Jimmy Olsen's "DC Crime" Series: Everything We Know About the Wild New DCU Spinoff

Get ready for a deep dive into the seedy underbelly of the DC Universe, but maybe not in the way you'd expect. Everyone's favorite intrepid Daily Planet photographer, Jimmy Olsen, is getting his own true-crime mockumentary series on HBO Max, and it's kicking off with none other than the super-intelligent ape, Gorilla Grodd.

TL;DR

• Skyler Gisondo's fan-favorite Jimmy Olsen from the Superman movie will host and star in a new HBO Max series called DC Crime.
• The show is a fictional true-crime docuseries created by Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, known for the critically acclaimed mockumentary American Vandal.
• Season one will spotlight the iconic Flash villain, Gorilla Grodd, leading to major fan speculation about a potential Flash appearance in the DCU.

From Superman's Pal to True-Crime Host: Jimmy Olsen Gets His Own Show

Remember that fresh, exciting energy Skyler Gisondo brought to Jimmy Olsen in 2025's Superman? That earnest photographer who got caught up in more than he bargained for? Well, if you were hoping to see more of him (without necessarily needing Clark Kent or Lois Lane by his side), you're in luck. DC Studios is moving forward with a brand-new spin-off series for HBO Max, currently titled Dc Crime, placing Jimmy Olsen firmly in the investigative spotlight.

This isn't your typical superhero show. Instead, DC Crime is being billed as a fictional true-crime docuseries, hosted by Jimmy Olsen himself. The concept centers on Olsen and other Daily Planet reporters (sans Clark and Lois, at least for major roles) digging into cases that involve super-powered villains. It’s a clever way to explore the DC Universe from a street-level, journalistic perspective, giving fans a fresh angle on the world James Gunn and Peter Safran are building.

The Unexpected Creative Minds Behind This Unique DCU Entry

The choice of creative talent for DC Crime hints strongly at the unique tone we can expect. Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, the duo who brought us the award-winning Netflix mockumentary American Vandal, are set to write, executive produce, and showrun the series. This immediately tells us that the show will likely lean into satire, blending genuine mystery with the comedic beats their previous work is celebrated for.

American Vandal, for those unfamiliar, brilliantly parodied the true-crime genre, investigating seemingly trivial high school offenses with the utmost seriousness. The show earned a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination for its sharp writing and satirical prowess. Perrault and Yacenda also created Players, an esports mockumentary for Paramount+. Their involvement suggests DC Crime will be less about spandex-clad battles and more about uncovering the bizarre, often hilarious, truth behind super-villainy through the lens of dedicated (and perhaps slightly overwhelmed) journalists.

Gorilla Grodd Takes Center Stage as the First Season's Antagonist

For its inaugural season, DC Crime is throwing Jimmy Olsen right into the jungle, metaphorically speaking. The main antagonist will be none other than Gorilla Grodd, one of the DC Universe's most iconic and formidable villains. Grodd is a super-intelligent evil ape who hails from Gorilla City, a hidden African metropolis. He possesses incredible psychic powers, including telepathy and telekinesis, alongside superhuman strength and speed.

Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, Grodd made his first appearance in The Flash #106 way back in 1959. While primarily an arch-nemesis for the Scarlet Speedster, Grodd has crossed paths with many heroes, including Superman and Batman. He's a fan-favorite, having appeared in numerous animated series like Justice League Unlimited and Harley Quinn, as well as live-action in The CW's Arrowverse shows, particularly The Flash and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. He even ranked 35th on IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of all time. His inclusion promises a villain that is both intellectually challenging and physically imposing, perfectly suited for a "true crime" exposé.

Will This Be The Flash's Sneaky Debut in the New DCU?

Grodd's inclusion has set the internet ablaze with speculation: could this be where we get our first glimpse of The Flash in the new DCU? Given Grodd's deep comic book ties to Barry Allen, many fans believe it would be a missed opportunity not to have the Scarlet Speedster make some form of appearance, even if it's just a fleeting "red streak with lightning," as one enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter) suggested. Source: [Yahoo Entertainment, "Fans say the Flash could make a ‘little cameo’ in upcoming Jimmy Olsen series", November 10, 2025].

Some even picture a "flashback or little cameo with Grodd" to set up future stories. This kind of early-stage world-building fits with James Gunn's stated approach of presenting a pre-established DC Universe where heroes already exist and operate, rather than rehashing origin stories. A brief appearance in a spin-off could tease The Flash without pulling focus from Jimmy Olsen's narrative.

"Imagine this is where we get our first look at the other heroes in the DCU (ie: A red streak with lightning for The Flash etc.)."

— A DC enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter)

However, not everyone is thrilled about the idea. Another X user sarcastically remarked, "It would be the stupidest idea ever to introduce the DCU Flash in a Jimmy Olsen show lmao." While the excitement for The Flash is palpable, DC Studios has not confirmed any appearance by the speedster in DC Crime. It remains a tantalizing "what if" for now.

Considering the Challenges and Unique Opportunities of a Jimmy Olsen-Led Series

A show led by Jimmy Olsen, a character traditionally seen as Superman's sidekick, without the direct involvement of Clark Kent or Lois Lane, presents a unique challenge. Some fans might wonder if the premise can truly stand on its own without the gravitational pull of its main hero.

Here's the tradeoff: by focusing on Jimmy and his Daily Planet colleagues, the series can carve out its own niche within the sprawling DCU. It offers a fresh, ground-level perspective often missing from superhero narratives. The unique mockumentary format, spearheaded by the proven talents of Perrault and Yacenda, is precisely what makes this "gamble" worth taking. It allows for a more comedic, character-driven exploration of the DC world, rather than simply another hero fighting a villain. It's a risk, but one that could pay off big in terms of originality and tone, much like Peacemaker did for its corner of the DC universe. Source: [IGN, "DC Crime TV Series in Development Starring Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd as Villain", November 10, 2025].

A Glimpse into the Broader DCU Strategy and Future Offerings

DC Crime is just one piece of the ambitious, interconnected film and TV universe James Gunn and Peter Safran are building. They are focusing on a cohesive narrative across all mediums, with TV series playing a crucial role in expanding the world. While DC Crime offers a street-level view, other announced projects aim for grander scales.

For example, HBO is also developing Lanterns, a drama series expected to premiere in early 2026, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Source: [Variety, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd", November 10, 2025]. Variety also reported that a V for Vendetta TV series is in the works. These varied projects demonstrate DC Studios' commitment to diverse storytelling and genre exploration within their overarching universe.

Example: The Fan Reaction in the Wild

Imagine Sarah, a long-time DC Comics fan, scrolling through her feed when she sees the news about DC Crime. Her first thought is, "Jimmy Olsen? Really?" But then she sees "American Vandal creators" and her eyes light up. She immediately texts her friend Mark, "Dude, you know how much we loved American Vandal? They're doing a DC show about Jimmy Olsen! And Grodd's the villain, so the Flash has to show up, even for a second, right?" Mark, skeptical at first, quickly gets onboard, realizing the comedic potential and unique take on the DC universe this show could offer. It's the kind of unexpected news that gets fans talking, debating, and ultimately, excited.

Practical Takeaways for Eager DCU Fans

• Embrace the Unexpected: This isn't a traditional superhero show. Get ready for a mockumentary style that blends humor and true-crime tropes with DC villains.
• Meet the New Jimmy: Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen promises a charismatic, investigative lead, offering a fresh perspective on the DC Universe.
• Get to Know Grodd: The first season's focus on Gorilla Grodd means a deep dive into one of The Flash's most formidable and fascinating foes.
• Keep an Eye Out for Speedsters: While unconfirmed, the strong connection between Grodd and The Flash makes a cameo appearance by the Scarlet Speedster a distinct possibility, generating significant buzz.
• No Release Date Yet: While officially greenlit, DC Crime does not yet have an official release date, so keep an eye on HBO Max and DC Studios announcements.

Sources

• Yahoo Entertainment, "Fans say the Flash could make a ‘little cameo’ in upcoming Jimmy Olsen series", November 10, 2025.
• IGN, "DC Crime TV Series in Development Starring Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd as Villain", November 10, 2025.
• Variety, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd", November 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", November 10, 2025.
• Deadline, "Superman Spinoff Series, DC Crime, In The Works At DC Studios & HBO Max; ‘American Vandal’ Duo To Showrun", November 10, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "The Jimmy Olsen Show's First Season Will Focus on Gorilla Grodd", November 10, 2025.
• Polygon, "DC’s Jimmy Olsen Spinoff Is Officially Happening", November 10, 2025.

FAQ When will the DC Crime series be released? An official release date for DC Crime has not yet been announced by DC Studios or HBO Max. Where can I watch DC Crime? The series is being developed for HBO Max, which will be its streaming home. What kind of show will DC Crime be? It's described as a fictional true-crime docuseries with a satirical, mockumentary tone, hosted by Jimmy Olsen and focusing on journalistic investigations into super-powered villains. Will The Flash appear in DC Crime? While the first season's villain, Gorilla Grodd, is a primary antagonist for The Flash, DC Studios has not confirmed any appearance by The Flash in DC Crime. It remains fan speculation at this time.