The CW ordered Batwoman season 1 in May 2019, so what can fans expect from the next big superhero TV show? Based on the DC Comics character Kate Kane, the series was developed for television by Caroline Dries (The Vampire Diaries) and acclaimed writer-producer Greg Berlanti.
Batwoman season 1 will take place in the Arrowverse, and the character was first introduced in last year's "Elseworlds" crossover. Berlanti and Dries co-developed the shared fiction universe, which began with Arrow and has since integrated three more TV shows: The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow. In addition, the web series Vixen and Freedom Fighters: The Ray are part of the Arrowverse, while Black Lightning exists in its own universe. Batwoman is co-produced by Game of Thrones director David Nutter, who previously helmed the pilot episodes for Arrow and The Flash.
Batwoman season 1 will expand the Arrowverse into the criminal underworld of Gotham, and set up a major upcoming crossover event. Here’s what to expect from the first season.
Batwoman TV Show Premiere Date
Batwoman season 1 will premiere on Sunday, October 6. In June 2019, The CW released the fall premiere schedule featuring returning series like Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Black Lightning, Riverdale, Supernatural, All American, Charmed, Dynasty and Legacies, along with new series like Batwoman and Nancy Drew.
When The CW's fall season begins, Batwoman season 1 and Supergirl season 5 will anchor the Sunday night schedule. The Flash and Arrow will air on Tuesday. Legends of Tomorrow will return by mid-season.
Batwoman TV Show Story Details
Batwoman season 1 will feature a Gotham that’s been abandoned by Batman. In the absence of Bruce Wayne, the superhero’s cousin, Kate Kane, emerges as the city’s protector once she embraces her Batwoman persona. Here's The CW's official description for the show:
"Armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate Kane (star Ruby Rose) soars onto the streets of Gotham as Batwoman, an out lesbian and highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city's criminal resurgence. But don't call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham's symbol of hope."
The recent Arrowverse season finales set up the upcoming 5-hour crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths.” Looking ahead, Batwoman will likely assist Barry Allen and company when the skies inevitably turn blood red. For Batwoman season 1, however, the storyline will focus on Kate adjusting to a new role as Gotham's resident masked vigilante, and learning to become a superhero. In addition, Batwoman season 1 will explore Kate’s conflict with her father Jacob, a military veteran who envisions a Gotham that doesn’t need vigilantes for protection.
Batwoman TV Show Cast
The CW has Batwoman season 1’s cast in place. Ruby Rose will star as the title character. In recent years, the Australian actress has starred in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black and feature films like John Wick: Chapter 2, Pitch Perfect 3, and The Meg. Former Teen Wolf actress Meagan Tandy will co-star as Sophie Moore, one of Gotham’s protectors.
Dougray Scott will appear as the aforementioned Colonel Jacob Kane in Batwoman season 1, and Rachel Skarsten will portray Alice, the leader of the Wonderland Gang. The Batwoman season 1 supporting cast is rounded out by Dakota Daulby (Cheshire Cat), Brendon Zub (Chuck Dodgson), Elizabeth Anweis (Catherine Hamilton-Kane), Nicole Kang (Mary Hamilton), and Camrus Johnson (Luke Fox).