Back in 1965, ABC needed a program to boost their slumping ratings and thought that a show based on a superhero was a good idea. Adults in the 1960s had grown up reading comic books and kids were still reading them.

ABC knew that a superhero program could appeal to all ages. The research found that Batman was ranked 3rd in popularity after Superman and Dick Tracy. Only the rights to Batman were available to ABC so they went wth that one.

ABC felt that William Dozier would be perfect for bringing Batman to TV. He was a veteran producer and was involved in the popular 1960s programs Bewitched and Dennis the Menace just to name a couple.

Dozier went to work reading Batman comic books to learn about the character. Dozier knew for ultimate success that he would have to make the show capture the adults’ as well as the kids’ attention. He knew the show would need enough substance to hold the adult’s attention while being fun for the kinds to watch at the same time.

Dozier did this beautifully when he got through. The characters played the storyline like they were in a dramatic series. The plots on the other hand were crazy and fun for the kids to watch.

Many gimmicks were used also that kept the kids entertained and let them enjoy the superhero part of the show. William Dozier even appeared in the final episode of the show in a cameo role.

ABC spared no expense building the set or the Batcave. The set cost $800,000 and in 1966, that was quite a bit of money. It paid off however because the series ran for a total of 3 seasons and 120 episodes. It ran 2 days a week for the first 2 seasons and 1 day a week in the 3rd season.

To get the show rolling, a pilot was made with the help of Lorenzo Semple Jr., a friend of Dozier. The Batman TV Show went on the air for the first time on Wednesday, January 12, 1966.

They incorporated the Pop Art that was popular at the time into the show. In 1965 TV programs had just started being aired in color, so color was used to the fullest possible extent with Batman. They also used some strange camera angles and the BAM, POP, WHAM type statements that they have become known for.

At the time, unknown actors Adam West and Burt Ward were as the heroes Batman and Robin. The show was ready to go on air in just 2 months due to ABC's need for some boost to their ratings.

Batman was not a hit with the test audience though, but Dozier felt that things would still work out. In the end, he was right. The show was a big hit partially due to the villains being played by known actors of the day such Burgess Meredith playing The Penguin.

On March 14, 1968, the last first run episode was aired on ABC. It then went into syndication where it is still watched today over 40 years later and has become a classic among baby boomers and comic book fans alike.