REVIEW: ‘Bat-Fam’ Is Nostalgic DC Fun For The Next Generation
- James Crooks
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Merry Little Batman (2023) discovered a desirable success amongst younger audiences, combining superhero antics with the spirit of Christmas. In the absence of Batman, his son, Damian Wayne (Yonas Ascunsion Kibreab) uncovered a plot that threatened to destroy the holidays, and protected the festive period in Gotham. Prime Video's animated film was a deviation away from DC’s usual target audience, instead hoping to introduce the next generation of children into the bizarre world of Batman.
Upon receiving a positive reception, plans to expand upon the film were greenlit, thus giving birth to the series Bat-Fam. This time, audiences will follow the adventures of Damian, Batman (Luke Wilson) and Alfred (James Cromwell) who continue to protect Gotham whilst living alongside some new guests at Wayne Manor. Together, the residents combine into an unlikely band of misfits and outcasts, each infusing important teachings of betterness, teamwork and friendship into the series for its younger audiences. Such messages linger throughout, resulting in a delightful charm and earnestness, with viewing parents potentially finding enough to resonate with during their unavoidable 6 a.m. wakeup call and mandatory cartoon-watching service.
Make no mistake, Bat-Fam caters almost entirely to its ages 10 and below audience, this isn’t a necessary viewing for even the die-hard DC fans, and certainly bares no importance to the ever-growing DC Universe continuity. Bat-Fam’s primary watchers will have no qualms with the series direction or animation style, both of which are simply unapologetic fun. Parents may even find themselves reminiscing upon their own childhoods, reminded of Saturday mornings in front of Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends (2004), of which the Prime series bares a strikingly welcome resemblance to. Fun references and twists upon character names result in throwaway gags likely to steal a laugh from older ‘in the know’ audiences, delivering enough to keep parents clicking next episode whilst their morning coffee brews.
The depth to the series is unsurprisingly limited, with each episode intending to inspire quicker life lessons and introduce the foundations of trust and good. Damian’s adventures are extravagant and hilarious, impossible not to find a childlike level of enjoyment within, seemingly originating from a bygone era of children’s television rather than one encompassed by Youtube and TikTok brainrot. Thanks to a memorable 2-D sandbox and voice acting carrying a genuine enthusiasm, Bat-Fam may become recognised amongst modern children’s television, similar to a PG version of Adult Swim. Simplistic gags and over-the-top animated sequences lend to a niche and quirky humour, the kind that can define a generation and motivate the production of similar style content.
A continuous mystery flows throughout the 10-episode season, encouraging a long-term narrative for viewers to sink their baby teeth into, even if this takes a backseat amongst the episodic antics that occur. All fronts are directed towards a streamlined style, with momentary sparks of eccentric visual energy that burst with a childlike approach. Given Bat-Fam’s target audience, any implication of criticism feels unfair. The series doesn’t need to revolutionize the genre or become the focus of this week’s discussion on ‘Superhero Twitter’. Bat-Fam captures a nostalgic magic and heart that has been absent from younger media in recent times and should be celebrated for capitalizing upon the achievements of a genre near forgotten, yet still producing something new. Evidently playing the long-game, DC may have just inspired their new wave of superhero fanatics.
Rating: ★★★★☆
About Bat-Fam
Premiere Date: November 10, 2025
Episode Count: 10
Executive Producer/Showrunner: Mike Roth
Production: DC and Warner Bros. Animation
Distribution: Prime Video
Cast: Luke Wilson, Yonas Kibreab, James Cromwell, Haley Tju, London Hughes, Michael Benyaer, Bobby Moynihan.
Synopsis: Bat-Fam follows Batman, Alfred, and young Damian Wayne - now having taken on the mantle of “Little Batman” - as they welcome a few new residents to Wayne Manor. Joining the family dinner table is Alicia Pennyworth, Alfred’s free-spirited grandniece; Claire, a recently reformed Super-Villain; Ra’s al Ghul, Damian’s adoring “Pap Pap” who also happens to be Batman’s longtime nemesis; and Man-Bat, who takes up residence in the Wayne Manor belfry. Oh! And let’s not forget Selina, the beloved family cat. This close-knit family of misfits navigate the fun and frustrations of ordinary life while protecting the streets of Gotham City.