Batman , the TV serial publication , made its debut as one of TV ’s first mid - season replacements on January 12 , 1966 . Featuring Adam West in the lead function and Burt Ward as Robin , his co - crime battler , the show became a breakout hit .
Batmanwas everywhere , and the show chop-chop develop into the biggest selling campaign in goggle box history up to that clip . Not only was every kid in America talking aboutBatman , but Batman magazines , T - shirts , costumes , posters , banner , records , etc . , were everywhere — the large selling craze since the Beatles themselves . The serial publication success was short - survive , however . The fad speedily burned itself out , like a shooting star shooting through the sky .
Now , though , Batmanholds its rightful seat in television receiver history as a genuine camp TV classic .
Let ’s take a face at some fact you may not bed aboutBatman …
Audience Reception
Batmanwas in the beginning planned to be a very serious show . Prior to the show ’s debut , ABC hold 2 exam screenings : one with a laugh track dub in and one with extra recital . consort to Adam West , both fall flat , and the " camp " approach was eventually decided upon alternatively .
Comic Book Savior
Batman ’s succeeder as a TV series in reality saved theBatmancomic book from cancellation . Bob Kane , Batman ’s creator , has state the show ’s success give the slumpingBatmancomics a much - require boost in sales . DiehardBatmanfans , however , never liked the serial because of its campiness . After the show was cancelled , theBatmancomics by choice take a much more serious act to placate upset fans .
Alfred’s Return from the Dead
Bat Who?
Alan Napier was the show ’s only cast fellow member who had never hear of Batman and had no musical theme who the character was before the show begin filming .
The Role of Aunt Harriet
The Bulge in the Crotch
The Value of a Sidekick
Burt Ward reportedly earn just $ 350 a week for the first time of year ofBatman .
“Quick! To the Batmobile!”
Quack, Quack, Quack
Batgirl, Harbinger of Doom
What Could Have Been…
Lyle Waggoner was the other actor study to play Batman , but ultimately lose the persona to Adam West .
Mickey Rooney was originally put up the function of the Penguin , but turned it down .
Frank Sinatra was a big fan ofBatmanand supposedly expressed interest in the Joker office .
Because of his corking success as Batman , Adam West was bid the role of James Bond in the 1969 movieOn Her Majesty ’s Secret Service . West declined , tell the role should be played by a British histrion . George Lazenby , an Australian , got the role instead .
