Bat-Fam is a surprisingly exciting DC series that had me on board from the first episode. Before watching the show, the animation style suggested a lighter take on Batman could work. However, Bat-Fam defied all expectations. The show works primarily because it is full of heart.
Bat-Fam sets itself apart from other animated Batman TV shows due to its focus on the Bat-Family. That said, the show’s version of the classic team is quite different from what fans are used to. Nevertheless, it all works to create a fresh entry in Batman’s long history of adaptations. The DC series is fun, hilarious, and just a blast to get through.
The show is aimed at a younger audience, though there is enjoyment for viewers of all ages. Still, those looking for faithful Batman projects in the vein of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, or the animated Batman: Caped Crusader and Batman: The Animated Series, will not find that here.
Bat-Fam’s Cast Of Characters Is Pitch-Perfect, Though Unexpected
I was initially confused about the show’s changes to the comic book version of the Bat-Family. Webtoon’s hit comic series, Batman: Wayne Family Adventures, underscores how the core cast of the Bat-Family from the comics could work extremely well in a more light-hearted tone, much in the vein of Prime Video’s Bat-Fam.
Characters like Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood were sorely missed as part of the core cast of Bat-Fam. But it’s clear the DC series was trying to honor the comics while also doing something new within the Batman mythos. It’s appreciated, and it does work in the series’ favor.
I never knew that I needed Luke Wilson voicing a paternal version of Batman until getting just that in the show.
Ra’s al Ghul is the funniest character in the show, with the new Batman series making him a ghost who haunts Wayne Manor, plotting opportunities to strike against Batman, while also being a loving grandfather to the young Damian. Volcana’s story, of being a former villain trying to fit in as part of the Bat-Family, and the bonds she forms are heartwarming.
Luke Wilson voicing a paternal version of Batman is something I never knew I needed until getting that in the show. Wilson makes Bruce Wayne hilarious, capable, and an understanding mentor to the younger characters. With Batman often emotionally closed off in animated and live-action projects, it is great to see how much he cares in Bat-Fam.
Other characters include Man-Bat, who has the best one-liners on the show, Alfred Pennyworth, who is once again a lovely caretaker for the Bat-Family, Alicia Pennyworth, Alfred’s niece and Bruce Wayne’s childhood best friend, and Selina, who’s not Catwoman but a cat. With a surprising Bat-Family cast, a stylized design, and a nice dose of humor, Bat-Fam is a breath of fresh air.
Bat-Fam Does Not Forget Batman Action Despite Its Lighter Approach
Bat-Fam also approaches the action beats the character is known for in a way that is imaginative. The series features several Gotham City villains, such as the Joker, Mad Hatter, Clayface, Killer Croc, and more. Batman fights many of them throughout the series, with creative action set pieces.
As Little Batman, Damian Wayne never backs down from a fight, trying to prove himself after getting his new title in 2023’s Merry Little Batman, the movie Bat-Fam spun out of. However, given that Damian is still a kid, he makes many mistakes throughout the show’s ten episodes, leading to quite a few threats emerging and kinetic fight sequences.
Bat-Fam does a great job of mixing humor and action, even though its focus always remains on telling the story of a found family of sorts. With splashier Batman projects like Robert Pattinson’s The Batman 2 and the DC Universe’s The Brave and the Bold Batman movie still years away, fans should absolutely give the underrated Bat-Fam a watch, as it is more than worth it.
After finishing Bat-Fam, I wanted more; it’s a testament to how the show really does grow on you as the episodes fly by. Bat-Fam is a fun superhero series full of heart that presents a unique take on Gotham City and Batman’s cast of characters. I hope we get season 2 and beyond to explore all this Gotham has to offer.
- Release Date
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November 10, 2025
- Network
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Prime Video
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Luke Wilson
Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice)
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Yonas Kibreab
Little Batman / Damian Wayne
- The Bat-Fam characters perfectly work together.
- The Batman series blends humor and action nicely.
