How did a cartoon about Batman revolutionize all of TV animation?

The answer

Batman: The Animated Series, which premiered on Fox Kids on September 5, 1992, pioneered a visual style its creators dubbed 'Dark Deco.' Co-producer Eric Radomski mandated that all backgrounds be drawn with light colors on black paper rather than the industry standard of dark colors on white paper, ensuring a perpetually dark, moody atmosphere without relying on digital effects. The show blended Art Deco architecture with film noir lighting, creating a timeless Gotham that felt neither modern nor historical. It was among the first animated series given a prime-time television slot and won four Emmy Awards. Its influence extended to Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teen Titans, and virtually every subsequent DC animated property, establishing that children's animation could tell mature, complex stories.