Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman's Butler

Before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, Pennyworth follows Alfred Pennyworth when he's younger, a former British SAS operative who sets up a security firm in swinging 1960s London. He takes on work for a young Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha, and what begins as a professional arrangement grows into a deep alliance built on trust, secrets, and shared danger. The show weaves underground crime, political unrest, and shadowy conspiracies into Alfred's day-to-day, showing how his skills and loyalties are tested as he balances duty, personal code, and the moral gray areas of that era, all without revealing future twists.

The series premiered in 2019 and was created by Bruno Heller, drawing on characters by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Jack Bannon leads the cast as Alfred, supported by Ben Aldridge and Emma Paetz, and it was produced for U.S. and international broadcasters.

Pennyworth has helped reshape how fans see Alfred, moving him from the background into a leading role with his own agency and history. Its retro take on London and the espionage-adjacent tone sparked fan discussion and inspired renewed interest in pre-Batman storytelling across comics and TV fandom.

Critics and audiences tended to respond positively, reflected in an average user score near 7.9 out of 10 from several hundred votes. Reviewers highlighted the period production design, the show's steady pacing, and Bannon's layered portrayal, while noting recurring themes like loyalty, class tension, and the cost of secrecy in a politically charged setting.

The show did not become a major awards magnet in mainstream ceremonies, but it built a committed audience and drew attention within genre circles for its stylistic approach and character focus. Its steady viewership and fanbase supported multiple seasons, showing there was appetite for stories that expand familiar universes by focusing on lesser-known figures.