TV series
Before Batman, there was Gotham.
Everyone knows the name Commissioner Gordon. He is one of the crime world's greatest foes, a man whose reputation is synonymous with law and order. But what is known of Gordon's story and his rise from rookie detective to Police Commissioner? What did it take to navigate the multiple layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world's most iconic villains? And what circumstances created them – the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and The Joker?
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Checked Sep 3, 2026
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Everyone knows the name Commissioner Gordon. He is one of the crime world's greatest foes, a man whose reputation is synonymous with law and order. But what is known of Gordon's story and his rise from rookie detective to Police Commissioner? What did it take to navigate the multiple layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world's most iconic villains? And what circumstances created them – the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and The Joker?
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Detective James Gordon performs his work in the dangerously corrupt city of Gotham, which consistently teeters between good and evil.
Directed by Danny CannonWritten by Bruno HellerGuest stars John Doman, Victoria Cartagena, Drew Powell, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Daniel Stewart Sherman, Michael Kostroff, Clare Foley, Victor Cruz
Episode 2
Detectives Gordon and Bullock investigate a child trafficking ring preying on Gotham's street kids, including Selina Kyle. Meanwhile, Penguin resurfaces in the countryside and begins to make his way back to Gotham.
Directed by Danny CannonWritten by Bruno HellerGuest stars John Doman, Victoria Cartagena, Drew Powell, Frank Whaley, Lili Taylor, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Wayne Duvall, Joe Starr
Episode 3
Gordon and Bullock track down a vigilante who uses weather balloons to kill corrupt citizens; Cobblepot gets a job close to a major figure in the underworld.
Directed by Dermott DownsWritten by John StephensGuest stars John Doman, Victoria Cartagena, David Zayas, James Colby, Dan Bakkedahl, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Clark Middleton, Jack Koenig
Episode 4
As a contentious city council vote on the future of the Arkham district approaches, politicians from both sides are in danger. Gordon and Bullock must race to protect the council and an old friend visits Gordon.
Directed by T.J. ScottWritten by Ken WoodruffGuest stars Drew Powell, David Zayas, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Brad Calcaterra, Evander Duck Jr., Lucille Sharp, Makenzie Leigh
Episode 5
Gordon and Bullock search for the source of a new street drug that causes euphoria then death. Oswald Cobblepot works his way deeper into Maroni's inner circle. Fish Mooney continues to plot against Falcone.
Directed by Tim HunterWritten by Rebecca Perry CutterGuest stars John Doman, David Zayas, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Daniel London, Birkett Turton, Genevieve Hudson-Price, Peter Maloney, Sharon Washington
Episode 6
When a killer begins targeting the first born of Gotham's elite, Bullock is forced to confront traumatic memories from a nearly identical case he worked in the past. Gordon is confronted by past decisions.
Directed by T.J. ScottWritten by Ben EdlundGuest stars Victoria Cartagena, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Carol Kane, Kim Director, Susan Misner, Christopher James Baker, Brian O'Neill, Chelsea Spack
Episode 7
As violence between Maroni and Falcone continues to escalate, Penguin reveals a new element of his manipulative strategy, forcing Gordon to deal with the consequences of his decision to spare Penguin’s life
Directed by Rob BaileyWritten by Bruno HellerGuest stars John Doman, Victoria Cartagena, Drew Powell, David Zayas, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Jeremy Davidson, Makenzie Leigh
Episode 8
Gordon and Bullock investigate a Gothamite who runs a deadly fight club for candidates applying to work at his financial firm. Bruce returns to school and gets a visit from a new friend.
Directed by Paul A. EdwardsWritten by John StephensGuest stars Carol Kane, Makenzie Leigh, Todd Stashwick, Cole Vallis, Frank Deal, Orlagh Cassidy, Philip Hernandez, J.W. Cortes
Episode 9
Trying to close the Wayne murder case, a young Harvey Dent and Gordon team up, much to Mayor James’ chagrin. Meanwhile, Penguin makes contact with Mooney’s secret weapon, Liza.
Directed by Karen GaviolaWritten by Ken WoodruffGuest stars Victoria Cartagena, Drew Powell, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Makenzie Leigh, Nicholas D'Agosto, Leslie Odom Jr., Luke Forbes, Al Sapienza
Episode 10
Following a misstep, Gordon is reassigned to duty at Arkham Asylum. Meanwhile, Selina leads a new friend on a perilous journey through Gotham to evade the assassins after her.
Directed by Guy FerlandWritten by Rebecca DameronGuest stars John Doman, Drew Powell, Clare Foley, Makenzie Leigh, Nicholas D'Agosto, Al Sapienza, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Devin Harjes
Episode 11
Gordon’s assignment at Arkham Asylum gets off to a rocky start when the murder of a guard ignites an investigation, leading him to meet Dr. Leslie Thompkins. Cobblepot continues to build his army.
Directed by Oz ScottWritten by Sue ChungGuest stars Victoria Cartagena, Drew Powell, David Zayas, Clare Foley, John Enos III, Christopher Heyerdahl, Morena Baccarin, Philip Hernandez
Episode 12
In an attempt to get his job back, Gordon seeks to capture Jack Gruber, a deranged electrical genius who escapes Arkham Asylum. Meanwhile, Falcone struggles to hold onto his empire after Fish Mooney makes her next move.
Directed by Eagle EgilssonWritten by Ben EdlundGuest stars John Doman, Drew Powell, David Zayas, Victor Cruz, Makenzie Leigh, Christopher Heyerdahl, Peter Scolari, Caroline Lagerfelt
Episode 13
When the key witness in a homicide ends up dead while being held for questioning by the police, Gordon suspects that it’s an inside job and looks to an old friend for information. Meanwhile, Oswald Cobblepot takes control of one of Fish Mooney’s prized possessions, as she gets a gets a small taste of her own medicine.
Directed by Wendey StanzlerWritten by Megan Mostyn-BrownGuest stars Drew Powell, Clare Foley, Carol Kane, Niko Nicotera, Chelsea Spack, Dash Mihok, Anthony Carrigan, Morena Baccarin
Episode 14
Fish Mooney reveals a secret of Oswald Cobblepot's, prompting Maroni to take him on a trip to test his loyalty. Meanwhile, Gordon and Bullock hunt down a killer who targets victims with severe phobias and Bruce Wayne confronts Gordon for failing to make progress on his parents' murder case.
Directed by John BehringWritten by John StephensGuest stars David Zayas, Chelsea Spack, Charlie Tahan, Julian Sands, Morena Baccarin, Philip Hernandez, Maria Thayer, Brian Keane
Episode 15
Gordon and Bullock set out to stop Gerald Crane, a biology teacher who has been harvesting the glands of his murder victims. Meanwhile, after finding herself in an unusual setting, Mooney continues plotting to gain power, and Falcone attempts to change Maroni's plan for the Penguin.
Directed by Nick CopusWritten by Ken WoodruffGuest stars John Doman, David Zayas, Charlie Tahan, Julian Sands, Morena Baccarin, Alex Corrado, Dashiell Eaves, Babs Olusanmokun
Episode 16
Gordon takes Dr. Leslie Thompkins to the circus, but the day turns quickly when the circus comes under attack. Then, Falcone enlists Butch Gilzean to help Penguin with the nightclub, while Fish Mooney is otherwise occupied. Also, Bruce Wayne schedules a meeting with the Wayne Enterprises board.
Directed by Jeffrey G. HuntWritten by Bruno HellerGuest stars Drew Powell, Clare Foley, Carol Kane, Robert Gorrie, Mark Margolis, Cameron Monaghan, Anthony Carrigan, Morena Baccarin
Episode 17
Following several bank robberies, Gordon and Bullock investigate the Red Hood gang. Selina Kyle continues to bond with Barbara, and Fish Mooney tries to reclaim her position in the underworld.
Directed by Nathan HopeWritten by Danny CannonGuest stars Drew Powell, Clare Foley, Sharon Washington, David O'Hara, Jeffrey Combs, J.W. Cortes, Jonny Coyne, Jenna Gavigan
Episode 18
Gordon seeks information about the controversy involving Loeb; Fish's allegiance with the prisoners is questioned; and Bruce copes with the aftermath of an attack close to home.
Directed by Bill EaglesWritten by Megan Mostyn-BrownGuest stars Nicholas D'Agosto, Peter Scolari, Chelsea Spack, David O'Hara, Dash Mihok, Dashiell Eaves, Elliot Villar, Becky Ann Baker
Episode 19
Gordon and Bullock inspect a cold case involving "the Ogre", a serial killer who targets young women in Gotham City. Meanwhile, Fish plots her escape from the Dollmaker, and Bruce and Selina confront Reggie.
Directed by Eagle EgilssonWritten by Ken WoodruffGuest stars Peter Scolari, David O'Hara, Milo Ventimiglia, Willa Fitzgerald, Morena Baccarin, Alex Corrado, Dashiell Eaves, Colm Feore
Episode 20
Gordon and Bullock continue their investigation of the Ogre, who begins to make his move on someone close to Gordon. Meanwhile, Bruce and Selina team up to expose a corrupt Wayne Enterprises employee and Nygma comes to Kristin Kringle’s defense.
Directed by T.J. ScottWritten by John StephensGuest stars Drew Powell, David Zayas, Carol Kane, Chelsea Spack, Milo Ventimiglia, Michael Potts, Laurence Mason, Morena Baccarin
Episode 21
The Ogre breaks down Barbara’s emotions, while Gordon and Bullock go to great lengths to track him down. Meanwhile, Penguin leads a massacre, beginning an epic war, while Bruce learns the truth about Wayne Enterprises and Nygma deals with his recent actions.
Directed by Paul A. EdwardsWritten by Jordan HarperGuest stars John Doman, Chris Chalk, Drew Powell, David Zayas, Peter Scolari, Caroline Lagerfelt, Chelsea Spack, Milo Ventimiglia
Episode 22
As Gotham City’s gang war reaches its boiling point, Fish Mooney goes head-to-head with Maroni and Penguin in an attempt to re-stake her claim on the city. Meanwhile, Barbara and Leslie Thompkins are brought together after recent events, and Bruce searches Wayne Manor for any hints that his father might have left behind.
Directed by Danny CannonWritten by Bruno HellerGuest stars John Doman, Drew Powell, David Zayas, Peter Scolari, Chelsea Spack, John Clarence Stewart, Morena Baccarin
Episode information updated Sep 16, 2026
Ben McKenzieJames 'Jim' Gordon
Donal LogueHarvey Bullock
David MazouzBruce Wayne
Sean PertweeAlfred Pennyworth
Robin Lord TaylorOswald Cobblepot
Erin RichardsBarbara Kean
Camren BicondovaSelina Kyle
Cory Michael SmithEdward Nygma
FOXUnited States
DC EntertainmentUnited States
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited States
DCUnited States
