All 13 Batman TV shows ranked from worst to best

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GOTHAM: Ben McKenzie in the “The Trial of Jim Gordon” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

5. Gotham

When it comes to the world of Batman, fans have seen it all: from the campy 1960s show to the dark and brooding Christopher Nolan films. But when Gotham premiered in 2014, fans were treated to a unique take on the Batman universe that managed to captivate audiences for five seasons.

One of the biggest draws of Gotham was its cast. Led by Ben McKenzie as James Gordon, the show was filled with talented actors who brought the larger-than-life characters of the DC universe to life in new and interesting ways. Robin Lord Taylor’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot (a.k.a. The Penguin) was a standout, as was Cameron Monaghan’s turn as a proto-Joker. The show also gave us new takes on classic characters like Selina Kyle (played by Camren Bicondova) and Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith), who would go on to become The Riddler.

But what really set Gotham apart from other adaptations was its unique spin on the mythology. Rather than focusing on Bruce Wayne’s journey to becoming the Dark Knight, the show instead centered on James Gordon’s rise through the ranks of the Gotham City Police Department. It was a refreshing change of pace that allowed the show to explore different corners of the Batman universe, introducing new villains and telling stories that hadn’t been seen before.

Of course, with a unique approach comes some challenges. One of the biggest criticisms of Gotham was its continuity, or lack thereof. The show played fast and loose with the timeline, introducing characters and storylines that didn’t quite fit into the established canon. But for many fans, the show’s willingness to take risks was part of its charm. By straying from the beaten path, Gotham was able to create a world all its own, one that was as engaging as it was unpredictable.

Whether you’re a diehard DC fan or just looking for an entertaining show to binge-watch, Gotham is definitely worth checking out. It may not be a part of the established Batman canon, but it’s still one of the best Batman shows ever created.

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