The Batman 1960ies TV Series was known for it's camp comedy approach and for the cheesy lines that were often spoken but the show was creative as well. Batman was loosely based on the DC comic character. However, the television series, which aired on ABC from January 1966 to March 1968, did not portray the Batman character as dark in nature as the comic books. The Batman TV Series aired 120 episodes in a two and a half year span by airing two episodes per week on Wednesday and Thursday Nights at 7:30pm. The Wednesday show typically ended with the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder facing certain death but they always found a way out as the Thursday night episode began.
When the Batman Series was given a go William Dozier was chosen to produce it. It was well known that Dozier did not relish comic books and he felt that reflecting that dark persona in the series would be fruitless. He chose to produce the Batman series to be more of a pop art camp comedy. Adam West won the role of Batman and Burt Ward was chosen to play his sidekick Robin. In just 30 months these two actors would forever cement themselves into their roles as Batman and Robin. The stereotype would follow them for the rest of their careers.
Through the years there were plenty of co-stars on the show. One of the spots that seemed to catch on was the Batclimb Cameo where Batman would be climbing a building and a window would open and a famous star or television character would stick their head out and talk to Batman. Over time Dick Clark, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Devine as Santa, Howard Duff, Don Ho, Werner Klemperer as Colonel Klink, Ted Cassidy as Lurch, Jerry Lewis, Art Linkletter, Edward G. Robinson and Van Williams and Bruce Lee as The Green Hornet and Kato would appear. It was unique and fun to see who would appear during these spots. The series was extremely popular and each episode typically ended with the phrase, "Tune in tomorrow at the same Bat-time, same Bat-channel". That line has stuck in the minds of millions of the Batman series fans.
The Batman 1960ies Series was creative as well. It presented a unique resume of villains that still live in the minds and hearts of Batman fans everywhere. The Joker, Penguin, Riddler and Catwomen were the most famous. Although the show had begun with spark and creativity by the 3rd season the rating began to slip. ABC wanted to down size and cut the budget by getting rid of Chief O'Hara and Robin. They intended for Batgirl to take over Robin's role as the sidekick. Of course Adam West and William Dozer would not set quietly by and watch this happen. Therefore ABC cancelled the show.
Over forty years have passed since the last episode of the Batman 1960ies TV Series aired on March 14, 1968. The series has become a 1960ies icon. The Batman movies of today have led to phenomenal success. Although the character of Batman is now played closer to his comic book beginnings with a dark edgy persona it was the Batman series that paved the road those four decades ago. Perhaps the series was campy and cheesy but it created fans and memories that will stand the test of time.
