Jimmy Olsen is Your Host for "DC Crime": A New Series Unravels Super-Villain Cases

Forget everything you thought you knew about superhero spin-offs. Skyler Gisondo's fan-favorite Jimmy Olsen is stepping into the spotlight, hosting a fictional true-crime docuseries for HBO Max, and it sounds wildly inventive.

TL;DR: The Scoop on "DC Crime"

• Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, hosting "DC Crime," a new fictional true-crime docuseries on HBO Max.
• The series hails from Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the creative minds behind the acclaimed mockumentary "American Vandal," hinting at a unique satirical tone.
• The first season is set to dive deep into the origins and exploits of the notorious Flash adversary, Gorilla Grodd, with Clark Kent and Lois Lane not expected to be core cast members.

Imagine settling in for a late-night true-crime binge, popcorn at the ready, only for the narrator to reveal the perp isn't some forgotten mobster, but a telepathic gorilla named Grodd. That's essentially the premise of the newly announced HBO Max series, "Dc Crime," which promises to flip the script on superhero storytelling by framing iconic villainous exploits as real-world investigative journalism, all through the eyes of Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen.

This isn’t your average Daily Planet exposé. Described as a "fictional true crime series set in the DC Universe," the show will be presented as a docuseries hosted by none other than Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen. Fans will remember Gisondo's charming, breakout performance as the intrepid photographer in James Gunn's summer film, "Superman," making him a natural choice to lead this quirky new venture.

The concept centers on Olsen and other Daily Planet reporters — notably, without Lois Lane and Clark Kent — tackling cases involving super-powered villains. This setup opens the door for other beloved newsroom characters like Wendell Pierce's Perry White, Beck Bennett's Steve Lombard, and Mikaela Hoover's Cat Grant to potentially play significant roles, stepping out of the shadow of the Man of Steel.

The Masterminds Behind This Mockumentary Marvel are Ready

The creative team behind "DC Crime" offers a huge clue about its likely tone. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, who will serve as writers, executive producers, and showrunners, are veterans of the mockumentary genre. They famously created Netflix’s "American Vandal," a critically acclaimed series that expertly spoofed true-crime documentaries. "American Vandal" even earned a Peabody Award for its first season and an Emmy nomination for best writing in a comedy series. They also brought us Paramount+’s eSports mockumentary "Players."

Their track record suggests that "DC Crime" won't just be an investigation; it’ll be a clever, comedic deconstruction of the true-crime format itself, applied to the often-absurd world of DC villains. This approach feels fresh and aligns perfectly with the current trend of genre-bending storytelling within the DCU.

Gorilla Grodd Will Be the Focus for the Series' Debut Season

For its inaugural season, "DC Crime" is setting its sights on a truly formidable and delightfully bizarre villain: Gorilla Grodd. Best known as a major antagonist to The Flash, Grodd is a super-intelligent evil ape who rules the secret African city of Gorilla City. He and his simian society gained psychic powers and other abilities after contact with an alien spaceship. The character first appeared in DC Comics way back in 1959.

Grodd’s combination of immense strength, telepathy, and brilliant scheming makes him a fascinating subject for a true-crime investigation. How did a hyper-intelligent ape come to power? What are the political intricacies of Gorilla City? These are the kinds of questions a show like "DC Crime" can explore with a unique blend of humor and genuine intrigue. Fans might also recall Grodd’s brief animated cameo in "Creature Commandos," tying him loosely into the broader DCU narrative even before this series.

"Then there's another TV show that's my favorite thing in all of this, that is hopefully getting made soon. It's just my favorite thing." — James Gunn to EW in June, regarding his "secret project" which is believed to be "DC Crime." (Source: Bleeding Cool, "DCU True-Crime Series in Development with Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd," Nov 10, 2025)

"We did not announce in that first meeting because I felt like it was too easy to rip off by another company." — James Gunn, further teasing the unique concept. (Source: Bleeding Cool, "DCU True-Crime Series in Development with Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd," Nov 10, 2025)

Navigating the DCU: Jimmy Olsen's Unique Investigative Approach

The decision to feature Jimmy Olsen as the host, while largely sidelining Superman and Lois Lane, is a bold one. Some might worry that a "Superman" spin-off without the main heroes could feel incomplete or lack the gravitas of a traditional superhero narrative. However, this approach actually liberates the series to delve into the richer, often overlooked corners of the DC Universe, granting other characters a chance to shine.

By focusing on Jimmy and the other Daily Planet reporters, "DC Crime" can offer a grounded, human-level perspective on the extraordinary events unfolding in the DCU. It's a throwback to the classic "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" comics, where the cub reporter frequently embarked on bizarre, solo adventures. This series can explore the human cost and societal impact of super-villainy, without the immediate intervention of an all-powerful hero.

For example: Imagine Jimmy Olsen chasing a lead on Grodd through the bustling streets of Metropolis, dodging mind-controlled pigeons, or deciphering cryptic messages left by Gorilla City defectors. It offers a fresh perspective, showing the DCU's underbelly and how regular (albeit super-connected) people perceive its larger-than-life threats. This allows for deep world-building without needing to always tie back to the caped crusaders.

What This Means for the Expanding DC Universe's Creative Direction

This new series is a clear signal of James Gunn and Peter Safran's vision for an interconnected, yet diverse, DC Universe. Alongside other upcoming projects like the HBO drama series "Lanterns" (expected early 2026, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart) and the "V for Vendetta" TV series, "DC Crime" showcases the breadth of storytelling the new DCU aims to encompass.

One might wonder if a mockumentary style will truly fit within a universe that also features more serious dramas. However, Gunn has consistently demonstrated a knack for balancing humor and heart in his past projects, from "Guardians of the Galaxy" to "Peacemaker." "DC Crime" provides crucial tonal variety, proving that the DCU can house a wide array of genres and still maintain a cohesive, interconnected narrative. It allows for experimentation and demonstrates confidence in the audience's ability to embrace different storytelling modes within a single universe.

Practical Takeaways for DC Fans

• Get ready for a genuinely fresh take on the DC Universe, blending true-crime parody with superhero lore, all hosted by Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen.
• The first season promises a deep dive into the formidable Gorilla Grodd, offering an antagonist both menacing and ripe for mockumentary treatment.
• Anticipate sharp humor, clever satire, and keen observational comedy, courtesy of "American Vandal" creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault.
• Expect other Daily Planet staff members like Perry White, Steve Lombard, and Cat Grant to potentially shine in roles typically overshadowed by Clark and Lois.
• Keep an eye on HBO Max for official premiere dates, as this series is a key part of James Gunn's larger, interconnected DCU vision.

FAQ: Your Questions About "DC Crime" Answered

When will "DC Crime" premiere? An official premiere date has not yet been announced, but the series is currently in development for HBO Max. Who is Gorilla Grodd? Gorilla Grodd is a super-intelligent, telepathic gorilla from the hidden Gorilla City, known primarily as a major antagonist of The Flash in DC Comics. He first appeared in 1959. Will Superman or Lois Lane appear in the series? The concept centers on Jimmy Olsen and other Daily Planet reporters, and Clark Kent (Superman) and Lois Lane are not expected to be regular cast members. What kind of show is "DC Crime"? It's described as a fictional true-crime docuseries set within the DC Universe, with a mockumentary style, hosted by Jimmy Olsen, investigating super-powered villains.

Sources

• Variety: "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd" by Joe Otterson, Nov 10, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter: "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd" by Borys Kit, Nov 10, 2025.
• Bleeding Cool: "DCU True-Crime Series in Development with Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd" by Ray Flook, Nov 10, 2025.