David Harbour and Jason Bateman’s New HBO Series Soars on Rotten Tomatoes as Critics Rave

HBO has a new comedy-thriller with David Harbour and Jason Bateman, and it’s already stirring up conversation. The title, DTF St. Louis, sounds like a prank text thread, but the early response is real: critics are weighing in, and the scorecards look solid.

The early read: strong start, chatty debates

As it premieres, DTF St. Louis is sitting at an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes from 20 critic reviews. Expect that number to wiggle as more takes arrive, but the vibe right now leans positive with a few pointed caveats.

"The murder is, at best, a distraction from what makes DTF unique; at worst, it’s a crutch supporting three characters whose creator failed to build them a less conventional plot."

— Judy Berman

That push-pull shows up across the board: some want it weirder, some are fully in on its character-first approach, and several critics are clocking how the show treats violence and suburban calm with a dry little wink.

What the show is

This one follows three middle-aged adults tangled in a love triangle that slides straight into a death. It’s a comedy, but the edges cut. HBO premiered the series on March 1, 2026, and it carries a TV-MA rating.

How the critics are splitting

• James Poniewozik wanted the series to lean harder into the strange and felt its format keeps it in tighter lines than it needs.
• Tim Lowery praised how assured the show feels, saying the unexpected character detours play like the core of the series rather than bolt-on quirks.
• Ross McIndoe highlighted a quiet, creeping charm that sneaks up on you.
• Brian Tallerico called it too character-driven to read as straight satire, noting how it knowingly frames bursts of violence against places built on the illusion of safety.
• Ben Travers handed it an A-, calling it an ideal blend of character drama and murder-mystery.
• Nick Schager found it routinely funny and engaging, and surprisingly affecting.
• Craig Mathieson gave it 4.5 out of 5 and framed it as a 'sad comedy' or a 'funny tragedy'—either way, it lingered.

"It’s an ideal blend of character drama and murder-mystery."

— Ben Travers (A-)

Bottom line

DTF St. Louis looks like a carefully aimed character piece wearing a crime-plot jacket. The performances and personality are doing the heavy lifting, which is why the score is healthy and the conversation is lively. If you want fireworks and formula, you may end up side-eyeing the structure; if you like character mess with a body on the floor, this seems right in your lane.