This 10/10 4-Part DCU Series Is a Necessary Binge Watch Before ‘Supergirl’ This Summer

So far, it appears that James Gunn has learned much from the MCU. He’s largely steered clear of the mistakes that have plagued that franchise for his own DCU, primarily when it comes to television. There hasn’t been an oversaturation of content, as there was in 2022 when there were three MCU films and three MCU Disney+ series. And the series that have come out – Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, and, presumably, the upcoming Lanterns – are supplementary pieces, not mandatory shows to watch in order to understand what’s happening on the film side. But if there is a must-watch, it’s the 4-part Krypto Saves the Day!, a series of four shorts featuring the breakout character of 2025’s Superman.

Krypto is Chaos Unleashed in ‘Krypto Saves the Day!’

Krypto Saves the Day! gives the Kryptonian canine the animated treatment, in the spirit of Looney Tunes. But unlike previous animated iterations of the character, most notably in the 2005–2006 series Krypto the Superdog and 2022’s DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto doesn’t speak (for the record, Sam Vincent provides the voice in the former; Dwayne Johnson in the latter). He is literally the same as he is in the movie: mischievous, curious, troublesome, and undeniably sweet, with the same tics (not ticks), like the single ear sticking up.

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As such, the chaos he unleashes in the 5+ minute shorts is entirely plausible, albeit amplified. In “School Bus Shuffle,” Krypto is determined to catch a pigeon that’s been taunting him, with his attempts causing a comedic series of events (slicing the iconic globe above the Daily Planet building in half, for one) that have a poor school bus driver on the precipice of a drawbridge, his bus full of kids moments away from falling into the water below. In “Halloween Havoc,” his attempts to catch a black cat result in a number of kids losing their candy. And in “Package Pandemonium,” he chases down a mail carrier who has a package with a T-bone steak in it (the benefits of X-ray vision), destroying a snowman, knocking down the large Metropolis Christmas tree, and shattering the community skating rink.

But as we know, Krypto has a big heart, and after seeing the trouble he’s caused, he rights the wrongs. He stops the bus from falling and brings it safely to the school in “School Bus Shuffle.” He catches sight of a truck with a trailer full of candy, so Krypto takes the trailer and empties it out, scattering candy all over to the great delight of the children (and to the chagrin of Clark Kent, a hefty invoice), in “Halloween Havoc.” As for “Package Pandemonium,” he melts the shattered ice and refreezes it, stands the tree back up, and builds an even larger snowman, turning frowns upside down before turning his attention to Santa’s sleigh. The fourth short, titled “Coastal Catastrophe,” is out now, and promises a nautical misadventure of sorts along the same line.

Why ‘Krypto Saves the Day!’ Is Essential Viewing Before ‘Supergirl’

Like the other television series in the DCU, Krypto Saves the Day! isn’t required viewing, and, as Gunn himself confirmed, it isn’t canon. But it doesn’t make it any less of an essential watch. The seamless connection between the Krypto of film and cartoon allows fans to continue to be endeared by the chaotic innocence of the lovable super-pooch, the very same things that made him so popular in the first place. It also keeps the character in the public eye, creating anticipation for Supergirl among younger fans (and adults who appreciate the madcap antics).

Why is that important? Because of what we know is going to happen to Krypto in the film. Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, poisons Krypto, and Kara’s (Milly Alcock) hell-bent pursuit of an antidote is a major plot point. If we don’t care about Krypto, then we don’t really understand Kara’s frantic drive to find the antidote before it’s too late. But if Krypto continues to capture fan’s hearts with projects like Krypto Saves the Day!, not only do we understand why Kara is on her quest, but we have a personal stake in it ourselves. The deeper he digs in, the more we’re invested in the character’s well-being, and, therefore, more invested in the film itself. Krypto Saves the Day! may not be canon, but it’s a brilliant strategy that may just pay off in spades.

Supergirl

Release Date

June 26, 2026

Writers

Ana Nogueira, Otto Binder, Tom King, Al Plastino, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Bilquis Evely