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Batwheels
Batwheels
Batwheels
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Batwheels
Promotional poster
Genre
Based on
Developed byMichael G. Stern
Voices of
Theme music composerAndy Sturmer
ComposerAlex Geringas
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes77
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Steven Fink
  • Caroline Kermel
Running time11 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkCartoon Network
ReleaseSeptember 17, 2022 (2022-09-17) –
present

Batwheels is an American animated superhero children's television series that premiered on September 17, 2022, on HBO Max. It made its linear premiere on October 17, 2022, on Cartoon Network's preschool block Cartoonito.[1] A second season premiered on January 12, 2024, on Max. In October 2024, the series was renewed for a third season. Season 3 will premiere sometime in Q4 2026, on HBO Max.[2]

Plot

[edit]

The Bat-Family's vehicles are brought to life by the Batcomputer to form the "Batwheels", a team led by the Batmobile or "Bam", to fight crime in Gotham City.

Characters

[edit]

The Batwheels

[edit]
  • The Batmobile / Bam (voiced by Jacob Bertrand), the insecure leader of the Batwheels.[3] Its appearance is mostly based on the 1989 Batman batmobile with some small differences.
  • Redbird / Red (voiced by Jordan Reed in season one and Titus Blake in season two), Robin's car and the youngest of the Batwheels[3]
  • Batgirl Cycle / Bibi (voiced by Madigan Kacmar), Batgirl's small but impulsive motorcycle[3]
  • Bat Truck / Buff (voiced by Noah Bentley), a good-hearted monster truck who serves as the Batwheels' muscle[3]
  • The Batwing / Wing (voiced by Lilimar), Batman's sophisticated and confident supersonic jet[3]
  • The Batcomputer / BC (voiced by Kimberly D. Brooks), the team's trainer, supervisor, dispatcher, and mother figure[3]
  • M.O.E. (voiced by Mick Wingert), short for Mobile Operation Expert, M.O.E. is Batman's kind-hearted yet sarcastic robot mechanic[3]

The Bat-Family

[edit]

The Legion of Zoom

[edit]
  • Badcomputer (voiced by SungWon Cho), an A.I. computer software inside a scoreboard and temporarily in a television who wants to replace the Bat Computer as the most powerful computer on Earth[6]
  • Crash (voiced by Tom Kenny), Badcomputer's crash-dummy like robot minion[6]
  • Prank (voiced by Griffin Burns), Joker's funny and pranking van[6]
  • Jestah (voiced by Alexandra Novelle), Harley Quinn's fun-loving ATV[6]
  • Ducky (voiced by Ariyan Kassam), Penguin's mischief-causing duck on a boat with wheels vehicle[6]
  • Quizz (voiced by Josey Montana McCoy), Riddler's quiz-loving helicopter and the youngest of the Zoomers[6]
  • Snowy (voiced by Xolo Maridueña), Mr. Freeze's bad but gentle snow crawler who is also Buff's friend[6]
[edit]

The Gotham Guardians

[edit]
  • Kitty (voiced by Kinza Khan), Catwoman's playful cat car
  • Goldie (voiced by Chandni Parekh), Green Arrow's kindhearted arrowplane who is Batwing's flying friend
  • Nightbike (voiced by Nick Fisher), Nightwing's motorcycle
  • Grundy (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), a dump truck-styled monster truck

Minor

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
137September 11, 2022 (2022-09-11)December 7, 2023 (2023-12-07)
237January 12, 2024 (2024-01-12)December 13, 2024 (2024-12-13)
Shorts24September 5, 2022 (2022-09-05)December 5, 2023 (2023-12-05)

Season 1 (2022–23)

[edit]

All episodes were directed by Antoine Charreyron.

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [8][9]Written byOriginal release date [8][9]Max release date [8]Prod.
code [8]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Secret Origin of the Batwheels"Michael G. SternOctober 15, 2022 (2022-10-15)September 17, 20221010.10[10]
After Batman, Robin, and Batgirl foil a group villain robbery effort, the three heroes are taken away in a limousine. Unfortunately, this leaves them unavailable to deal with a break-in at the Batcave forcing M.O.E. and the Batcomputer to take drastic measures.
22"Stop That Ducky!"Michael G. SternOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022102N/A
A disastrous attempt at stopping Ducky leads to the Batwheels nominating Bam as team leader, but his failed attempts to use Batman's leadership style make him realize that some things only work when done in a more personalized method.
33"Buff's bff"Craig FernandezOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022103N/A
A mission to catch Mr. Freeze results in Buff befriending the villain's vehicle, Snowy, and the pair quickly hit it off. However, the other Batwheels are skeptical about the Zoomer's good side, and the Bat Truck has to teach his teammates that even criminals can be good at heart.
44"Up In the air"Patrick RiegerOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022104N/A
The Penguin hijacks every television channel to broadcast his own show, but a bad decision resulting in Wing crash-landing and Batman getting captured causes Bam to lose confidence in himself.
55"Bibi's Do-Over"Sarah Eisenberg & Becky WangbergOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022105N/A
After a slip-up during a mission to catch Toyman, Bibi becomes dead set on perfecting her jump, but she eventually learns that it doesn't matter if she looks bad as long as the mission at hand is accomplished.
66"Sidekicked to the Curb"Michael G. SternOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022106N/A
Disappointed in being left behind, Redbird tails Bam as he takes Batman and Robin to apprehend the Joker and Prank, with both learning that even great heroes need a partner at their side.
77"Keep Calm and Roll On"Michael G. SternOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022107N/A
Bibi's temper gets the better of her when Jestah and Harley mock her capabilities, causing her to lose control. With the help of the others, she learns that the best thing to do is to keep calm and take a deep breath under stress.
88"Bam's Upgrade"Michael G. SternOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022108N/A
Fed up with being overshadowed by the others on mission outings, Bam has himself upgraded to convince Batman to take him out, but the upgrades prove to hamper their mission of catching Toyman.
99"Redbird's Bogus Beach Day"Sarah Eisenberg & Becky WangbergNovember 7, 2022 (2022-11-07)November 8, 2022109N/A
A trip to the beach gets interrupted when the Joker sets out to turn off the lighthouse light and crash a ship, forcing Batman, Robin, Bam, and Redbird to take action.
1010"Cave Sweet Cave"Craig FernandezNovember 7, 2022 (2022-11-07)November 8, 2022110N/A
After a large Joker water balloon ends up flooding the Batcave, the Batwheels are forced to temporarily stay at a parking garage until it dries out, a situation which none of them are happy with.
1111"Scaredy-Bat"Andrew GuastaferroNovember 14, 2022 (2022-11-14)November 8, 2022111N/A
Bam has to learn to take the high road after Prank continues goading him into reckless actions, before things take a turn for the worse.
1212"Riddle me this"Ryan ToyamaNovember 14, 2022 (2022-11-14)November 8, 2022112N/A
With Quiz up to no good, the other Batwheels have to find him and stop his plan, but Redbird's inability to speak up for himself ends up putting the entire mission at risk.
1313"Zoomsday"Ryan ToyamaNovember 21, 2022 (2022-11-21)November 22, 2022[a]113N/A
Having had enough of losing to the Batwheels, the Legion of Zoom decides to try the one tactic that leaves the Batwheels victorious every time: teamwork.
1414"Rev and Let Rev"Janae HallNovember 21, 2022 (2022-11-21)November 22, 2022[a]114N/A
Feeling left out that he can't rev his engine as loud as the others, Redbird asks for the removal of his stealth tech, but his new noisy engine ends up foiling Robin's efforts to catch Catwoman.
1515"Batcomputer for a Day"Patrick RiegerNovember 28, 2022 (2022-11-28)November 29, 2022[a]115N/A
While the Batcomputer recharges, the other Batwheels find that operating the Batcave is much harder than she makes it look, which becomes problematic when they have to help Batman catch Harley Quinn.
1616"Grass Is Greener"Patrick RiegerNovember 28, 2022 (2022-11-28)November 29, 2022[a]116N/A
When Bam brings M.O.E. out on his night patrol, the pair find themselves dealing with Poison Ivy's rampaging plants, and M.O.E. finds fieldwork to be far out of his league.
1717"Holidays on Ice"Scott GrayDecember 5, 2022 (2022-12-05)December 6, 2022117N/A
Frustrated with the other Batwheels getting distracted by the holidays, Batwing decides to go solo to catch Mr. Freeze, but quickly comes to miss the companionship of the others.
1818"Bam's Clawful Mistake"Sarah Eisenberg & Becky WangbergMay 1, 2023 (2023-05-01)May 2, 20231180.06[11]
Wanting to even out the teams for his newly invented ball game, Bam convinces M.O.E. to bring Catwoman's car to life. Unfortunately, the newcomer quickly becomes a handful.
1919"Harley Did It"Scott GrayMay 1, 2023 (2023-05-01)May 2, 20231190.07[11]
A robbery with Harley Quinn as the main suspect comes under scrutiny when Bibi and Redbird find clues that don't correlate to her at all, and the pair set out to find the real culprit of the crime.
2020"Buff In a China Shop"Craig CarlisleMay 1, 2023 (2023-05-01)May 2, 20231200.07[11]
Self-conscious about his tendency to accidentally break everything, Buff begins taking measures to improve his gracefulness so he can help Batman stop the Riddler.
2121"A Tale of Two Bibis"Craig FernandezMay 1, 2023 (2023-05-01)May 2, 2023121N/A
Bibi ends up in a tight spot due to her impulsive nature and has to think things through when Jestah disguises herself as her to infiltrate the Batcave and steal the Batcomputer's Bat-Motherboard.
2222"Batty Race"Andrew GuastaferroMay 1, 2023 (2023-05-01)May 2, 20231220.07[11]
The Gotham Grand Prix ends up having both the Batwheels and the Legion of Zoom as participants after the latter sabotage the original racers, but their cheating ways prove to be difficult obstacles to overcome.
2323"When You're a Jet"Sarah Eisenberg & Becky WangbergJuly 3, 2023 (2023-07-03)July 4, 2023123N/A
Green Arrow visits Gotham and Batwing, ecstatic to have another jet as a friend, brings it to life, but the new best friends have to face the reality that the newcomer has to return with Green Arrow to Star City.
2424"Ride Along"Ryan ToyamaJuly 10, 2023 (2023-07-10)July 11, 2023TBAN/A
After Kitty saves him, Bam has her join him on his night patrol to recruit her potentially, but the playful car is too easily distracted to pay any notice.
2525"Wheels Just Wanna Have Fun"Jennifer HeftlerJuly 17, 2023 (2023-07-17)July 18, 2023TBAN/A
Bibi learns the hard way that rules are for safety after Jestah keeps tempting her to have fun by doing so.
2626"Tough Buff Blues"Andrew GuastaferroJuly 24, 2023 (2023-07-24)July 25, 2023TBAN/A
After stalling the Riddler on his latest mission, Buff finds himself uncomfortable after the other Batwheels saddle him with the nickname "Tough Buff", leading him to sit out of the next mission.
2727"Wheel Side Story"Andrew GuastaferroJuly 31, 2023 (2023-07-31)August 1, 2023TBAN/A
A hit from Ducky's latest device leaves all of the Batwheels only able to sing instead of speak, complicating their ways of communicating.
2828"Ace In the Hole"Andrew GuastaferroSeptember 11, 2023 (2023-09-11)September 16, 20231280.04[12]
Buff brings a group of stray dogs into the Batcave to protect them from Catwoman, who wants to lead all of the dogs in Gotham out of the city.
2929"Mechanic Panic"Jennifer HeftlerSeptember 12, 2023 (2023-09-12)September 16, 2023129N/A
Bibi has to help Jestah overcome her fear of mechanics after the Zoomer breaks a wheel while preparing for a tournament.
3030"Improvise My Ride"Sarah Eisenberg & Becky WangbergSeptember 13, 2023 (2023-09-13)September 16, 20231300.06[12]
A nighttime trip to play fetch leads Ace, Bam, and Buff on a mission to stop Poison Ivy from building her own vehicle, but her antics force Buff to improvise after she steals much of his equipment.
3131"Dynamic Du-Oh-No"Andrew GuastaferroSeptember 14, 2023 (2023-09-14)September 16, 20231310.07[12]
Thinking herself to be more than capable of going solo, Wing leaves Buff behind when the two are partnered together to stop Jestah and Snowy, which proves to be a disastrous mistake.
3232"To the Batmobile!"Craig FernandezSeptember 15, 2023 (2023-09-15)September 16, 20231320.06[12]
Bam is forced to rely on A.D.A.M., Batman's first Batmobile, to help rescue the other Batwheels from the Legion of Zoom, and both Batmobiles learn that each of their methods have their own merits.
3333"The Dark Night"Ryan ToyamaNovember 6, 2023 (2023-11-06)September 16, 2023133N/A
A city-wide blackout caused by Poison Ivy forces Bam to face his fear of the dark, hampering his efforts in helping Batman.
3434"License to Joke"Craig FernandezNovember 7, 2023 (2023-11-07)September 16, 2023134N/A
On his first solo patrol, Redbird goes undercover to find the man behind several scooters becoming able to drive on their own, but has to learn that going solo doesn't always mean being alone all the time.
3535"Bibi's Bad Day"Scott GrayNovember 8, 2023 (2023-11-08)September 16, 20231350.06[12]
Several mishaps while trying to catch the Joker cause Bibi to lose her motivation, forcing Batgirl to go solo.
3636"A Jet Out of Water"Ryan ToyamaNovember 9, 2023 (2023-11-09)September 16, 20231360.06[12]
The Penguin captures Batman and holds him hostage underwater, and Wing is upgraded so that she can dive under and rescue him. However, her decision to not practice before using her upgrades ends up biting her in the back.
3737"Batty Body Swap"Ryan ToyamaNovember 10, 2023 (2023-11-10)September 16, 20231370.07[12]
The Batwheels swap bodies with each other to prove that they can use each other's specialties, though they quickly find out that they can't, hampering their efforts to stop the Legion of Zoom.

Season 2 (2024)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [8][9]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [8][9]Max release date [8]Prod.
code [8]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
381"Nightbike"Michael BerardiniRyan ToyamaFebruary 12, 2024 (2024-02-12)January 12, 20242010.05[12]
Bibi has some competition with Nightwing's motorcycle, Nightbike. These stunt bikes will need to learn that they're better when they work together.
392"Bat-Light Blow-Out"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroFebruary 13, 2024 (2024-02-13)January 12, 2024202N/A
When Legion of Zoom members, Ducky and Quizz, steal the Bat-Signal's one-of-a-kind lightbulb, Bam and Batwing must find a way to restore the legendary signal light, so Batman knows when all of Gotham needs him for hope.
403"Kitty's Sleepover"Lila MartinezRyan ToyamaFebruary 14, 2024 (2024-02-14)January 12, 2024203N/A
Kitty visits the Batcave for a sleepover. However, encouraging her to settle down for a nap proves to be challenging."
414"Mission: Stuffed Animal"Michael BerardiniPatrick RiegerFebruary 15, 2024 (2024-02-15)January 12, 2024204N/A
When Redbird takes one of Buff's stuffed animals, without asking him, he enlists Bam to help him make a daring rescue.
425"Follow the Bouncing Bam"Vaughn RossEva KonstantopoulosFebruary 16, 2024 (2024-02-16)January 12, 20242050.09[12]
During a chase with Prank, Bam gets covered in a sticky substance called Bounce X. This gives him unexpected bouncing abilities, and he must learn to harness these new powers to outwit Prank.
436"Big Rig Bam"Antoine CharreyronRyan ToyamaMay 20, 2024 (2024-05-20)May 3, 2024206N/A
447"Air-Show, Don't Tell"Michael BerardiniDavid AvalloneMay 21, 2024 (2024-05-21)May 3, 2024207N/A
458"Monster Truck Amok"Antoine CharreyronRyan ToyamaMay 22, 2024 (2024-05-22)May 3, 2024208N/A
469"Razzle dazzle Frazzle"Michael BerardiniJennifer HeftlerMay 23, 2024 (2024-05-23)May 3, 2024209N/A
When M.O.E. creates a new, super sparkly vehicle paint, the Batwheels decide to put on a talent show to see who will get a shiny new makeover.
4710"Multi-MOE"Lila MartinezPatrick RiegerMay 24, 2024 (2024-05-24)May 3, 2024210N/A
To ease the burden on M.O.E., the Batwheels use his duplicating machine to make copies of their repair bot, but the Batcave is soon overrun when the machine breaks!
4811"The Ulti-Bat Rises"Lila MartinezAndrew Guastaferro and Ryan ToyamaFebruary 17, 2025 (2025-02-17)September 21, 2024211N/A
4912"A T-Rexcellent Adventure"Antoine CharreyronRyan ToyamaFebruary 18, 2025 (2025-02-18)September 21, 2024212N/A
5013"Bats In Show"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuasteferroFebruary 19, 2025 (2025-02-19)September 21, 2024213N/A
5114"The Gotham Guardians"Lila MartinezAndrew GuasteferroFebruary 20, 2025 (2025-02-20)September 21, 2024214N/A
5215"Save the Bat Dance for Me!"Lila MartinezJosh PittaFebruary 21, 2025 (2025-02-21)September 21, 2024215N/A
5316"Nightbike's Noisy Night"Lila MartinezAndrew GuastaferroMarch 31, 2025 (2025-03-31)September 21, 2024216N/A
5417"Bite-Sized Buff"Vaughn RossChris RobersonApril 1, 2025 (2025-04-01)September 21, 2024217N/A
Feeling insecure about his size after a game of hide-and-seek, Buff uses the shrink belt belonging to The Atom and accidentally shrink himself down to the size of a mouse.
5518"Redbird-O-Flage"Michael Berardini & Vaughn RossCraig FernandezApril 2, 2025 (2025-04-02)September 21, 2024218N/A
Redbird struggles to stop Poison Ivy's diabolical scheme because he wants to be in the spotlight, when he needs to use the bat-o-flage and become invisible, he'll have to learn that doing.
5619"Pumpkin Panic"Lila MartinezRyan ToyamaOctober 20, 2025 (2025-10-20)September 21, 2024219TBD
5720"The Wizard of Bats"Antoine CharreyronRyan ToyamaNovember 3, 2025 (2025-11-03)September 21, 2024220TBD
5821"The Great Christmas Caper"Antoine CharreyronSarah Eisenberg & Becky WangbergTBADecember 6, 2024221TBD
5922"The BatgirlMobile"Antoine CharreyronCraig FernandezApril 3, 2025 (2025-04-03)December 13, 2024222N/A
When Bibi is in need of repair, Batgirl takes Bam out for a spin to stop Mr. Freeze's new icy crime spree. Bam will have to get used to having Batgirl in the driver's seat and learn something new if he's going to help her stop Mr. Freeze.
6023"Music Meister Mayhem"Michael BerardiniSarah EisenbergApril 4, 2025 (2025-04-04)December 13, 2024223N/A
Music Meister is stealing the singing voices of all the people in Gotham; now it's up to Buff to gain confidence in his Voice and use it to take down Music Meister.
6124"Batwing and the Nets"Antoine CharreyronScott GrayApril 28, 2025 (2025-04-28)December 13, 2024224N/A
When Batwing's favorite bat-net gets ripped during a chase with Riddler, she must learn to let go of it if she wishes to help Batman.
6225"Clay Date"Antoine CharreyronCorey PowellApril 29, 2025 (2025-04-29)December 13, 2024225N/A
Clayface, the most chaotic antagonist of Gotham City, makes his entrance to wreak havoc during the city's annual clean-up day.
6326"Wish Upon a Car"Antoine CharreyronCraig CarlisleApril 30, 2025 (2025-04-30)December 13, 2024226N/A
Buff makes a wish one magical artifact for the other Batwheels to be turned into monster trucks, just like him!
6427"Bibi's Bat-Belt Blunder"Antoine CharreyronAndrew GuastaferroMay 1, 2025 (2025-05-01)December 13, 2024227N/A
Bibi just can't put down her new video game, even when MOE needs her help packing Bam's utility belt for a mission; she must overcome the distraction to save the day when Bam's mispacked belt goes haywire.
6528"Lend Me Your Volunteer"Vaughn Ross & T.J. SullivanAndrew GuastaferroMay 2, 2025 (2025-05-02)December 13, 2024228N/A
Buff tries to show Batwing how great it is to volunteer to help Gotham's needy, but the Legion of Zoom members, Quizz and Jestah get in the way.
6629"Condiment Chaos!"Antoine CharreyronBecky WangbergSeptember 15, 2025 (2025-09-15)December 13, 2024229N/A
6730"Bat-Blast-Off!"T.J. SullivanDavid AvalloneSeptember 15, 2025 (2025-09-15)December 13, 2024230N/A
6831"Flight of the Kitty"Lila MartinezJosh PittaSeptember 16, 2025 (2025-09-16)December 13, 2024231N/A
6932"The Bestah Way"Lila MartinezRyan ToyamaSeptember 17, 2025 (2025-09-17)December 13, 2024232N/A
7033"MOE Alone"Antoine CharreyronAndrew GuastaferroSeptember 18, 2025 (2025-09-18)December 13, 2024233N/A
7134"Bat-Buds Forever"Antoine CharreyronRyan ToyamaOctober 20, 2025 (2025-10-20)December 13, 2024234TBD
7235"Banebuggy"Antoine CharreyronDavid AvalloneOctober 21, 2025 (2025-10-21)December 13, 2024235TBD
7336"Spiffledipped"Antoine CharreyronJosh PittaOctober 22, 2025 (2025-10-22)December 13, 2024236TBD
7437"Bibi and the Bad Seed"Antoine CharreyronEva KonstantopoulosOctober 23, 2025 (2025-10-23)December 13, 2024237TBD

Shorts

[edit]
No.Title [8][13][9]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [8][13][9]Max release date [8]Prod.
code [8]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Meet the Batwheels"Michael Berardini and Antoine CharreyronMichael G. SternSeptember 5, 2022 (2022-09-05)October 18, 2022MTB101N/A
2"Calling All Batwheels"Michael BerardiniMichael G. SternSeptember 12, 2022 (2022-09-12)October 18, 2022MTB102N/A
3"Bam!"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroSeptember 19, 2022 (2022-09-19)October 18, 2022MTB103N/A
4"Buff Tuff"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroSeptember 26, 2022 (2022-09-26)October 18, 2022MTB104N/A
5"Faster"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroOctober 3, 2022 (2022-10-03)October 18, 2022MTB105N/A
6"Fly"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroOctober 10, 2022 (2022-10-10)October 18, 2022MTB106N/A
7"Spooky Batcave"Michael BerardiniMichael G. SternOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)October 18, 2022MTB108N/A
8"Robin's Ride"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroOctober 24, 2022 (2022-10-24)October 18, 2022MTB107N/A
9"Bam's Bubble Trouble"Michael BerardiniMichael G. SternOctober 31, 2022 (2022-10-31)October 18, 2022MTB109N/A
10"Wheelin' and Dealin'"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroNovember 21, 2022 (2022-11-21)October 18, 2022MTB110N/A
11"Interview with a Crime-Fighter"Michael BerardiniMichael G. SternDecember 5, 2022 (2022-12-05)October 18, 2022MTB111N/A
12"The Best Present in the World"Michael Berardini and Antoine CharreyronAndy SturmerDecember 12, 2022 (2022-12-12)December 13, 20221120.06[12]
13"Silly Stowaway"Michael BerardiniMichael G. SternJanuary 9, 2023 (2023-01-09)June 16, 2023113N/A
14"The Knight Shift"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroFebruary 13, 2023 (2023-02-13)June 16, 2023114N/A
15"Rockin' Robin"Michael BerardiniMichael G. SternMarch 6, 2023 (2023-03-06)June 16, 2023115N/A
16"Bibi Bops"Michael BerardiniJennifer HeftlerApril 10, 2023 (2023-04-10)June 16, 2023116N/A
17"Batwingin' It"Michael BerardiniJennifer HeftlerMay 15, 2023 (2023-05-15)June 16, 20231170.06[12]
18"Bad to the Chrome"Michael BerardiniN/AJune 5, 2023 (2023-06-05)June 16, 2023118N/A
19"A Joking Matter"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroJuly 3, 2023 (2023-07-03)December 1, 2023119N/A
20"Parking Problems"Michael BerardiniAndrew GuastaferroAugust 7, 2023 (2023-08-07)December 1, 2023120N/A
21"Bat Surfin'"Michael Berardini and Antoine CharreyronN/AAugust 28, 2023 (2023-08-28)December 1, 2023121N/A
22"I'll be Your Shelter"Michael Berardini and Antoine CharreyronN/ANovember 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)December 1, 2023124N/A
23"Jet Set"Antoine CharreyronN/ANovember 28, 2023 (2023-11-28)December 1, 2023123N/A
24"Bad Day"Antoine CharreyronN/ADecember 5, 2023 (2023-12-05)December 1, 2023122N/A

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In October 2020, it was announced that an animated preschool series centered around the Batmobile was in development at Warner Bros. Animation, set to premiere on Cartoon Network's then-upcoming preschool block Cartoonito and HBO Max.[1] According to Tom Ascheim, president of the now-defunct Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, the series was greenlit due to its concept being fit for the studio's focus on preschool projects.[1] Michael G. Stern serves as developer and co-executive producer, with Simon J. Smith as supervising producer, and Steven Fink and Caroline Karmel producing.[14][15] Stern was brought into the project early in development, as WB explored ideas for preschool-oriented DC shows, while Smith was brought after Stern wrote the first scripts for the series.[16] In October 2021, during that year's DC FanDome convention event, Cobra Kai star, Jacob Bertrand, the voice behind Bam the Batmobile, announced a sneak peek of the show. In December 2022, the series was renewed for a second season, with Stern and Smith being promoted to executive producers.[17] In October 2024, the series was renewed for a third season.[2]

Casting

[edit]

During the aforementioned 2021 DC FanDome convention event, Cobra Kai star Jacob Bertrand announced himself to be the voice behind Bam the Batmobile; while announcing a sneak peek of the show, he announced Ethan Hawke as the voice of Batman, three decades after the actor turned down the role in Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever. whilst A.J. Hudson announced himself to voice the Duke Thomas incarnation of Robin.[citation needed]

Writing

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While writing the series, Stern wanted to avoid "kiddifying" the characters, as he felt children should be introduced to the characters through faithful portrayals and was also requested to respect the characters.[16] For Batman, he wrote the character to stay faithful to most interpretations, with only his violence being toned down.[16] He also wrote the villains with "a lane" that stayed faithful to their classical portrayals while still fitting the target audience, such as portraying Harley Quinn as a fun-loving prankster.[16]

When creating the Batwheels, the writers wanted them to be perceived as "lovable" and "fun" characters for the audience, in order to avoid the children only watching the show for Batman. In order to accomplish this, they tested the personalities for each character with a test group, who received the characters positively.[16] The writers also wanted to avoid portraying the Legion of Zoom as mere copies of their owners, to which they gave each vehicle their own characteristics, such as portraying Prank, the Joker's van, as "a surfer dude".[16]

Animation

[edit]

The series' animation services was handled by French animation studio Superprod Animation and Israeli-Canadian animation production service Snowball Studios (who previously handled the show's pilot and early development).[18]

Music

[edit]

The series' score was composed by Alex Geringas, while the theme song was performed and produced by Andy Sturmer,[15] who previously composed the themes for the series The Batman and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Sturmer also co-wrote the theme alongside Stern.[15]

Awards and nominations

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The show was nominated for Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children for the episode "To the Batmobile!" at the 51st Annie Awards.[19]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Batwheels

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Batwheels is an American animated preschool television series produced by , featuring a team of sentient, AI-powered vehicles based on Batman's iconic rides that assist in protecting from villains. The series follows the adventures of these young vehicles as they learn valuable lessons about , , and perseverance while engaging in action-packed hijinks alongside Batman, Robin, and . It premiered on September 17, 2022, on HBO Max, with its linear television debut on Cartoon Network's block on October 17, 2022. The core team, known as the Batwheels, includes Bam, the enthusiastic leader and Batmobile counterpart; Redbird, Robin's speedy compact car; Bibi, Batgirl's agile motorcycle; Batwing, the high-flying jet providing aerial support; and Buff, a powerful utility truck for heavy lifting. These characters navigate challenges from Gotham's rogues, such as the scheming Redbird's rival or other vehicle-based antagonists, emphasizing problem-solving and collaboration in a lighthearted, comedic format suitable for children aged 2–7. The animation is provided by studios like Superprod and Snowball Studios, blending vibrant visuals with educational themes drawn from the . Developed as the first Batman series targeted at preschoolers, Batwheels is executive produced by with Michael G. Stern as . The series airs episodes on and streams on platforms including Max and . In October 2024, it was renewed for a third season, scheduled to premiere on December 5, 2025, expanding its reach with specials and compilations that reinforce its messages of heroism and camaraderie.

Premise and Characters

Premise

Batwheels is an American animated preschool television series produced by , in which the Batcomputer anthropomorphizes Batman's iconic vehicles, granting them and the ability to communicate and act independently as a team known as the Batwheels to combat crime in . The series centers on these super-powered vehicles, such as the (Bam) and Robin's Redbird, working alongside Batman, Robin, and to protect the city from villains. The narrative unfolds in the familiar setting of , emphasizing heroic adventures that highlight themes of teamwork and moral lessons tailored for young viewers. Episodes typically feature the Batwheels responding to threats, learning to collaborate, and applying problem-solving skills in dynamic, action-oriented scenarios. With a lighthearted tone, the show delivers educational content focused on friendship, bravery, and cooperation, targeted at children ages 3 to 7. Each self-contained episode runs approximately 11 minutes, allowing for quick, engaging stories where the vehicles handle missions with guidance from the Bat-Family.

Batwheels Team

The Batwheels team comprises five sentient, anthropomorphic vehicles that form the primary protagonists, assisting the Bat-Family in combating crime in . Created by the Batcomputer, each member receives a personality chip that enables speech, emotional expression, and independent operation, transforming them from mere machines into a cohesive unit capable of learning and growing together. Bam serves as the team's leader, modeled after the classic with a sleek, black design featuring bat-themed accents. Brave and responsible, Bam guides his teammates through challenges, relying on built-in gadgets such as missiles for offensive strikes and grapples for maneuvering in tight situations. Redbird, Robin's dedicated vehicle, is a vibrant red optimized for speed and . Energetic and optimistic, he specializes in acrobatic feats, executing flips and sharp turns to evade obstacles during pursuits. Bibi functions as Batgirl's , boasting a sturdy frame in and hues for enhanced durability. Tough and determined, she excels in high-speed chases, using her nimble handling to corner fleeing adversaries effectively. Batwing offers aerial support as a sleek jet plane with advanced for . Intelligent and strategic, he deploys tools and flight capabilities to scout threats from above, providing critical intel to the ground team. Buff, originally the Batmobile's trailer reconfigured as a robust , features a massive build suited for and . Strong and kind-hearted, he performs heavy lifting and tasks, such as clearing or extracting trapped civilians. The team's dynamics emphasize collaboration and personal development, with members frequently learning from errors to build resilience and strengthen their bonds as they support Bat-Family missions.

Bat-Family Members

Batman, voiced by Ethan Hawke, serves as the stoic leader of the Bat-Family in Batwheels, activating the sentient Batwheels team through the Batcomputer and guiding them with a focus on strategic planning and the pursuit of justice. As a father figure to the vehicles, he coordinates their missions from the , reinforcing core values like discipline and moral integrity in a manner tailored for young audiences. Robin, portrayed by Duke Thomas and voiced by A.J. Hudson, acts as an energetic partner to his assigned vehicle, Redbird, while teaching the Batwheels the essentials of and quick thinking during high-stakes adventures in Gotham. His enthusiastic demeanor encourages the team to collaborate effectively, using humor and agility to navigate challenges without delving into the more intense elements of his comic origins. Batgirl, depicted as Cassandra Cain and voiced by Leah Lewis, functions as a resourceful ally to her vehicle, Bibi, embodying empowerment and agility as she supports the Batwheels in overcoming obstacles with clever gadgets and determination. She highlights themes of confidence and resilience, inspiring the young heroes to trust their abilities in kid-oriented scenarios.) Alfred Pennyworth, voiced by Tom Kenny, appears as a supportive figure in the Bat-Family, offering practical advice, maintenance assistance, and emotional encouragement from the Batcave to keep the team operational and motivated. Nightwing, voiced by Zachary Gordon, makes occasional appearances as a mentor, sharing insights on independence and heroism drawn from his experiences beyond Gotham. Overall, these Bat-Family members are adapted from DC Comics into simplified, kid-friendly versions that emphasize positive lessons and lighthearted action, excluding darker themes to appeal to preschool viewers.

Antagonists

The Legion of Zoom serves as the central antagonistic force in Batwheels, comprising a team of sentient villainous vehicles that partner with Gotham's notorious rogues to sow chaos across the city. Formed under the influence of the rogue AI Badcomputer, who acts as their leader with a booming, authoritative presence, the group includes Slick, the Penguin's sly and slippery designed for stealthy underwater escapades; Rench, the Riddler's rugged equipped for riddle-solving adventures and trap-setting; Quizz, the Riddler's nimble that delights in aerial puzzles and quick escapes; Jestah, Harley Quinn's high-energy built for acrobatic stunts and playful disruptions; Snowy, Mr. Freeze's frosty snowcrawler specialized in icy maneuvers and cooling schemes; and , a mischievous vehicle aligned with the Joker for joke-filled mayhem. These vehicles are characterized by their speed-obsessed, thrill-seeking natures, often prioritizing reckless fun over outright destruction, which aligns with the show's kid-friendly tone. Accompanying the Legion of Zoom are the human villains from Batman's rogues' gallery, reimagined with lighter, humorous motivations to emphasize lessons in morality and cooperation rather than peril. The Penguin, driven by greedy ambitions, concocts schemes involving ill-gotten gains like stolen gadgets or treasures, using his umbrella arsenal for comical escapes. The Riddler thrives on intellectual challenges, devising puzzle-based crimes that test the heroes' problem-solving skills, such as cryptic clues leading to minor heists. embodies cunning theft with a feline grace, targeting shiny valuables in capers that highlight themes of agility and second chances, often with a wink of reluctant admiration for the Bat-family. Other figures like add chaotic energy through pranks and acrobatics, while pursues cold-hearted plots involving frozen obstacles, all resolved without violence to teach young viewers about empathy and fair play. The antagonists' conflicts with the Batwheels revolve around high-stakes rivalries that blend action with humor, such as impromptu races through Gotham's streets or gadget-laden battles where vehicles pit their unique abilities against the heroes' teamwork. The Legion of Zoom's members frequently taunt the Batwheels with boasts of superior speed and cunning, aiming to outmaneuver them in chaotic pursuits that underscore the value of strategy over brute force. These encounters motivate the villains through the sheer joy of mischief and competition, but ultimately reinforce positive messages about redemption and when schemes backfire comically.

Supporting Allies

In addition to the core Bat-Family, the Batwheels receive assistance from the Gotham Guardians, a team of sentient vehicles that provide backup during major confrontations in . Comprising Nightbike, a agile ; , a swift aerial ; Grundy, a powerful but gentle ground transport; and Kitty, a stealthy cat-themed ride, the Guardians often join forces with the Batwheels to tackle threats too large for solo efforts. Originally introduced in 2, "The Gotham Guardians," the team highlights reformed former adversaries integrating into heroic roles, expanding the show's universe of vehicle-based allies. Ace the Bat-Hound serves as a key non-vehicle ally, bringing animal intuition and tracking skills to support the Batwheels in ground-level operations. Voiced by , Ace joins the narrative in episodes like "Dog Sitting," where he assists in monitoring suspicious activities and provides loyal companionship during patrols. His Krypto-inspired abilities, such as enhanced senses and bravery, complement the vehicles' mechanical strengths, emphasizing themes of diverse teamwork in the community defense of Gotham. Commissioner James Gordon coordinates police resources to aid the Batwheels, ensuring human-law enforcement aligns with their actions during crises like power outages affecting the city. In episodes such as "Batwheels on Rescue Mode," Gordon's directives facilitate joint operations, underscoring the importance of institutional support in maintaining order. Occasional cameos from members, such as , appear in specials and episodes, offering high-level intervention for escalated dangers; for instance, is referenced in "Bam's Upgrade" as a symbol of broader heroic networks. These allies collectively reinforce the series' focus on community collaboration, with the Batwheels teaming up with the Bat-Family against overwhelming foes in pivotal story arcs.

Minor Characters

In the Batwheels series, minor characters consist of transient figures who appear in isolated episodes to introduce lighthearted conflicts, rescues, or comedic relief, without developing ongoing narratives or alliances. These include gadget-obsessed thieves, quirky henchmen, everyday Gothamites in distress, rescued animals, and occasional crossovers that highlight the Batwheels' broader heroic duties. Their sporadic roles emphasize the show's focus on teamwork and problem-solving in bite-sized adventures. One-off villains provide episodic threats through inventive schemes, often relying on gadgets or pranks rather than grand conquests. For instance, , a toy-obsessed criminal without a signature vehicle, steals experimental technology from S.T.A.R. Labs in "Bibi's Do-Over," using a remote to rewind events and evade capture. Similarly, Egghead, a pun-loving genius antagonist voiced by , deploys a massive robotic T-Rex to outmaneuver the Batwheels in "A T-Rexcellent Adventure," showcasing his intellect through dino-themed traps. Ducky, a boastful and mischievous duck-like troublemaker voiced by Ariyan Kassam, disrupts Gotham traffic and causes petty crimes in "Stop That Ducky!," serving as a humorous, low-stakes foe tied to the Penguin's operations._Episode:_Stop_That_Ducky!) Civilians and animals appear primarily as rescue targets, adding emotional stakes and opportunities for the Batwheels to demonstrate compassion. Gotham residents, such as park-goers or delivery workers, frequently need aid from minor mishaps like runaway carts or blocked roads, as seen in various street-level chases. Animals, often strays or pets, contribute to feel-good moments; for example, Buff rescues a lost dog from oncoming traffic in "Buff's BFF," underscoring his affinity for creatures in need. , Batman's loyal canine companion voiced by and inspired by the comic book character, joins select missions like "Dog Sitting" for playful assists but remains peripheral to core team dynamics. Guest appearances from the wider offer rare flavor without dominating plots, typically portraying heroes or reformed figures in supportive cameos. John Stewart as , voiced by Todd Williams, briefly aids the Batwheels in high-altitude pursuits, leveraging his ring constructs for aerial support in one episode. Likewise, Kitty, Catwoman's whimsical cat-themed car voiced by Kinza Khan, features in "Kitty's Sleepover" as a fun-loving visitor to the , blending mischief with friendliness during a non-criminal . These crossovers enhance world-building while keeping the focus on the young vehicle's adventures.

Episodes

Season 1 (2022–23)

Season 1 of Batwheels consists of 37 episodes, including a premiere special, and aired from September 17, 2022, to November 10, 2023, primarily on HBO Max with linear broadcasts on Cartoon Network's block. The season emphasizes themes of , self-confidence, and through the adventures of the newly formed Batwheels team as they assist Batman, Robin, and in protecting . The season opens with the half-hour special "Secret Origin of the Batwheels," which introduces the core team—Bam, Redbird, Bibi, Batwing, and Buff—when the Batcomputer brings them to during a , leading to their first mission to defend the against the villainous Legion of Zoom. Early episodes highlight the vehicles' initial struggles with coordination and individual roles, such as Bam learning leadership in high-stakes chases and Bibi overcoming self-doubt during rescues. Mid-season, around 13 "Zoomsday," the Legion of Zoom—comprising antagonist vehicles like Jestah, , and Ducky—is formally introduced as a recurring foe, parodying the Batwheels by attempting (and often failing at) collaborative schemes inspired by their rivals' unity. The season builds toward character growth through escalating challenges, including aerial pursuits and gadget malfunctions that test the team's bonds. The finale, "Batty Body Swap," aired on November 10, 2023, culminates in a chaotic team-up where the Batwheels and their allies swap perspectives via a villain's device, forcing them to confront insecurities and solidify their cooperative dynamic against a major rogue threat from the Legion of Zoom. Batwheels Season 1 achieved significant success, ranking as the top original series for boys aged 2-5 on and the most-watched such show on Max in 2022, with strong audience engagement driven by its action-comedy format and educational elements. This performance led to a swift renewal for Season 2, underscoring its appeal in the demographic.

Season 2 (2024)

The second season of Batwheels consists of approximately 37 episodes and premiered on Max on January 12, 2024, with the first five episodes released simultaneously before additional installments aired on and starting February 12, 2024. As of November 2025, Season 2 continues to air, with the finale scheduled for December 1, 2025. Building on the team dynamics established in Season 1, the season expands the scope of the Batwheels' adventures in , introducing new vehicles and alliances while emphasizing collaborative crime-fighting against recurring threats like the Legion of Zoom. A key development in the season is the formation of the Gotham Guardians, a makeshift superhero team led by Bam that includes hero vehicles Nightbike and Goldie alongside reformed antagonists Grundy and Kitty, highlighting themes of unlikely partnerships and redemption. This group emerges in response to the Legion of Zoom trapping the core Batwheels in the Batcave, forcing Bam to demonstrate leadership by uniting diverse personalities for high-stakes missions. The season also incorporates more crossover elements, blending DC lore with imaginative scenarios, such as vehicle interactions with other Bat-Family members and external threats, to deepen the world-building. Notable episodes include the season opener "Nightbike," which introduces Nightwing's motorcycle as a competitive yet fearful new ally whom the Batwheels help overcome his aversion to loud noises during a pursuit of The Penguin's cargo theft. Mid-season highlights feature "The Ulti-Bat Rises," where MOE engineers a massive Bat-robot upgrade to counter the Legion of Zoom's hijacking of a giant T-Rex in the , showcasing technological innovation and team resilience against escalating villain tactics. The two-part special "The Wizard of Bats" (episodes 19-20), aired in September 2024 on Max and November 2025 on , transports Bibi into a Wizard of Oz-inspired dream world, where she rallies vehicle counterparts to battle the Wicked Witch Jestah (a reimagined version of villain Jestah) and her flying monkeys, resolving with lessons on courage and friendship while restoring Gotham's . Throughout the season, narrative arcs focus on advanced themes of and resilience, with episodes exploring how the Batwheels navigate personal insecurities, adapt to new roles, and foster teamwork amid challenges like villain alliances and environmental hazards in Gotham. Examples include Buff learning humility in scenarios and Redbird honing during operations. The series maintains its educational bent for preschool audiences, using these stories to impart social-emotional lessons without compromising action-oriented plots. The season has sustained the show's popularity, particularly among boys aged 2-5, with increased streaming metrics on Max contributing to its renewal for a third season in October , reflecting strong global viewership growth in key markets like EMEA.

Season 3 (2026)

In October , renewed the preschool Batwheels for a third season at , marking the continuation of DC's first Batman-targeted show for young audiences. The renewal was driven by the series' strong performance, including its successful rollout on across key EMEA markets, which boosted viewership and engagement among families. Additionally, the show garnered critical recognition with a 2024 Annie Award nomination for Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children, specifically for the Season 1 episode "To the !". Season 3 is expected to premiere in late or on Max in the United States and internationally, expanding the vehicular superhero team's crime-fighting escapades in [Gotham City](/page/Gotham City). The new episodes are anticipated to emphasize themes of self-confidence, , and , building on the core narrative of the Batwheels navigating super team dynamics and personal growth. No official count has been disclosed. As of November 2025, production on Season 3 is actively underway at Warner Bros. Animation, but detailed plot outlines, full voice cast updates, or specific crossover elements remain unrevealed. The season will tie into continuity from earlier installments by addressing lingering team challenges and antagonist developments, while introducing fresh adventures tailored for preschool viewers.

Short-Form Content

The franchise includes a collection of short-form content designed to introduce and expand on its characters outside the main episodic seasons. The primary series of these is the "Meet the Batwheels" , launched in 2022, consisting of 5-7 minute animated shorts that provide introductory spotlights on individual team members and their abilities. These shorts feature the main Batwheels team, such as Bam demonstrating his leadership in Gotham patrols or Buff showcasing rescue operations, without any connected narrative arc. Distributed primarily on via the official channel and the Cartoon Network app, the shorts have accumulated over 10 by 2025, serving to generate pre-premiere excitement and bridge intervals between full seasons. Their purpose emphasizes character development through standalone vignettes, like daily routines or quick adventures, to engage young audiences with the vehicles' personalities and roles in the Bat-Family. In 2024, additional shorts were released to align with Season 2 themes, including promotional clips highlighting new dynamics and villain encounters to maintain viewer interest leading into the season's broadcast.

Production

Development and Concept

Batwheels was developed by as DC's inaugural preschool-targeted series featuring Batman, announced on October 6, 2020, with production commencing shortly thereafter for a on Cartoon Network's block and HBO Max. The concept originated from creator and co-executive producer Michael G. Stern, who envisioned anthropomorphic versions of the Bat-Family's vehicles—such as the (Bam), Batgirl's motorcycle (Bibi), and Robin's Redbird—activated by the Batcomputer to assist Batman, Robin, and in combating Gotham's villains while imparting lessons on and . This approach highlighted the untapped narrative potential of Batman's iconic vehicles in children's programming, transforming them into relatable, character-driven heroes for young audiences. The series' concept evolved from an initial 2020 pitch to greenlight, emphasizing accessible storytelling that integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) elements like and resilience through high-energy vehicle adventures, without delving into the darker aspects of traditional Batman lore. Supervising producer drew inspiration from the vibrant, campy aesthetic of the 1966 Batman live-action series, reimagining Gotham as a colorful, multi-tiered with accents to maintain a safe, engaging environment for preschoolers despite its nighttime setting. Key challenges included balancing fidelity to established Batman elements—such as the vehicles' designs and the city's architecture—with preschool-friendly modifications to avoid intimidating shadows or violence, ensuring the world felt "wonderful and colorful" while respecting the source material. Renewal decisions underscored the series' success: Season 2 was greenlit on December 7, 2022, prior to the conclusion of Season 1, reflecting strong early performance. Season 3 followed with an announcement on October 2, 2024, driven by sustained viewership and popularity among preschool demographics, with the season scheduled to premiere on December 5, 2025, on Max, positioning Batwheels as a cornerstone of DC's broader animated strategy to reach younger fans.

Casting and Voice Acting

The voice cast for Batwheels features a mix of established actors and young talents, selected to bring a kid-friendly energy to the show's vehicular heroes and human allies. provides the voice for Batman, delivering a warm, authoritative tone suitable for audiences. voices Bam, the confident and team leader, drawing from his experience in animated roles to infuse the character with heroic bravado. , a teenage , lends his enthusiastic delivery to Redbird, the eager vehicle, while Madigan Kacmar voices Bibi, the impulsive Cycle, contributing youthful spontaneity that enhances the show's accessibility for young viewers. Noah Kaye Bentley voices Buff, the strong Bat Truck, and Lilimar portrays Batwing, the agile Bat-plane, completing the core Batwheels ensemble. Human characters are voiced with an emphasis on relatable, positive portrayals. voices (), marking a notable representation as the first Asian-American in animation, with her performance emphasizing mentorship and agility. AJ Hudson voices Robin (Duke Thomas), bringing a fresh, supportive dynamic to the Bat-family interactions. The villainous Legion of Zoom features comedic talents from DC animation alumni. voices Snowy, Mr. Freeze's snowcrawler, adding sly intensity to the baddies' schemes. Other villains include Prank (voiced by Griffin Burns), Jetstah (voiced by Alexandra Novelle), Quizz (voiced by Josey Montana McCoy), and Ducky (voiced by Ariyan Kassam), creating a playful contrast to the heroes. Guest antagonists include (voiced by ), who brings humor through her lively performance as the stealthy feline villain. Notable guest stars include DC veterans like as Crash, a destructive , leveraging his extensive experience from roles such as SpongeBob and the Joker. appears as in holiday episodes, providing a whimsical, grandfatherly charm. Voice recording began in 2021, with actors like noting the process allowed for creative freedom in interpreting personalities through sound effects and improvisation. Sessions emphasized individual booth recordings to capture distinct energies, honoring Batman lore while adapting for appeal.

Writing and Storytelling

The writing for Batwheels is overseen by creator Michael G. Stern, who serves as the primary writer and contributes to multiple episodes, alongside a team including Patrick Rieger, Scott Gray, Andrew Guastaferro, and David Avallone. This collaborative approach ensures scripts balance high-energy narratives with age-appropriate content for audiences. Although specific details on a formal process are limited, the team's output emphasizes structured storytelling that incorporates input from educational consultants to embed moral lessons, such as perseverance and empathy, into the plotlines. Episodes follow a consistent formula featuring A-B plot structures, where an action-oriented main storyline involving crime-fighting intersects with a sub-plot focused on emotional growth and , typically resolving within 11-minute segments. Longer 22-minute specials allow for extended character arcs, exploring deeper interpersonal conflicts among the vehicles. Recurring themes center on motifs like "every vehicle has a purpose," highlighting individual strengths within the group, alongside core values of , , and problem-solving, all while deliberately avoiding comic book-style violence in favor of humorous chases and non-violent resolutions. The storytelling evolves across seasons, with Season 1 establishing foundational basics like team formation and simple moral dilemmas, progressing to greater complexities in Season 2 through more intricate crime-fighting missions and nuanced character interactions. Season 3 outlines, announced in late 2024, build on this by further emphasizing diverse representation in character backstories and ensemble dynamics. Integration of character arcs remains brief but pivotal, often tying personal growth to the episode's central conflict in a single, focused narrative beat. The overall influences draw from preschool educational formats combined with DC superhero action, prioritizing fun, relatable lessons over intense peril.

Animation Production

Batwheels is produced by , which oversees the overall creative direction and production of the series. Animation services are provided by Superprod Studio in , , and Snowball Studios, an Israeli-Canadian production service company, enabling overseas collaboration to handle the bulk of the and rendering. This international partnership allows for efficient scaling of the animation workload while maintaining consistency in the show's dynamic vehicle sequences. The series employs a hybrid 2D and CG animation style to balance cartoonish expressiveness with realistic physics, particularly for . Facial features, such as eyes and mouths on the vehicles, are animated in 2D at 12 frames per second to achieve a familiar, exaggerated cartoon look suitable for audiences, while the CG-rendered vehicle bodies operate at 24 frames per second to convey weight, momentum, and fluid motion during chases and action scenes. This approach ensures preschool-safe action that emphasizes bright, bold designs and energetic but non-violent pursuits, with exaggerated proportions on the vehicles to enhance personality and appeal to young viewers. The production pipeline begins with detailed vehicle designs, starting from realistic concepts created by acclaimed vehicle designer John Frye, which are then stylized and simplified by the art team to fit the vibrant, playful aesthetic. Art director Florent Auguy at Superprod contributes to refining these designs, focusing on bold colors and expressive elements that support the characters' heroic roles in . Subsequent stages involve the CG models for seamless integration with 2D overlays, followed by storyboarding and layout to choreograph high-speed sequences that highlight teamwork and problem-solving.

Music and Sound Design

The theme song for Batwheels, composed by , adopts an upbeat rock style that evokes vehicles revving into action through energetic lyrics highlighting the Batwheels team's high-speed heroism and camaraderie. The original score, crafted by Grammy-winning Alex Geringas, integrates orchestral heroic motifs with playful synth elements to reflect the anthropomorphic vehicles' personalities and adventures, ensuring the music sonically embodies their mechanical yet emotional world. Sound design for the series emphasizes immersive auditory details, such as engine roars functioning as character voices and comedic boing effects for humorous gags, all developed by supervising sound editor and designer Evan Dockter along with contributors like Jeff Halbert, with recording conducted at Warner Bros. soundstages to capture authentic vehicular and action-oriented acoustics. Many original songs featured in episodes and credits are performed by the voice cast, including actors like and Madigan Kacmar, fostering greater audience engagement by tying the music directly to the characters' expressive . This auditory approach enhances key sequences, amplifying the show's dynamic action and emotional beats.

Release and Distribution

Broadcast History

Batwheels premiered in the United States with a half-hour origin special on HBO Max on September 17, 2022. The series made its linear television debut on Cartoon Network's Cartoonito preschool block on October 17, 2022, with the first seven episodes airing at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT before becoming available for streaming on HBO Max the following day. Season 1 episodes aired weekly on starting from the October 2022 premiere, continuing through 2023 with new installments, such as the final five episodes broadcast from November 6 to 10, 2023. Season 2 began streaming on Max on January 12, 2024, followed by a television rollout on 's block starting February 12, 2024, featuring initial episodes in daily blocks from February 12 to 16. Subsequent Season 2 episodes continued airing on the network throughout 2024 and into 2025, including a broadcast of the episode "Bibi and " on October 23, 2025. Internationally, Batwheels has been dubbed into over 20 languages, including Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Telugu, and Turkish, among others. The series rolled out on Cartoon Network channels worldwide beginning in 2023, with availability on regional feeds such as Cartoon Network Latin America, Cartoon Network Asia, and Cartoon Network Europe. Holiday specials have been a key part of the broadcast schedule, with episodes like "," featuring guest voice as , airing on on December 5, 2022, and streaming on Max. Additional holiday-themed content, such as "The Great Christmas Caper" from Season 2, premiered in late 2024 and was broadcast on . As of November 2025, Batwheels continues to air new episodes on linear television without an announced end to its Cartoon Network run.

Streaming and Home Media

Batwheels seasons 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Max (formerly Max) in the United States, where subscribers can access full episodes ad-free as part of the platform's standard plans starting at $9.99 per month. The series on the service on September 17, 2022, with season 2 following in January 2024. In October 2024, the series was renewed for a third season, which is expected to on Max in 2026, continuing the arrangement for Discovery's preschool content. Beyond Max, Season 1 became available on in the starting May 6, 2024, with Season 2 episodes added on October 28, 2024, offering ad-free viewing options on premium tiers. Internationally, the show streams on in select regions, including the , , and , where seasons 1 and 2 can be purchased or accessed via add-on channels post-2023. It is also offered on in bundles with Disney+ and Max, providing additional accessibility for families. For home media, Batwheels is primarily distributed digitally rather than on physical formats. Volumes such as Batwheels: Volume 1 (episodes 1-6) were released for purchase and rental on platforms like Vudu, , and Apple TV in 2022, with subsequent volumes following in 2023. Holiday-themed episodes, including the Christmas special "Holidays on Ice" from season 1, are included in these digital compilations and streaming libraries. To enhance viewer engagement, Batwheels offers ad-free episodes on its primary platforms and ties into interactive apps and games for young audiences. The official Batwheels Race mobile game, released in March 2025 on and the , allows children to control the s in racing challenges while learning teamwork themes from the show. Additional browser-based games, such as vehicle customization and puzzle activities, are available on the website, complementing the streaming experience. In 2025, expanded access through bundled subscriptions, integrating Batwheels into family-oriented packages across Max and affiliated services for broader digital availability.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Batwheels has received generally positive reception from critics and parents, particularly for its appeal to audiences, though it holds a mixed aggregate score. On , the series is rated 5.9 out of 10 based on over 500 user votes, reflecting appreciation for its lighthearted tone and educational elements among families. recommends it for ages 5 and up, praising its focus on and positive without actual violence, emphasizing reasoning with villains instead. Critics have lauded the show's inclusive representation and empowering portrayal of female characters, such as Bibi the Cycle, who embodies confidence and leadership in a diverse team of vehicles. The series is highlighted for its educational value, teaching lessons on friendship, handling jealousy, and collaboration through engaging, vehicle-centric adventures that innovate on DC lore for young viewers. Reviews note the vibrant and humor, drawing comparisons to Pixar's while keeping Batman's world accessible and fun, with strong design work in Gotham's landscapes. Some critiques point to the formulaic nature of its plots, which follow a predictable structure of missions and moral lessons typical of programming, limiting deeper exploration of Batman and his allies. Observers have noted an over-reliance on chase sequences, given the vehicular protagonists, which can feel repetitive despite the high-energy action. Additionally, certain episodes feature mildly creepy villain moments, such as Harley Quinn's menacing presence, prompting caution for sensitive young children. Reviews of Season 2 highlight improvements in storytelling, with more direct crime-fighting adventures and character development that build on the foundational hijinks, earning praise for maintaining fun while enhancing emotional depth. In 2025 retrospectives, the series is recognized for its positive impact on preschool DC adaptations, accurately capturing Batman's essence in a lovable, non-kiddified format that appeals across ages.

Awards and Nominations

Batwheels has garnered several nominations in prestigious awards ceremonies focused on children's and programming, though it has yet to secure a major win as of 2025. Additionally, Batwheels received a at the 51st for Best Animated Television/Media Production for Children for the episode "To the !". In the 2025 , the episode "Music Meister Mayhem" from season 2 was nominated in a relevant category. These recognitions have boosted the show's visibility, contributing to its renewal for a third season.

Cultural Impact

Batwheels has significantly influenced the landscape of children's merchandise tied to DC Comics properties, particularly through partnerships that emphasize interactive play for preschool audiences. In 2023, Fisher-Price introduced a range of toys inspired by the series, including the Launch & Race Batcave playset with three floors of play, an elevator, spiral track, lights, and sounds, accompanied by two toy cars. Additional vehicle playsets, such as the Bat-Big Rig toy car hauler and diecast multipacks featuring characters like Bam the Batmobile and Redbird, further expanded the line, promoting imaginative crime-fighting scenarios. By 2025, merchandise had diversified to include apparel like team-themed t-shirts available through official DC retailers and children's clothing lines, as well as books such as the Batwheels: The Official Activity Book and picture books like Lucky Wheels, which reinforce the show's themes of teamwork and heroism. The series has cultivated a dedicated fanbase among preschool children and their parents, who highlight its educational benefits in fostering social-emotional skills. Parent-oriented reviews praise Batwheels for teaching core values such as , , and problem-solving through relatable characters, making it a go-to for introducing young viewers to narratives without overwhelming intensity. This appeal is evident in family viewing recommendations from media outlets, which note the show's role in engaging both children and adults with its positive messaging on and . Fan engagement extends to conventions, including panels at , where the 2022 debut teaser was unveiled during the "Comics Are Fun for Everyone" session, and a 2025 Animation Showrunner Panel moderated by series Patrick Rieger, drawing crowds interested in trends. Within the broader DC ecosystem, Batwheels pioneered a vehicle-centric spin-off for preschoolers, reimagining Batman's iconic cars as sentient heroes and inspiring subsequent kids' series focused on ensemble dynamics rather than solo protagonists. As DC's first animated preschool entry, it emphasized anthropomorphic vehicles aiding Batman, Robin, and , setting a template for accessible, action-oriented content in the franchise. The show also advanced diversity in by incorporating inclusive character designs and storylines, as producers aimed to broaden representation in Batman adaptations for younger audiences. As of November 2025, Batwheels has solidified its legacy with two seasons comprising 57 s on HBO Max (prior to the Season 3 premiere), contributing to the platform's strategy for expanding family-friendly, original animated content under the banner. This output, renewed for a third season in 2026, underscores its role in sustaining DC's preschool programming pipeline. A key milestone occurred in 2024 with the airing of the 50th , "Bats in Show," which highlighted the series' growing catalog and ongoing adventures in Gotham.

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