This HBO Crime Comedy With 'Stranger Things' Star Is the Most Addictive New Show of the Season

HBO has launched DTF St. Louis, a dark comedy miniseries with a detective plot starring Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini.

While it may initially appear to be just another story about a love triangle and murder in a quiet suburb, creator Steven Conrad, known for his screenplays for The Pursuit of Happyness and Patriot, breaks all genre tropes from the very first episode.

What Is 'DTF St. Louis' About?

Clark is a weather anchor for the main news channel in St. Louis. During a severe storm, he meets Floyd, a sign language interpreter. The two men quickly became close friends – they go to the gym together, and Clark begins learning sign language.

They both have families, but while Clark is wealthy and seemingly happily married, Floyd is mired in debt and struggling to connect with his wife's son. Clark tells a friend about the dating app DTF St. Louis.

Floyd signs up and goes on a date, while Clark begins an affair with Floyd's wife, Carol. Three months later, Floyd is found poisoned in a public pool.

In Every Episode, 'DTF St. Louis' Masterfully Subverts Viewers' Expectations

The murder occurs at the end of the first episode – where's the intrigue in that? However, Conrad structures the narrative so that each subsequent episode challenges our perceptions of the characters.

The first episode tells the story of Clark and Floyd's friendship – by the end, the weatherman emerges as the villain. The second episode is about Clark and Carol's romance, shown from an unexpected angle. The third episode offers a fresh perspective on friendship.

Additionally, the genres shift from crime melodrama to thriller to black comedy and Steven Conrad manages to satirize all the clichés at once.

The DTF St. Louis app misleads viewers, and seemingly perfect suburbanites turn out to be people in the midst of deep midlife crises.

'DTF St. Louis' Has a Brilliant Cast and Great Chemistry Between the Characters

Jason Bateman plays Clark, a man who seems like the perfect husband and friend. However, with each episode, more and more questions are raised about him.

David Harbour portrays Floyd, an endearing yet insecure man who wants to lose weight, get out of debt, and find happiness. He evokes genuine sympathy, even when his actions become questionable.

Linda Cardellini plays Carol, a woman torn between boredom, passion, and guilt. The love triangle between them works perfectly. The storyline of the investigators – an elderly cynic and a young idealist – adds irony and unexpected twists to the series.

If you're looking for something fresh, witty, and unpredictable, DTF St. Louis is definitely for you.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'DTF St. Louis'?

• DTF St. Louis has 88% from critics and 77% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.9/10.

Where to Watch 'DTF St. Louis'?

DTF St. Louis is available to stream on HBO Max.