurdy, Tom Ruegger, Alan Burnett, <br> Eric Radomski, Bruce Timm, Randy Rogel, <br> and [[Dick Sebast]] {{small|(for "[[Robin's Reckoning]]: Part 1")}}
| {{won}}
| {{center|<ref name="BTAS Primetime Emmy">{{cite web |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/batman-series |title=Batman: The Animated Series |website=Emmys.com |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| [[19th Saturn Awards|Saturn Awards]]
| colspan="2"| [[Saturn Award for Best Network Television Series|Best Genre Television Series]]
| {{nom}}
| {{center|<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000004/1993 19th Saturn Awards] at [[IMDb]].</ref>}}
|-
| rowspan="7"| 1994
| rowspan="4"| [[22nd Annie Awards|Annie Awards]]
| colspan="2"| Best Animated Television Program
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="4"| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/22nd-annie-awards |title=22nd Annual Annie Awards |website=[[Annie Awards]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| Best Individual Achievement for Creative Supervision in the Field of Animation
| Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Writing in a Feature Production|Best Individual Achievement for Story Contribution in the Field of Animation]]
| Paul Dini
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Best Achievement for Voice Acting]]
| [[Mark Hamill]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[21st Daytime Emmy Awards|Daytime Emmy Awards]]
| Outstanding Animated Program
| Jean MacCurdy, Tom Ruegger, Alan Burnett, <br> Eric Radomski, Bruce W. Timm, Frank Paur, <br> and Dan Riba
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2"| {{center|<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103359/awards |title=Batman: The Animated Series – Awards |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program
| Alan Burnett, Laren Bright, Michael Reaves, Paul Dini, <br> Brynne Stephens, Randy Rogel, and Martin Pasko
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[15th Youth in Film Awards|Young Artist Awards]]
| Best Youth Actor in a Voice-Over Role: TV or Movie
| [[Scott McAfee]]
| {{nom}}
| {{center|<ref name="Young Artist Awards 3">{{cite web|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms15.htm |title=15th Annual Youth In Film Awards |accessdate=March 31, 2011 |work=YoungArtistAwards.org |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403132553/http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms15.htm |archivedate=April 3, 2011 }}</ref>}}
|-
| rowspan="4"| 1995
| rowspan="2"| [[23rd Annie Awards|Annie Awards]]
| colspan="2"| Best Animated Television Program
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2"| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/23rd-annie-awards |title=23rd Annual Annie Awards |website=[[Annie Awards]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in a Feature Production|Best Individual Achievement for Music in the Field of Animation]]
| Shirley Walker
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[22nd Daytime Emmy Awards|Daytime Emmy Awards]]
| Outstanding Film Sound Editing
| Mark Keatts, Tom Maydeck, [[Russell Brower]], <br> Robert Hargreaves, Matthew A. Thorne, John Hegedes, <br> Daryl B. Kell, J.J. George, and Mike Dickeson 
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2"| {{center|<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103359/awards |title=Batman: The Animated Series – Awards |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
| Shirley Walker
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3"| 1996
| rowspan="3"| [[23rd Daytime Emmy Awards|Daytime Emmy Awards]]
| Harvey Cohen and Shirley Walker {{small|(for "A Bullet for Bullock")}}
| {{won}}
| rowspan="3"| {{center|<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103359/awards |title=Batman: The Animated Series – Awards |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
| Outstanding Sound Editing – Special Class
| Robert Hargreaves, Matthew A. Thorne, Russell Brower, <br> Mike Dickeson, Bob Lacivita, Tom Maydeck, Mark Keatts, <br> John Hegedes, Patrick Rodman, and Kelly Ann Foley
| {{won}}
|-
| Outstanding Sound Mixing – Special Class
| Harry Andronis, Matthew A. Thorne, and Tom Maydeck
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2019
| Online Film & Television Association Awards
| colspan="2"| Television Hall of Fame: Productions
| {{won|Inducted}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oftaawards.com/tv-hall-of-fame/television-hall-of-fame-productions/ |title=Television Hall of Fame: Productions |website=Online Film & Television Association |access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>}}
|}

==Legacy==
''Batman: The Animated Series'' has often been ranked as one of the greatest animated television shows ever made.<ref name="bestanimated">{{cite web |title=2. Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-animated-series |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223135301/http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/2.html |archive-date=December 23, 2011 |access-date=February 10, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Serafino |first=Jason |date=January 13, 2012 |title=The 25 Best Animated Comic Book TV Shows Of All Time |url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/01/the-25-best-animated-comic-book-tv-shows-of-all-time#26 |access-date=February 10, 2012 |magazine=Complex}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 24, 2008 |title=Wizard Magazine's Top 100 cartoons list |url=http://www.listal.com/list/wizard-magazines-top-100-cartoons |access-date=February 10, 2012 |publisher=Listal.com}}</ref> In 1992, ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' ranked the series as one of the top television series of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tucker |first1=Ken |date=September 4, 1992 |title=Batman |url=https://ew.com/article/1992/09/04/batman/ |access-date=June 10, 2020 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> [[IGN]].com listed the series as the best adaptation of Batman anywhere outside of comics, the best comic book television show of all time<ref>{{cite web |date=June 21, 2007 |title=Top 10 Comic to TV Adaptations |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/22/top-10-comic-to-tv-adaptations?page=3 |access-date=July 30, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref> and the second-best animated series of all time (after ''[[The Simpsons]]'').<ref>{{cite web |title=2. Batman: The Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/top/animated-tv-series/2.html |access-date=July 30, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 26, 2013 |title=IGN's "100 Greatest Animated Series of All Time" |url=https://www.imdb.com/list/ls000068049/ |access-date=July 30, 2015 |publisher=IMDB}}</ref> [[Wizard magazine|''Wizard'' magazine]] also ranked it No. 2 of the greatest animated television shows of all time (again after ''The Simpsons''). ''[[TV Guide]]'' ranked it the seventh-greatest cartoon of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Rich Sands |date=September 24, 2013 |title=TV Guide Magazine's 60 Greatest Cartoons of All Time |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/greatest-cartoons-tv-guide-magazine-1071203/ |access-date=July 30, 2015 |magazine=TV Guide}}</ref>

In his reference book, ''Batman: The Complete History'', [[Les Daniels]] described ''The Animated Series'' as coming "as close as any artistic statement has to defining the look of Batman for the 1990s."<ref>Daniels (1999), pg. 178</ref> Animation historian Charles Solomon gave the series a somewhat mixed assessment, commenting that "the dark, Art Deco-influenced backgrounds tended to eclipse the stiff animation and pedestrian storytelling" and concluding that the series "looked better in stills than it did on the screen."<ref>{{cite book |last=Solomon |first=Charles |title=The History of Animation: Enchanted Drawings |publisher=Wings Books |year=1994 |isbn=0-517-11859-9 |location=New York |page=261}}</ref>

Several new characters and other revamped backstories introduced in the series later made their way into comics and other media. Most notable was Harley Quinn, who was initially introduced in the ''Batman: The Animated Series'' episode "Joker's Favor", with the character being inspired and voiced by Arleen Sorkin. The character made her comics canon appearance in 1999 and is now one of the most popular characters in DC.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2016 |title=The Harley Quinn Boom is Just Getting Started |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/08/harley-quinn-boom-suicide-squad.html}}</ref> The show is also known the reinvention of [[Mr. Freeze]] in the episode [[Heart of Ice (Batman: The Animated Series)|Heart of Ice]] where they changed him from a laughing stock to a tragic villain.

The dark atmosphere, mature themes, and even some of the voice cast from the series are employed in the ''[[Batman: Arkham]]'' video game series.<ref name="xbox">[http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/b/batmanarkhamasylum/ Batman: Arkham Asylum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721035044/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/batmanarkhamasylum/|date=July 21, 2010}}, game overview.</ref> [[Kevin Conroy]], [[Mark Hamill]], [[Arleen Sorkin]], and [[Robert Costanzo]] reprise their roles. Furthermore, the first two games are co-written by series veteran [[Paul Dini]]. Also, Batman's design and [[Batsuit#DC animated universe|costume]] in ''The Animated Series'' are featured as an alternate skin in ''[[Batman: Arkham City]]''. These skins are available as [[downloadable content]]; they were also available in pre-orders at [[GameStop]] and a valid membership to Power-Up Rewards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pre Order Batman Arkham City |url=http://www.gamestop.com/collection/batman-arkham-city |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008154925/http://www.gamestop.com/collection/batman-arkham-city |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=October 8, 2011 |publisher=GameStop}}</ref> There are also ''Animated''-inspired alternate skins for [[Catwoman]], [[Nightwing]], and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]].

Actor [[Robert Pattinson]], who portrays Batman in ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' (2022), has cited ''Batman: Mask of the Phantasm'' as an example of Batman media that effectively captured the character's psyche in a fashion he hoped his interpretation would emulate.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1485977538434379776 |user=thebatmanfilm_ |title=Whereas in the cinema, it is always his heroic side that is put forward. The Batman does the opposite, we capture the inner bubbling of the character. In my opinion, the only other to achieve this is the animated film 'Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm'. |author=The Batman Film News |access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> The series is a key inspiration for the 2024 animated series ''[[Batman: Caped Crusader]]'', again developed by Bruce Timm.

==Related media==
===Canceled projects===
A Catwoman [[Spinoff (media)|spin-off]] series based on ''Batman: The Animated Series'' was briefly considered by the Fox network in the early 1990s. Despite some initial production work, the project was eventually canceled.<ref>{{cite web |title=The World's Finest – The DC Animation Resource |url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/sections/backstage/abandoned/ |website=www.worldsfinestonline.com}}</ref> Another continuation of the series was in development as an [[Podcast|audio podcast]] drama, with most of the original cast returning along with writer [[Alan Burnett]], but the project was put on hold following [[Kevin Conroy]]'s passing.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 4, 2021 |title='Batman: The Animated Series' Audio Drama in the Works With Original Cast |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/batman-the-animated-series-audio-drama-podcast-1235057158/ |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>

===Feature films===
<!-- This is for the movies that take place within the time period of BTAS only. --> <!-- Do not add ''Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman''. -->
*''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]'' (1993)&nbsp;– based on ''The Animated Series''; the film started production as a direct-to-video release, but was ultimately changed into a theatrical release.<ref>Bob Miller (June 1994). "Knight Vision". [[Comics Scene (magazine)|Comics Scene]].</ref> Although the film was not a financial success upon its initial release, it earned widespread acclaim and has since become a commercial success through its various home media releases.<ref name="Radomski">Dini, Kidd, p.117</ref>
*''[[Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero]]'' (1998)&nbsp;– a [[direct-to-video]] release, which was produced as a tie-in to the 1997 film ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]''. ''SubZero''{{'}}s release was delayed until the following year due to ''Batman & Robin'' failing to meet commercial and critical expectations.<ref name="stvr">[http://www.stomptokyo.com/movies/batman-subzero.html Stomp Tokyo Video Reviews], ''Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero'' review.</ref>

===Follow–ups===
{{Main|DC Animated Universe}}
The [[DC Animated Universe]] (DCAU) began with ''Batman: The Animated Series'' in 1992, which became a critical and fan favorite. Its success led to ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' (1996)'','' followed by ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', which debuted in 1997 as a direct [[sequel]] to ''BTAS'' with a revamped animation style to align with ''Superman: The Animated Series''. The sequel also featured [[The New Batman/Superman Adventures|several crossovers with Batman]]'s world.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Agard |first=Chancellor |date=August 12, 2022 |title=From 'Batman' to 'Zeta Project': A Guide to the DC Animated Universe |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/09/15/dc-animated-universe-guide/ |access-date=January 18, 2025 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref>

This sequel served as a bridge between the Fox-era Batman and later DCAU spinoffs on The WB and Cartoon Network. Though initially a distinct series, it is now regarded as the third season of ''Batman: The Animated Series'', bringing the Batman storyline into alignment with the broader universe and paving the way for future series like ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' and ''[[Batman Beyond]]''. The DCAU continued to expand with the kid-friendly ''[[Static Shock]]'' and the oft-forgotten ''[[The Zeta Project|Zeta Project]]'', further enriching its world. In 2001, ''Justice League'' united Superman, Batman, and five other heroes, leading to ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]''—a sprawling series that celebrated [[DC Comics]] by introducing a vast array of characters and storylines.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hambrick |first=Allison |date=2024-10-07 |title=All 13 Batman: The Animated Series Spinoffs & Movies (& How To Watch Them) |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-the-animated-series-spinoffs-movies/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Batman Beyond23">{{cite news |date=September 19, 2004 |title=FOR YOUNG VIEWERS; Introducing an Old-Time Hero To a New Generation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/19/arts/television/for-young-viewers-introducing-an-oldtime-hero-to-a-new.html |access-date=May 20, 2022 |work=New York Times}}</ref>

===Comic adaptations===
{{main|The Batman Adventures|Batman: The Adventures Continue}}
''Batman: The Animated Series'' was accompanied by a [[tie-in]] comic book, ''[[The Batman Adventures]]'', which followed the art style and [[Continuity (fiction)|continuity]] of the show rather than other [[List of Batman comics|Batman comic]] books.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Cole |date=2024-11-24 |title=10 Batman Comics That Are Perfect From Start to Finish |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-best-complete-comics/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> This comic series, through various format changes reflecting the evolving world of the show and its spin-offs, outlasted the series itself by nearly a decade. It was ultimately canceled in 2004 as part of a broader effort to conclude the [[DC Animated Universe (comics)|DC Animated Universe]].<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ryan |date=2024-08-31 |title=27 Years Later, The New Batman Adventures Lives up to Fans' Lofty Expectations |url=https://www.cbr.com/the-new-batman-adventures-tv-review/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> One notable milestone of ''The Batman Adventures'' was the first official comic appearance of the character [[Harley Quinn]] in issue No. 12, which has since become highly sought after by collectors and fans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colucci |first=Brian |date=2024-07-07 |title=Harley Quinn's First Comic Appearance: Everything Fans Need To Know |url=https://screenrant.com/harley-quinn-first-comic-appearance-explained/ |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> DC announced in February 2020 that [[Paul Dini]], [[Alan Burnett]] and artist [[Ty Templeton]] would be leading a new [[Limited series (comics)|miniseries]] titled ''[[Batman: The Adventures Continue]]'', set to be published in April 2020. This new series is based on the animated series and follows shortly after its conclusion, featuring [[Tim Drake]] as he adjusts to his role as the new [[Robin (character)|Robin]] alongside Batman.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Batman: The Animated Series creator will continue the show — in comics |url=https://www.polygon.com/comics/2020/2/13/21136687/batman-animated-series-comic-paul-dini-dc-comics-jason-todd |access-date=February 13, 2020 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>

===Novels===
There was also a short-lived series of tie-in novels, adapted from episodes of the series by science fiction author [[Geary Gravel]]. To achieve novel length, Gravel combined several related episodes into a single storyline in each novel. The novels included:

*''Shadows of the Past'' ("Appointment in Crime Alley", "Robin's Reckoning" two-parter) (1993)
*''Mask of the Phantasm'' (''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]'') (1993)
*''Dual to the Death'' ("Two-Face" two-parter, "Shadow of the Bat" two-parter) (1994)
*''The Dragon and the Bat'' ("Night of the Ninja", "Day of the Samurai") (1994)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Batman: The Animated Series by Geary Gravel |url=https://www.goodreads.com/series/239604-batman-the-animated-series |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=Goodreads}}</ref>

===Video games===
Several video games based on the animated continuity were released during the [[History of video game consoles (fourth generation)|16-bit game-machine era]], using ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' second season branding. [[Konami]] developed a game for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES), while [[Sega]] released versions of the game for the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]], [[Sega Mega-CD|Mega-CD]], and [[Game Gear]]. The SNES, Genesis/Mega Drive, and Game Gear versions were side-scrolling action games, while the Mega-CD version featured a 3-D driving adventure. All the games had art true to the series, while Sega's versions featured art elements directly from the show's creators.<ref name="ign">[http://cheats.ign.com/objects/005/005947.html IGN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008065236/http://cheats.ign.com/objects/005/005947.html |date=October 8, 2009 }}, ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'' – Sega CD.</ref> The CD version has over 20 minutes of original animated footage comparable to the most well-crafted episodes,<ref name="mobygames">[http://www.mobygames.com/game/adventures-of-batman-robin Moby Games], ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'' video game description.</ref> with the principal voice actors reprising their roles.

There was also a game made for the [[Game Boy]] based on the series and created around the same time. Developed and published by Konami, this game was distinctive in the fact that it still used the earlier ''[[Batman: The Animated Series (video game)|Batman: The Animated Series]]'' moniker instead of ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'' second season title given to the other games.<ref name="allgame">{{cite web| url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=15832| title = Overview - Batman: The Animated Series| author = Marriott, Scott Alan| publisher= [[allgame]]| access-date = June 14, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210012908/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=15832 | archive-date=December 10, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

In ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', a [[downloadable content]] level was released, based on the ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]'' film, and contained some characters from the show, including the ''Batman: The Animated Series'' version of Batman, [[The Joker]], [[Harley Quinn]], [[Two-Face]], [[Andrea Beaumont]] as The Phantasm, [[Mad Hatter (DC Comics)|The Mad Hatter]], [[Man-Bat]], and Captain Clown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/08/lego-dc-super-villains-season-pass-details-revealed/|title=LEGO DC Super-Villains Season Pass details revealed|first=Andrew|last=Newton|work=Flickering Myth|date=31 August 2018|access-date=8 November 2024|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410223621/https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/08/lego-dc-super-villains-season-pass-details-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their roles as Batman and Joker respectively.

===Merchandise===
In the 1990s, toy manufacturer Kenner released a range of action figures and vehicles inspired by the television series. Aimed primarily at children, these toys have become real [[collector's items]] twenty years later. To commemorate Batman's 75th anniversary, [[DC Collectibles]] released a line of articulated figurines in October 2014, featuring the characters from the series. These are not toys but rather collectible figurines. 22 characters were released by the end of 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Collectibles unveils new Batman: The Animated Series and Son of Batman action figure lines ahead of New York Toy Fair |url=https://www.dc.com/blog/2014/02/13/dc-collectibles-unveils-new-batman-the-animated-series-and-son-of-batman-action-figure-lines-ahead-of-new-york-toy-fair |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref>

==References==
===Cited text===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last1=Erickson |first1=Hal |title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 |date=2005 |edition=2nd |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-1476665993}}
*{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SIWrEAAAQBAJ&dq=batman+the+animated+series+groundbreaking&pg=PA214 | title=Superheroes!: The History of a Pop-Culture Phenomenon from Ant-Man to Zorro | isbn=9781493064526 | last1=Solomon | first1=Brian | date=May 2023 | publisher=Rowman & Littlefield }}
*{{cite book |last1=Dini |first1=Paul |last2=Kidd |first2=Chip |title=[[Batman Animated]] |date=1998 |publisher=Perennial Currents |isbn=0-06-107327-X}}
{{refend}}

===References===
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Batman: The Animated Series}}
{{wikiquote}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100918051130/http://batmantas.com/ Official website]
*[https://www.warnerbros.com/tv/batman-animated-series Official Warner Bros Site]
*[https://www.dccomics.com/tv/batman-the-animated-series-1992-1995 Official DC comics Site]
*''[https://web.archive.org/web/19970126204639/http://www.foxkids.com/batmnrob.htm The Adventures of Batman & Robin]'' at [[Fox Kids]] (Archive)
*[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/btas/ ''Batman: The Animated Series''] at The World's Finest
*{{IMDb title|0103359|Batman: The Animated Series}}
*[https://archive.today/20130102122737/http://www.bcdb.com/cartoons/Warner_Bros_/Television/Batman/Batman__The_Animated_Series/index.html ''Batman: The Animated Series''] at [[Big Cartoon DataBase]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110902073736/http://anbat.toonzone.net/ ''The Animated Batman'']
*[http://batmanimation.tripod.com/ "Batmanimation" The home for all things animated Batman]
*[http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film692314.html ''Batman: The Animated Series'' in Filmaffinity]
*[http://riddler.batbad.com/ Homage to the Animated Series through the Riddler character, Flash games and animations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707213653/http://riddler.batbad.com/ |date=July 7, 2011 }}

{{DC Animated Universe}}
{{Batman in popular media}}
{{Harley Quinn}}
{{DC Comics animated TV series}}
{{Warner Bros. animation and comics}}
{{Kids' WB}}
{{Fox Kids}}
{{EmmyAward AnimationLessThanHour}}

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