Photo credit: Getty Images
Audiences who screened “
Batman” before it hit the air gave it the lowest rating from a test audience in the history of the ABC network!
Photo credit: Getty Images
While it’s remembered for its goofy flair, “Batman” was originally
supposed to be a serious. ABC actually tested two screenings: one with a laugh track and another with more serious narration. Adam said both fell flat, but producers decided the humorous approach had a better shot of connecting with audiences.
Photo credit: Getty Images
“Batman” debuted as a mid-season replacement on Jan. 12, 1966, and was a breakout hit. Its instant success rescued the failing “Batman” comic book franchise, though its long-time fans weren’t fond of the TV series’ humor.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Adam had come to the attention of producer William Dozier after he saw him in a commercial for Nestlé’s Quik, in which he played a spy. “That commercial,” said Adam, “was responsible for them asking to see me about ‘Batman.’ They cast me right away.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
In an ironic twist, Adam was later offered the part of James Bond in 1969’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” but turned it down, believing 007 needed a British actor. The role went to Aussie
George Lazenby (shown here in the film with
Diana Rigg), who never played Bond again.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Alfred Pennyworth — Bruce Wayne/Batman’s butler — had been killed off in the comic book 18 months before the show’s debut, but he became a beloved on-air character, played by Alan Napier (shown here with Ethel Merman in "The Sport of Penguins" episode). His popularity led to Alfred being brought back to life in the comic books.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the evil Egghead — played by a scenery-chewing Vincent Price — started on the television show, but was later written into the comics.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Julie Newmar, who portrayed the slinky Catwoman, says the show was a smash hit because of the cast’s deadpan performances, and recalls, “The secret of it was playing it very straight. The comment from the head producer was always, ‘Straight, straight, straight — do not play it for laughs!’ — because the straighter you play it, the more ridiculous it really is.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
While
Barbara Eden was dealing with TV censors banning her belly button on “I Dream of Jeannie,” Adam and
Burt Ward, who starred as sidekick Robin, had to endure battles over their bulges. Their snug superhero briefs showed a little too much for some viewers, and several different constricting costumes were used to fend off complaints.
Photo credit: Getty Images
By the third and final season, ratings had dropped substantially and ABC canceled the show. However, NBC was willing to pick up the series — but before the network did, someone had destroyed the pricey “Batman” sets, which nixed the possibility of a comeback.
Photo credit: Getty Images
