Back in the mid-1960s, the Adam West-led “Batman” took the world by storm. Even though the show only existed because other characters’ rights with unavailable, “Batmania” entrenched the nation in a way that would not be seen again until Tim Burton’s big-screen take in 1989. “Batman” changed the game for superhero TV, parodying comic antics with a straight face and quick PSAs for young viewers.
“Batman” was undoubtedly superhero satire, but it was the kind that never broke the illusion. In some respects, it was as true to the Silver Age “Batman” and “Detective Comics” stories popular at the time as any adaptation ever could be — and Adam West and Burt Ward became known worldwide for their efforts. But if you’ve already binged through all three seasons and revisited “Batman: The Movie” to boot, then you may just be hungry for another crime-fighting fever dream.
While nothing will quite live up to “Batman” itself, there are several shows just as good as the ’60s classic that fans may just wish to climb aboard. Before we begin, a quick shout-out to series like “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl,” Nicholas Hammond’s “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and “Powerless” (which actually featured West in one of his final on-screen roles). They may not be the best “Batman”-like shows out there, but they deserve a small nod.
The Green Hornet
This one may be a bit obvious since it actually crossed over with “Batman” back in the day, but folks who love the Dynamic Duo’s TV adventures will likely enjoy “The Green Hornet,” as well. Created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, the series followed wealthy city playboy and Daily Sentinel newspaper owner Britt Reid (Van Williams) in his adventures as the titular costumed hero. Reid was joined by his martial arts expert sidekick Kato, played by none other than Bruce Lee.
“The Green Hornet” began on the radio, but eventually graduated to the small screen after several comic books and movie serials. The Green Hornet himself was actually related by blood to the Lone Ranger, though this was the furthest thing from a horse opera. Instead, “The Green Hornet” was far more akin to a classic detective series with clever masks and a bit more action. The biggest difference, of course, is that the public believed Green Hornet and Kato were actually criminals.
Unlike “Batman,” this short-lived ABC series was played largely straight. There wasn’t as much overt camp or cheesy fare here, despite the fact that “The Green Hornet” crossed over with “Batman” on a few occasions. Even with only one season, “The Green Hornet” is still beloved by many today, and perfect for fans of the ’60s Caped Crusaders.
Wonder Woman
For something a bit more DC Comics-flavored, “Batman” fans may find themselves enjoying “Wonder Woman.” The three-season television series aired in the mid-’70s on ABC before moving to NBC and starred Lynda Carter as the titular heroine. Although not meant to be superhero parody in the same vein as “Batman,” this television take on Wonder Woman still had enough camp to go around.
Originally, the series was set in the 1940s during World War II. Echoing the character’s original comic book origins, Diana returns stranded American pilot, Major Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner), to “man’s world,” now aiding him in the war against the Nazis. By the second season, however, “Wonder Woman” changed drastically. The show was moved to a contemporary period (the ’70s) and Waggoner now played Trevor’s son, Steve Jr. Diana returned from Paradise Island to continue the fight with her lighthearted and compassionate desire to see justice done.
“Wonder Woman” may not have gone full camp the way “Batman” did, but it certainly did its fair share of winking to the audience. Some observed that by the third and final season, the series began to gear itself more toward younger viewers, reveling in some of the on-screen silliness that television superheroes were known for at the time. Even so, “Wonder Woman” helped define the superhero TV genre, turning the DC character into a cultural icon for generations.
The Tick
Perhaps no live-action superhero series post-“Batman” did more for the superhero parody subgenre than “The Tick.” After a popular animated series in the mid-’90s, the Ben Edlund-created character hit the live-action sphere with “The Tick” on Fox in 2001. Patrick Warburton played the titular character in this sketch comedy-inspired sitcom that always went as over-the-top as possible. Unlike the animated series, “The Tick” crossed over into more adult territory.
If you wish that “Batman” addressed a slightly more mature audience, then “The Tick” is probably the show for you — just keep in mind that The Tick was never as competent as the Dark Knight. Warburton’s Tick is the type of dimwitted character who often comes out on top through sheer luck. Joined by his sidekick Arthur (David Burke), they protect “The City” from all sorts of outlandish and absurd threats. Oh, and the series even had its own Batman parody in the form of Nestor Carbonell’s “Batmanuel” — seriously.
Despite the perfect casting of Warburton, “The Tick” was canceled after only nine episodes. Still, the series garnered a cult following over the years. The entire concept was eventually rebooted by Prime Video with a brand-new cast. The reboot ran for two seasons on the streamer, but it didn’t quite have the charisma of the original.
The Greatest American Hero
It would be hard to talk about comedic takes on TV superheroes without mentioning “The Greatest American Hero.” Another ABC series featuring costumes, capes, and tights, this completely original concept from Stephen J. Cannell begins when high school teacher Ralph Hinkley (William Katt) receives a magical suit from an alien race that bestows upon him superhuman abilities — talk about every high school teacher’s dream. Naturally, Ralph uses his new uniform to do what all superheroes do: Fight crime.
“The Greatest American Hero” was always meant to be superhero comedy. Ralph isn’t exactly superhero material, and that’s really the point. An average guy is given these fantastic abilities — including flight, super strength, telekinesis, super speed, and a host of other powers — only to stumble his way through each new adventure. Alongside hard-case FBI agent Bill Maxwell (Robert Culp) and lawyer Pam Davidson (Connie Sellecca), Ralph learns what it means to be a hero, even if he’s never quite as smooth as Superman.
With one of the best ’80s sci-fi theme songs ever put to screen, “The Greatest American Hero” knew how to both inspire and amuse its audience. “Batman” fans will certainly get a kick out of this dated superhero series, even if its hero isn’t nearly as capable of a crimefighter as the Dynamic Duo. Although, perhaps nobody really is …
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
This one is for those looking for some more campy Batman action beyond Adam West’s signature role. Just like its ’60s counterpart, “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” is an unapologetic love letter to the classic DC Comics that inspired it. More than that, the series is a somewhat cheesy (and certainly meta) take on the Caped Crusader (now voiced by Diedrich Bader) that doesn’t get nearly as much love compared to some of the other great “Batman” shows out there.
“The Brave and the Bold” is unique in that it pairs the Dark Knight up with different costumed DC heroes (often B-listers at first) to battle even more random supervillains. Batman may take crime fighting very seriously, but that doesn’t mean that he’s any less of a camp-master. The series is peppered with lighthearted superhero comedy and plenty of action for younger viewers hoping to see the masked hero tackle crime with his “hammers of justice.”
It may be a bit of a departure from live-action takes on most costumed crimefighters, but “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” is perhaps the worthiest Bat-themed successor to Adam West’s cape and cowl to ever hit television screens. It may have been geared toward kids, but so was West’s “The New Adventures of Batman” cartoon — which die-hard fans should definitely check out, as well.
