Writers from the Batwoman TV series have confirmed that they are developing a Gotham Knights show for The CW. The CW is also the home of Batwoman and the larger Arrowverse, including the shows Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl. DC's Gotham Knights originated in 2000 as a monthly comic book series that served as a replacement for the Batman: Shadow of the Bat series.
Those comics centered around characters like Alfred Pennyworth, Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, and Red Hood. Towards the end of its run in 2006, the focus was put on Batman's enemies, and the series concluded with man questions left unanswered. However, The CW will now bring new life to Gotham Knights.
In a report from Deadline, it was confirmed that Abrams, Fiveash, and Stoteraux will be developing a Gotham Knights series through Berlanti Productions, the company behind the Arrowverse, through association with Warner Bros. TV. The series will take place after the apparent death of Bruce Wayne's Batman, where Batman's rebellious adopted son Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Nightwing must work with the remaining heroes of Gotham to reclaim the cities after the Caped Crusader's death leaves the door open for Gotham's most notorious criminals. Greg Berlanti, the head and namesake of Berlanti Productions will executive produce the series along with Fiveash and Stoteraux, where Abrams will co-executive produce. Fiveash and Stoteraux have previously worked on Gotham on Fox as well as Batwoman, where Abrams has previously written for Supergirl as well as Batwoman.
It's currently unknown how or if the series will relate to Batwoman, given that both shows take place in Gotham City. However, it has been confirmed that Gotham Knights will not be a spin-off of Batwoman, nor will it be connected to the Gotham Knights video game. Batwoman is currently airing its third season, its second with Javicia Leslie in the lead role, following some tumultuous production and recasting of its lead. The show is currently on hiatus after airing its first 7 episodes, after delays from the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a reduction of episodes to 13, far shorter than the usual 20-22 of most Arrowverse shows. It's unclear if Abrams, Fiveash, and Stoteraux will continue to write for Batwoman after Gotham Knights begins filming.
Most of Batwoman's attention has come from the controversy surrounding its original lead, Ruby Rose, and the numerous allegations of misconduct she has made over the show's first season, eventually leading to her leaving the show. Though these allegations speak to a larger issue of power dynamics in the industry, Batwoman will continue to air, and soon, Gotham Knights will join the lineup of The CW's DC-based shows, with hopefully the professional conduct in its making that every show deserves. It will certainly be interesting to see who is chosen to bring these characters to life and how the series will stand out amongst the other Arrowverse shows on The CW.
Source: Deadline