DC's Batwoman: A Troubled Journey, Now Streaming on Tubi
Though Batwoman did not deliver quite as high as some of the Arrowverse's peaks, its three seasons gave viewers a specific viewpoint into the shadowy streets of Gotham. To say the show was a troubled one would be a major understatement, it also dared to be one of the first superhero shows to represent the LGBTQ+ community. With all episodes streaming for free on Tubi, Batwoman now has a rare second chance to touch audiences both old and new.
A Show Divided: Batwoman's Tumultuous Legacy
The cape and cowl wore by Bruce Wayne's cousin Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) premiered in 2019 when, taking up where Batman left off, she struck out as Batwoman to protect Gotham City with the superhero's disappearance remaining mysteriously unexplained. What made the show garnered attention was its bold themes and a new twist to Gotham's crime ridden chaos in the initial season.
However the series never got going. After Season 1, when Ruby Rose abruptly bailed midstream because of alleged on set tensions and a serious back injury, the show was left reeling. Season 2 also seen Javicia Leslie as Ryan Wilder whom replaced Ruby Rose as an entirely original character to bring on the Harper Street version of Batwoman. Leslie's portrayal added much needed new energy to the show but alienated some fans and solidified the series as feeling disjointed in tone and pacing.
However, these howls of success didn't detract from themes of identity, family, and redemption weaved throughout Batwoman's run. It also became significant as one of the very first superhero superhero series to boast about an openly gay lead character, sparking outrage in some quarters.
Critics vs. Fans: A Tale of Two Ratings
Batwoman earned a 65% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers lauding its ambition and representation. However, its audience score languished at a dismal 21%, reflecting frustrations with its storytelling and production values.
The show's mixed reception doesn't fully capture its moments of brilliance, particularly in its costume design and its exploration of the complex relationship between Kate and her villainous sister, Alice (Rachel Skarsten). Skarsten's campy yet committed performance as Alice was a standout, even as the series itself struggled to rise above its CW-standard production constraints.
Why Batwoman Deserves a Second Look
Streaming on Tubi alongside other DC classics like Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Gotham, Batwoman is an opportunity to revisit (or discover) a show that dared to be different. Its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, combined with its gritty Gotham backdrop, provides a unique take on the superhero genre.
While it may never escape comparisons to its more successful Arrowverse counterparts, Batwoman still holds value as a cultural touchstone. Its struggles reflect the challenges of representation in mainstream media, and its triumphs highlight the importance of diverse storytelling.
Personal Impressions
Watching Batwoman again, I'm struck by its ambition. It was never perfect, but it wasn't afraid to take risks—something many comic adaptations shy away from. Ruby Rose's departure cast a long shadow, but Javicia Leslie's Ryan Wilder brought new energy to the role, even if the scripts didn't always support her.
For all its flaws, Batwoman is worth celebrating for what it represents: progress. It's a reminder that representation matters, even when the execution isn't flawless.
Have you watched Batwoman on Tubi? Do you think it deserves a better legacy, or do its flaws outweigh its strengths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
