The holiday hit Merry Little Batman surprised everyone by winning three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. It delivered a different kind of Christmas story — one with an unexpectedly warm take on Batman, family, and heroism.
That success led Prime Video and creator Mike Roth to expand the idea into a full series: Bat-Fam — a new animated show that turns Gotham’s most brooding hero into the head of a loving, chaotic household.
The series follows Bruce Wayne / Batman, Damian Wayne / Little Batman, and Alfred Pennyworth as they adjust to life as a superhero family at Wayne Manor — now joined by several new faces.
Returning are Luke Wilson (Old School, Idiocracy) as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Yonas Kibreab (Elio, Sweet Tooth) as Damian Wayne / Little Batman, and James Cromwell (Babe, L.A. Confidential) as Alfred.
Now, full disclosure — I’ve never been a Damian Wayne fan. In most comics and animated films, he’s a stuck-up brat who thinks he’s better than everyone else. Honestly, the only time I liked him was when he was dead for a few months in the comics.
But this version of Damian is completely different. He’s a regular kid who idolizes his dad and genuinely wants to make him proud. Kibreab brings that sincerity to life perfectly.
Wilson’s take on Batman feels refreshingly human. He balances Bruce’s stern, rule-bound side with the heart of a father who’s trying his best. Cromwell’s Alfred, meanwhile, adds wisdom and warmth — the quiet glue holding the family together.
Joining the cast are London Hughes (The Netflix Afterparty, Laughter Shock) as Alfred’s niece Alicia Pennyworth; Haley Tju (Bella and the Bulldogs, Monster High: The Movie) as Claire Selton, the former supervillain Volcana now trying to reform; Michael Benyaer (ReBoot, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations) as Ra’s al Ghul, Damian’s ghostly grandfather; and Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live, DuckTales) as Dr. Kirk Langstrom / Man-Bat, a well-meaning scientist with a monstrous side.
The show blends humor, action, and heart in equal measure. It’s family-friendly fun — fast-paced, clever, and surprisingly emotional. The animation style is simple but expressive, perfectly matching the tone. There’s the occasional mild word (“crap”), but otherwise it’s safe for kids.
Comic fans will appreciate the deep-cut Easter eggs: Volcana originated in Superman: The Animated Series, not the comics; Alfred’s niece Alicia is new but nods to Julia Pennyworth from the comics; and her name playfully recalls Alicia Silverstone’s Batgirl from Batman & Robin.
Across its 10 episodes, Bat-Fam weaves in a playful mystery thread that adds momentum without overshadowing the humor and heart.
I went in skeptical after Merry Little Batman, but Bat-Fam completely won me over. It’s witty, heartfelt, and perfect for binge-watching.
Verdict: Bat-Fam is a joyful, modern twist on Gotham’s darkest hero — proof that even Batman deserves a family sitcom moment.
All 10 episodes drop on November 10 on Prime Video.
Dan Kleiner 
Newsdesk