Jimmy Olsen's DCU True-Crime Show: What to Expect from the American Vandal Creators

Ever wondered what happens when the Daily Planet's intrepid photographer ditches Superman for a camera crew and a cold case? Get ready for a surprisingly grounded, hilariously self-aware journey into the DC Universe's darker corners, spearheaded by the masterminds behind Netflix's award-winning mockumentary, American Vandal.

TL;DR: The Essentials

• Skyler Gisondo (from the upcoming Superman film) reprises his role as Jimmy Olsen, leading a fictional true-crime docuseries for the DCU on HBO Max.
• The show is helmed by Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the creators of the critically acclaimed satirical true-crime series American Vandal.
• Season 1 will put the spotlight on Gorilla Grodd, an intelligent, telepathic Flash villain, with Clark Kent and Lois Lane notably absent from the Daily Planet crew.

Bringing Fictional True Crime to the DC Universe: A Unique Approach to Villains

Imagine tuning into your favorite true-crime podcast, the narrator's voice hushed and serious, as they delve into a baffling cold case. Now, picture that case involving a super-intelligent gorilla orchestrating a crime spree, or a villain using mind-control hats to commit bizarre thefts. That's the intriguing premise of the upcoming Jimmy Olsen series for the DC Universe, landing on HBO Max.

While early reports widely circulated the title DC Crime for this project, DC Studios co-chief James Gunn later clarified that no show with that specific title has ever been in development. Instead, what we do have confirmed is a unique Jimmy Olsen-led series. Skyler Gisondo, who stars as the Daily Planet photographer in James Gunn's upcoming Superman movie, will anchor this fictional true-crime docuseries. It's a bold departure for the DCU, aiming to blend the gritty, investigative style of true crime with the fantastical world of superheroes.

The Masterminds Behind the Mockumentary Magic: Why the Creators Matter

The real buzz around this project comes from its creative team: Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault. This dynamic duo famously created American Vandal, a Netflix series that masterfully parodied the true-crime genre while delivering genuinely compelling narratives. Think meticulous investigations into who drew offensive images on cars or who caused a "brownout" at a high school cafeteria. Their work earned a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination, proving their unique ability to infuse depth and insight into seemingly absurd premises. 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]

Yacenda and Perrault's involvement signals a fresh, likely satirical, tone for the Jimmy Olsen series. It won't be a straightforward superhero drama; instead, expect a mockumentary style that uses the familiar tropes of true-crime shows to explore the DCU's eccentricities. This approach allows for a "ground-level" perspective, focusing on the human (or super-human) elements of crime rather than epic, world-ending battles. Given their past work on American Vandal and Paramount+'s eSports mockumentary Players, they're perfectly poised to dissect the bizarre with a straight face and a sharp wit.

A Creative Vision from the Source

"Perrault and Yacenda running the show tips off the tone of the series. The comedy writing duo got a big break with American Vandal, which parodied true-crime series but with a story about an investigation into who and why someone vandalized a school parking lot with phallic images. The show earned a Peabody Award as well as an Emmy nomination."

— The Hollywood Reporter, November 10, 2025

The Daily Planet's Investigative Unit Takes Center Stage

While Jimmy Olsen will lead the charge, he won't be alone. The series is expected to feature other Daily Planet reporters joining his investigative efforts. Key cast members reported to appear include Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, and Christopher McDonald as Ron Troupe. This expanded newsroom presence promises a dynamic ensemble, bringing different journalistic perspectives to each "case." Source: [Nexus Point News via ComicBook.com, 'The Jimmy Olsen 'Superman' Spin-Off Could Be Great If It's Like 'American Vandal'', November 14, 2025]

However, two very notable Daily Planet mainstays will be absent: David Corenswet's Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. This makes sense for a few reasons. Both are high-profile actors, and their characters are likely tied up in the larger narrative of the upcoming Superman movie and its potential sequel, Man of Tomorrow. Their absence allows Jimmy and the rest of the Daily Planet crew to shine independently, tackling crimes that don't necessarily require Superman's direct intervention. It also ensures the "stakes" remain focused on the investigative journalism, rather than escalating into a full-blown superhero brawl.

Season One's Primate Problem: Unpacking Gorilla Grodd's Role

For its inaugural season, the Jimmy Olsen series is diving straight into one of DC's most iconic, and frankly, wildest villains: Gorilla Grodd. This super-intelligent evil ape, who rules a secret African city called Gorilla City, is best known as a primary antagonist for The Flash. His origin involves exposure to radiation from a crashed alien spaceship, granting him genius-level intellect, psychic powers like telepathy and telekinesis, and enhanced physical abilities. 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]

It's a curious choice to introduce a major Flash villain before The Flash himself has even made his official DCU debut. This "villain before hero" strategy could be a deliberate way to flesh out the DCU's criminal underworld from a different angle. Grodd's presence in Metropolis, running some kind of crime ring, will undoubtedly provide Jimmy Olsen with a truly bizarre and compelling subject for his docuseries. Imagine the interviews with confused citizens, the "expert" commentary, and the sheer challenge of investigating a telepathic primate!

Beyond the Ape: Exploring a Rogues' Gallery of Investigative Subjects

With Gorilla Grodd setting a high bar for outlandish investigations, the series opens the door to a host of other fascinating villains who might typically fall under the radar of primary heroes. The beauty of the true-crime mockumentary format is its ability to focus on the "why" and "how" of a crime, not just the "who."

For example, exploring someone like Solomon Grundy could shift the series into a horror-centric storyline, with Olsen delving into rumors of a swamp monster. Or consider Killer Croc, where the docuseries might explore the tragic side of a villain, much like some Batman storylines have done, showing a Waylan Jones who longs for help. These types of characters allow for deeper dives into their motivations and conditions, rather than just their destructive capabilities.

Lesser-known villains, or those who pose a unique, non-planet-ending threat, would be ideal fits. Toyman, for instance, has been floated as a perfect candidate. He was even hinted at in a Peacemaker Easter egg. As a villain who often targets children and operates without overwhelming superpowers, he presents a tangible threat that Jimmy Olsen could credibly investigate without needing Superman's direct assistance. This focus on "smaller" stakes (relative to a Justice League conflict) aligns perfectly with the grounded, human-interest approach of a mockumentary.

Example: The Case of the Missing Hats

Picture this: Jimmy Olsen, camera crew in tow, reports from a bustling Metropolis shopping district. Witnesses describe peculiar incidents where shoppers inexplicably walked away without paying for their purchases, only to return hours later, bewildered and claiming amnesia. Our intrepid reporter, armed with grainy security footage and bewildered interviews, slowly uncovers a pattern pointing to a mysterious figure known as the Mad Hatter. The show could then explore the psychological manipulation at play, the victims' stories, and Jimmy's own attempts to understand a villain whose primary weapon isn't brute force, but mind games.

Navigating the Nuances: Counterpoints and Considerations

One might wonder how a comedic mockumentary style, even one as clever as American Vandal, can truly fit into the overarching serious tone of a superhero universe. The strength here lies in its independent nature. By largely omitting Superman and Lois Lane, the show carves out its own distinct corner of the DCU. It's not trying to be a world-saving epic; it's an exploration of the impact of super-crime on ordinary people (and a very extraordinary gorilla).

Another point of contention could be the potential for some villains to be too dark for a satirical approach, such as Doctor Light's infamous turn in the Identity Crisis storyline. While American Vandal tackled serious themes with humor, there's a line. The showrunners will need to carefully balance the comedic mockumentary format with the inherent darkness of some DC villains, deciding if they want to "keep things light" or embrace the grittier elements through a unique lens. This tension between lighthearted satire and genuine criminal inquiry could be a significant strength, rather than a weakness, offering layers of storytelling rarely seen in superhero adaptations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Jimmy Olsen Series What is the official title of the Jimmy Olsen series? While widely reported as DC Crime, James Gunn has clarified that no show with that specific title is in development. It's currently referred to as the Jimmy Olsen series or the true-crime docuseries starring Jimmy Olsen. Who is playing Jimmy Olsen? Skyler Gisondo, who will debut as Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn's upcoming Superman movie, will reprise his role as the host. Where can I watch this series? The series is slated to stream on HBO Max (likely referred to simply as Max by the time it releases). Which villains will appear in Season 1? Gorilla Grodd, a major Flash antagonist, has been announced as the primary villain for the first season. Sources

• ComicBook.com, "James Gunn Says There’s Never Been A Show Titled DC Crime In Development; Confirms Jimmy Olsen Show", November 15, 2025.
• Variety, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd", Joe Otterson, 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", Borys Kit, November 10, 2025.
• Deadline, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd", Anthony D'Alessandro, November 10, 2025.
• TechRadar, "James Gunn’s Superman movie is reportedly getting a spin-off show", Tom Power, November 10, 2025.
• Cracked, "The Jimmy Olsen ‘Superman’ Spin-Off Could Be Great If It’s Like ‘American Vandal’", November 12, 2025.
• ComicBook.com, "New Jimmy Olsen Series Won't Feature Superman or Lois Lane", Anthony Singletary, November 14, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Why The Superman Spinoff DC Crime Will Be Worth Watching For True Crime Fans", November 15, 2025.

Practical Takeaways for DCU Fans

• Prepare for a Different DCU Experience: This isn't your typical superhero punch-fest. Expect sharp wit, deep dives into peculiar crimes, and a focus on investigative journalism.
• Embrace the Mockumentary Style: The showrunners' American Vandal background means a satirical, yet compelling, take on true crime, applied to the superhero world.
• Get to Know Lesser-Seen Villains: With Superman out of the immediate picture, the series can highlight unique antagonists like Gorilla Grodd and other rogues who offer intriguing criminal profiles.
• It's a Glimpse into the DCU's Breadth: This series expands the DCU beyond just heroics, showing how the presence of metahumans and super-villains impacts the everyday, crime-ridden fabric of its world.