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Season guide

Gotham: Season 3

22 episodes Premiered Sep 19, 2016 Updated Oct 1, 2026

The third season of the American superhero crime drama Gotham continues the overarching saga of the city before the emergence of its most famous hero. Spanning 22 episodes, the season maintains the series' focus on the origin stories of various iconic figures within the DC Comics universe. As a production developed by Bruno Heller and Warner Bros. Television, the narrative explores the complex criminal and social lan

Previously on Gotham

Season 3 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Gotham serves as an origin story for DC Comics super-villains and vigilantes.
  • ⚡ The series is set in the city of Gotham before the birth of Batman.
  • ⚡ Commissioner Gordon is a central figure in the city's ongoing narrative.
  • ⚡ The show is an American superhero crime drama produced by Warner Bros. Television.
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Season overview

The third season of the American superhero crime drama Gotham continues the overarching saga of the city before the emergence of its most famous hero. Spanning 22 episodes, the season maintains the series' focus on the origin stories of various iconic figures within the DC Comics universe. As a production developed by Bruno Heller and Warner Bros. Television, the narrative explores the complex criminal and social landscape of Gotham City. The season builds upon the established foundation of the series, which serves as a unique insight into the city's history prior to the birth of Batman. Throughout this installment, the show continues to blend elements of drama, crime, and science fiction and fantasy to depict the evolution of both super-villains and vigilantes. The series remains committed to its premise of chronicling the events that shaped the city and its inhabitants, including the career of Commissioner Gordon, long before the caped crusader took flight. By delving into these formative years, the season provides a detailed look at the systemic corruption and the rise of the individuals who would eventually define the city's struggle between light and darkness.

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Season 3 Episodes

Episode Guide

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 3: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

41%
59%
Mytharc (9): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (13): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S3·E1 Mytharc

Mad City: Better to Reign in Hell...

Sep 19, 2016 · 44 min

Gordon works in a monster-ridden Gotham as a bounty hunter and seeks to find answers about the Indian Hill escapees, and why their powers appear to be killing them. Meanwhile, Bruc

S3·E2 Core

Mad City: Burn the Witch

Sep 26, 2016 · 44 min

Fish Mooney takes matters into her own hands to locate Hugo Strange, forcing Gordon to reluctantly team up with journalist Valerie Vale to find her. Penguin rises in popularity aft

S3·E3 Core

Mad City: Look Into My Eyes

Oct 3, 2016 · 44 min

Hypnotist Jervis Tetch/Mad Hatter arrives in Gotham to search for his sister, Alice, and hires Gordon to help find her. Meanwhile, Penguin decides to run for mayor and Bruce's dopp

S3·E4 Core

Mad City: New Day Rising

Oct 10, 2016 · 44 min

Penguin gains power as he narrows in on the nomination for Mayor of Gotham. Meanwhile, Gordon turns Alice into the GCPD for the bounty. Also, Bruce and Alfred race to find Bruce's

S3·E5 Core

Mad City: Anything for You

Oct 17, 2016 · 43 min

Crime in Gotham is at an all-time high, as Penguin struggles to uphold his promises to the city. Meanwhile, Butch goes down a dark path with the infamous Red Hood Gang and Bruce be

S3·E6 Core

Mad City: Follow the White Rabbit

Oct 24, 2016 · 42 min

Mad Hatter sets his eyes on his next victims, forcing Jim Gordon to make some tough decisions. Meanwhile, Penguin and Nygma's relationship evolves, and a familiar face comes back i

S3·E7 Core

Mad City: Red Queen

Oct 31, 2016 · 44 min

After coming in contact with a substance by the hand of Mad Hatter, Jim Gordon gets led on a psychedelic trip and must confront his past, present and future. Meanwhile, Penguin str

S3·E8 Core

Mad City: Blood Rush

Nov 7, 2016 · 44 min

The effects of a recent incident begin to cause Barnes to go mad; Nygma is over his head in his relationship with Isabella; Carmine Falcone throws an engagement party for Lee and M

S3·E9 Core

Mad City: The Executioner

Nov 14, 2016 · 43 min

Gordon and Bullock sift through evidence from the murder at Lee and Mario's engagement party; Ivy discloses her identity to Selina and Bruce.

S3·E10 Core

Mad City: Time Bomb

Nov 21, 2016 · 44 min

On the eve of their rehearsal dinner, a threat to Mario and Lee is exposed, and Falcone looks to Jim for help. Meanwhile, Nygma seeks revenge and Bruce learns more about The Court

S3·E11 Core

Mad City: Beware the Green-Eyed Monster

Nov 28, 2016 · 44 min

As the virus begins to spread in Gotham, the laboratory that is developing a cure is compromised. Mario and Gordon face off before the wedding, Selina meets an unexpected face and

S3·E12 Core

Mad City: Ghosts

Jan 16, 2017 · 42 min

Falcone places a hit on Gordon after learning that he shot Mario. Gordon and Bullock discover a follower of Jerome, who plans to bring him back to life. Meanwhile, Penguin spirals

S3·E13 Core

Mad City: Smile Like You Mean It

Jan 23, 2017 · 42 min

On the run from Gordon and Bullock, Dwight tries to revive Jerome, in turn, activates his acolytes around Gotham City. Meanwhile, Selina's mom's intentions in Gotham are revealed,

S3·E14 Core

Mad City: The Gentle Art of Making Enemies

Jan 30, 2017 · 44 min

With Jerome on the loose with one target in mind, Bruce and Alfred's safety is compromised. Meanwhile, Gordon's uncle Frank pays him a visit, and Nygma and Penguin are forced to co

S3·E15 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: How the Riddler Got His Name

Apr 24, 2017 · 43 min

Nygma convinces himself that he doesn't need Penguin to succeed and begins to introduce himself to Gotham as "The Riddler." Bullock and Lucius Fox get caught up in Nygma's mind gam

S3·E16 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: These Delicate and Dark Obsessions

May 1, 2017 · 43 min

The Court of Owls devises a new plan regarding the future of Gotham, as Gordon uncovers information about his father and uncle's past, connecting him back to the organization. Mean

S3·E17 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: The Primal Riddle

May 8, 2017 · 43 min

Some of Gotham's most unhinged villains band together, while The Riddler continues his conquest of the city. Gordon is on a search for answers and all roads keep leading him back t

S3·E18 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: Light the Wick

May 15, 2017 · 44 min

Gordon tracks down the weapon the Court of Owls intend to use for the destruction of Gotham; Kathryn and Temple Shaman tell Bruce about their next move; Ivy offers Selina help.

S3·E19 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: All Will Be Judged

May 22, 2017 · 44 min

Temple Shaman takes Bruce to the next phase of his training; Gordon and Bullock discover a crystal owl that carries the biggest secrets of Gotham's underworld; Nygma and Penguin mu

S3·E20 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: Pretty Hate Machine

May 29, 2017 · 44 min

Gordon races against the clock to save the city from the Alice Tetch Virus, when Lee Thompkins intercepts with a plan of her own. Also, Alfred sees a big change in Bruce Wayne afte

S3·E21 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: Destiny Calling

Jun 5, 2017 · 43 min

With the deadly virus spreading throughout the city, the search for the antidote continues, as Fish Mooney, The Riddler and Penguin reveal plans of their own. Bruce meets Ra's al G

S3·E22 Mytharc

Heroes Rise: Heavydirtysoul

Jun 5, 2017 · 43 min

With the deadly virus spreading throughout the city, the search for the antidote continues, as Fish Mooney, The Riddler and Penguin reveal plans of their own. Bruce meets Ra's al G

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